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So not Prince Charming #1
Taming Alaska
Shane O’Flannery is no Prince Charming.
He is uncouth, uncultured, untrainable.
Damn this man! How dare he humiliate the spoiled Texas heiress Cynthia Diaz by turning her down, even if she was underage at the time?
When Shane first meets Cyn, his attraction to this frustratingly hot, flirtatious spitfire almost gets him into trouble when he discovers she’s only sixteen. He cannot forget the temptingly sweet taste of this woman-child, so for two years he does his damnedest to avoid this young siren.
Even though Shane’s body was chiseled from granite and Cyn compares every man’s caress to Shane’s panty-melting kiss, she dreams of her true knight in shining armor. So shortly after meeting charismatic, well bred, and breathtakingly handsome Mr. Waits, the perfect man in every way, she marries him. She fully expects a fairytale honeymoon in Bora Bora, Fiji, or Maui. Much to her chagrin, he whisks her off to the Alaskan Interior. When her life is threatened, she must rely on the ill-mannered Shane to survive—a man who has never read the Prince Charming manual.
WARNING: Taming Alaska is a steamy thriller with a dash of satire and humor for 18 and older due to explicit sex. The story includes a strong alpha male and friends to lovers romance. Taming Alaska is part of a duology and segues into Seducing Texas. Two complete stories with an HEA.
He is uncouth, uncultured, untrainable.
Damn this man! How dare he humiliate the spoiled Texas heiress Cynthia Diaz by turning her down, even if she was underage at the time?
When Shane first meets Cyn, his attraction to this frustratingly hot, flirtatious spitfire almost gets him into trouble when he discovers she’s only sixteen. He cannot forget the temptingly sweet taste of this woman-child, so for two years he does his damnedest to avoid this young siren.
Even though Shane’s body was chiseled from granite and Cyn compares every man’s caress to Shane’s panty-melting kiss, she dreams of her true knight in shining armor. So shortly after meeting charismatic, well bred, and breathtakingly handsome Mr. Waits, the perfect man in every way, she marries him. She fully expects a fairytale honeymoon in Bora Bora, Fiji, or Maui. Much to her chagrin, he whisks her off to the Alaskan Interior. When her life is threatened, she must rely on the ill-mannered Shane to survive—a man who has never read the Prince Charming manual.
WARNING: Taming Alaska is a steamy thriller with a dash of satire and humor for 18 and older due to explicit sex. The story includes a strong alpha male and friends to lovers romance. Taming Alaska is part of a duology and segues into Seducing Texas. Two complete stories with an HEA.
220 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 10, 2016
I obviously read a different book than everyone else who has reviewed this one because my thoughts are polar opposites from what others have said. FYI: This is going to be one of those reviews that is blunt and to the point. It's meant to be constructive even though it may not come across as that at times. I'll be blunt ... I found Taming Alaska to be frustrating, irritating, infuriating, demeaning and all negative -ing adjectives that I just don't have time to list here.
I guess I'll start with the characters. Since this book starts off when Cynthia is a young teenager, I was hoping to see some growth from her but there wasn't one iota of the personal growth I had wished for. She started off as shallow and immature and ended as the same. She acted as a petulant child would throughout the entire novel. She whined and complained at every single turn. Cynthia was a materialistic, spoiled brat and absolutely my least favorite character I've EVER read. Now, I want to explain that least favorite comment ... some characters are meant to be hated and when you do, then it enhances the story but that was not the case with Cynthia. I didn't think that her juvenile behavior added even one smidgen of substance to the plot line. I would like to think that the author wanted us to like her. But that is most definitely NOT how it came across.
And Shane. The leading man that I'll be excited to forget. He had no depth to him. I actually found it a bit disgusting that he was lusting after a young teenage girl. Yes, it should have been something innocent in the story because I'm sure that it has happened in real life but the way that he was written made it come across as creepy and disgusting. Then again, the way that Cynthia was acting like a dog in heat at that young age towards Shane also turned my stomach. It painted a distorted portrait of what young love is. This wasn't sweet, it wasn't innocent and it most definitely wasn't something that will make the reader reminisce about their first love.
Every author writes sex scenes differently. That's a good thing! You should be able to enjoy these moments just like any other significant moment within a romance novel and it should bring an extra dimension to the story. Instead of enjoying them, I dreaded each and every time the characters got in the mood. The scenes were stiff (pun not intended) and uptight. The dirty talk should sound sexy and not juvenile or come off as it is trying too hard. Prime example: Hershey kiss nipple. Really? You've got to be fucking kidding me. In no way is that attractive. The sad part is that the edition of the book that I received did not state that it was an advanced copy, which means that damn phrase is in the final edition. Ugh. Speaking of the sex scenes, they played a much bigger part in the plot than they should have. Let's say you're running for your life in an extremely dangerous location for days ... would you really be thinking about having sex 24/7? I'd sure as hell hope not. It was totally unrealistic and it was a disservice to the plot. It added nothing to the storyline except creating explosive irritation on my part.
The story had 387 things going on. You've got being stranded in the wilderness, copious amounts of sad and strangely worded sex, rabid wolves, vindictive bears, gun toting scary dudes, vicious murders, a shoddy kidnapping, embezzling, theft of furniture, drug dealing and drug lords, gay men posing as straight men, shitty accounting and on and on and on. That is too many damn things going on. If it had been chiseled down to roughly 150 issues in the plot, it would have read easier. It was too difficult to keep up with every little thing that was going on and after a while, I just could care less.
And THEN the blurb for the book states that this is a standalone novel. Standalone means ... it stands alone. And if that were the case, it wouldn't end in a cliffhanger!! A cliffhanger signifies that there is more to come which means it is NOT a standalone. I also take offense to the blurb stating that is a friends to lovers novel. To be friends, the characters have to like each other and they sure as hell didn't read like they liked each other.
Needless to say, this will be the last book that I read by this author. The only reason that this book didn't get one star in my review is because I finished it. I kept hoping that it would redeem itself in the end but it didn't. At. All.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
March 28, 2016
** ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Taming Alaska by Diana Downey was a suspenseful romance. It started out with a bang and went from there. If you read too quickly, you miss something. That's how much there is going on in this book.
At the beginning of this book, Shane is a 20-something Alaskan native who has hit the big time making tons of money in the process. He seems to fall for all the wrong women...aka CRAZY! He wants to find a woman who will live on the Alaskan coast with him and be happy there. He believes Cyn is too high maintenance for that.
Cynthia (Cyn) is a 16 yr old who becomes infatuated with Shane. Her mother gives Shane the go-ahead to start dating Cyn, but Shane isn't comfortable with that so he leaves her. Cyn is close with her mother as well as her younger sister, but has a very strained relationship with her older step-sister. Cyn is a high maintenance girl but also loves to fish, which is something she does often with her dad.
Through years of pushing and pulling each other they finally come to understand each other better. Too bad neither of them will accept they are better off with one another than other people. With so much going on around them, they have a hard time trusting each other and it causes rifts.
Years later they meet up again and end up on the run in the Alaskan interior. With bears, wolves, and any other wildlife that likes to eat people. Plus crazy people chasing them. During this time they finally come to terms with the feelings they each have and want more from one another. Shane realizes that Cyn is stronger than she appears and Cyn realizes that Shane will do anything to keep her safe. Too bad more crazy things happen that causes them time apart.
The book ended on a cliffhanger and I ask Diana if she could please get book 2 out soon. I really want to know what happens.
4 star read with a whole lot of everything going on...so pay attention.
REVIEWED BY : JENNIFER A.
Taming Alaska by Diana Downey was a suspenseful romance. It started out with a bang and went from there. If you read too quickly, you miss something. That's how much there is going on in this book.
At the beginning of this book, Shane is a 20-something Alaskan native who has hit the big time making tons of money in the process. He seems to fall for all the wrong women...aka CRAZY! He wants to find a woman who will live on the Alaskan coast with him and be happy there. He believes Cyn is too high maintenance for that.
Cynthia (Cyn) is a 16 yr old who becomes infatuated with Shane. Her mother gives Shane the go-ahead to start dating Cyn, but Shane isn't comfortable with that so he leaves her. Cyn is close with her mother as well as her younger sister, but has a very strained relationship with her older step-sister. Cyn is a high maintenance girl but also loves to fish, which is something she does often with her dad.
Through years of pushing and pulling each other they finally come to understand each other better. Too bad neither of them will accept they are better off with one another than other people. With so much going on around them, they have a hard time trusting each other and it causes rifts.
Years later they meet up again and end up on the run in the Alaskan interior. With bears, wolves, and any other wildlife that likes to eat people. Plus crazy people chasing them. During this time they finally come to terms with the feelings they each have and want more from one another. Shane realizes that Cyn is stronger than she appears and Cyn realizes that Shane will do anything to keep her safe. Too bad more crazy things happen that causes them time apart.
The book ended on a cliffhanger and I ask Diana if she could please get book 2 out soon. I really want to know what happens.
4 star read with a whole lot of everything going on...so pay attention.
REVIEWED BY : JENNIFER A.
February 22, 2016
This book by Diana Downey is an excellent read. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story starts off with a young girl (16 years old) who was a virgin until she gave in to Trevor one night. Once it started it was over and he accused her of being hard to please. I love what she did to him. Then she dressed up and went off with her mother to an event and a dishevelled, sexy man named Shane sits at the table with them. He is taken with Cyn until he finds out she is only 16 years old. Cyn and her mother go out shopping and stop on a deserted part of the road to collect some flowers. Once they return to their vehicle, a truck pulls alongside them and pulls them out of the car. They kidnap them and Cyn's mother is on the brink of death. The men have disguises yet she is able to see certain features. Her mother convinces Cyn to escape to run for help. Shane comes once Cyn calls him and he locates her mother. I can't tell you what they discover, however when she is 18 years old, Shane comes back into her life yet he is involved with one of her friends and she is engaged to be married to Blake. Things take a turn when she marries and they go on their honeymoon to Alaska. Shane is also on his way to Alaska to kill a bear that killed his brother. Things will pick up once they land. They will be running for their lives, through the snow, away from those who kidnapped her and her mother. A great, awesome read.
March 28, 2016
Please be aware this review reflects my opinion as a reader and what I like from a story. This is in no way intended to bash the author or her credibility as an author and I would without a doubt give this author's books another try.
So, I'm having a tough time reviewing this book. I've read work from this author before and absolutely loved it. This time though, Taming Alaska just wasn't my kind of read. There was incredible potential and I was really excited for this (what seemed would be) an unlikely love story with some badass adventure and thrill/suspense.
The characters-- I felt that in the initial chapters, I was getting to know the characters. Cyn from money, socialite teen who got whatever she wanted with her pedigree bloodline and Shane a hard working self made millionaire who wasn't quite as refined as you would envision a millionaire-- a blue collar man. However, throughout the story I felt like these personalities became confusing. I didn't see the growth and development I would expect from a seasoned author. While Shane was a hard working man, he was made out to be almost neanderthal like. There is a difference in being someone who didn't grow up with the finer things in life and not always aware of which fork to use and being someone who comes across as if they group up raised by animals. Being a man of money- no matter how he got it, Shane would know more etiquette and would merely be a little rough around the edges. At times he came across barbaric. I would have liked to see more of how he worked hard for his money so that he could spend his resources to find closure for his brother's death. As for Cyn-- her only ambition throughout the story was to have an orgasm? While sex might have been on her shallow mind, I would think that there would be a better way to express her character's wants and needs-- especially that she came from a wealthy family. I would have liked to have seen the author delve into the idea that Cyn's mother was a blue-blood who married an immigrant gardener and therefore Cyn was always trying to prove she was worthy or maybe that she was always trying to compete with her older half-sister who was a true blue-blood. That to me would have made a fuller character development and added to the story.
The plot line -- so much potential with Shane and Cyn coming from different worlds but ultimately the same (needing to prove they were worthy). However, what I felt like I was reading was this jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces from different puzzles were thrown onto the table and I had to sort through them all so I could put the various puzzles together. Quite often the flow, for me, was disrupted while I tried to get back on track because so many things were happening at once. I felt as if parts of the story just popped out of nowhere while something else was happening. For me, this didn't add to the thrill or suspense of the story, rather it made some of the scenes seem implausible and impossible. And I have to say that while the chemistry between Shane and Cyn could've been amazing, it fizzled out for me because if you are running for your life I do not think that achieving orgasm would be at the forefront of your thoughts. While scaling an icy mountain and near hypothermic with murderers and wildlife trailing and stalking them, Shane and Cyn would not be thinking how they would like to get down and dirty with each other. While bleeding and injured and fending off wolves, Shane would not be thinking how nice Cyn's legs and ass are. At least I don't see it.
Diana Downey also states in her blurb (synopsis) "WARNING: Taming Alaska is a steamy thriller with a dash of satire and humor for 18 and older due to explicit sex. The story includes a strong alpha male and friends to lovers romance. Taming Alaska is part of a duology and segues into Seducing Texas. Two complete stories with an HEA." (this was copied from the synopsis)-- she says it is two complete stories with an HEA. I have to beg to differ because I felt that she left us on a pretty major cliffhanger. For the record, I am not opposed to cliffhangers at all. In fact, I loved that this was a cliffhanger because maybe the questions I have will be answered in book two but there are going to be readers who are furious over this. They will be thinking they are getting one thing but getting something different.
I will say, I liked the loyalty and caring side of Shane. I liked the suspense of the story if you could eliminate some of the trivial or "out of nowhere" (for lack of a better term) sub-plots. I enjoyed that the majority of the story took place in the remote areas of the Alaskan bush/mountains. This made the chase exciting and thrilling. And I absolutely want to read the second book to this duology Seducing Texas to see how things come together.
Unfortunately for me this book wasn't for me. D 2/5
So, I'm having a tough time reviewing this book. I've read work from this author before and absolutely loved it. This time though, Taming Alaska just wasn't my kind of read. There was incredible potential and I was really excited for this (what seemed would be) an unlikely love story with some badass adventure and thrill/suspense.
The characters-- I felt that in the initial chapters, I was getting to know the characters. Cyn from money, socialite teen who got whatever she wanted with her pedigree bloodline and Shane a hard working self made millionaire who wasn't quite as refined as you would envision a millionaire-- a blue collar man. However, throughout the story I felt like these personalities became confusing. I didn't see the growth and development I would expect from a seasoned author. While Shane was a hard working man, he was made out to be almost neanderthal like. There is a difference in being someone who didn't grow up with the finer things in life and not always aware of which fork to use and being someone who comes across as if they group up raised by animals. Being a man of money- no matter how he got it, Shane would know more etiquette and would merely be a little rough around the edges. At times he came across barbaric. I would have liked to see more of how he worked hard for his money so that he could spend his resources to find closure for his brother's death. As for Cyn-- her only ambition throughout the story was to have an orgasm? While sex might have been on her shallow mind, I would think that there would be a better way to express her character's wants and needs-- especially that she came from a wealthy family. I would have liked to have seen the author delve into the idea that Cyn's mother was a blue-blood who married an immigrant gardener and therefore Cyn was always trying to prove she was worthy or maybe that she was always trying to compete with her older half-sister who was a true blue-blood. That to me would have made a fuller character development and added to the story.
The plot line -- so much potential with Shane and Cyn coming from different worlds but ultimately the same (needing to prove they were worthy). However, what I felt like I was reading was this jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces from different puzzles were thrown onto the table and I had to sort through them all so I could put the various puzzles together. Quite often the flow, for me, was disrupted while I tried to get back on track because so many things were happening at once. I felt as if parts of the story just popped out of nowhere while something else was happening. For me, this didn't add to the thrill or suspense of the story, rather it made some of the scenes seem implausible and impossible. And I have to say that while the chemistry between Shane and Cyn could've been amazing, it fizzled out for me because if you are running for your life I do not think that achieving orgasm would be at the forefront of your thoughts. While scaling an icy mountain and near hypothermic with murderers and wildlife trailing and stalking them, Shane and Cyn would not be thinking how they would like to get down and dirty with each other. While bleeding and injured and fending off wolves, Shane would not be thinking how nice Cyn's legs and ass are. At least I don't see it.
Diana Downey also states in her blurb (synopsis) "WARNING: Taming Alaska is a steamy thriller with a dash of satire and humor for 18 and older due to explicit sex. The story includes a strong alpha male and friends to lovers romance. Taming Alaska is part of a duology and segues into Seducing Texas. Two complete stories with an HEA." (this was copied from the synopsis)-- she says it is two complete stories with an HEA. I have to beg to differ because I felt that she left us on a pretty major cliffhanger. For the record, I am not opposed to cliffhangers at all. In fact, I loved that this was a cliffhanger because maybe the questions I have will be answered in book two but there are going to be readers who are furious over this. They will be thinking they are getting one thing but getting something different.
I will say, I liked the loyalty and caring side of Shane. I liked the suspense of the story if you could eliminate some of the trivial or "out of nowhere" (for lack of a better term) sub-plots. I enjoyed that the majority of the story took place in the remote areas of the Alaskan bush/mountains. This made the chase exciting and thrilling. And I absolutely want to read the second book to this duology Seducing Texas to see how things come together.
Unfortunately for me this book wasn't for me. D 2/5
August 21, 2016
****ARC provided by Romance Beckons via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.****
There was a lot jammed-packed into this book. Cyn meets Trevor and ends up giving him her virginity. He ends up dumping her because he says she is too high maintenance and hard to please. This part of the story doesn't even make sense to me to be in the book because Trevor isn't the MC and he isn't in the rest of the book (unless he turns up in the next book). Then Cyn meets Shane and both are attracted to each other. When Shane finds out that Cyn is only 16 he rejects her. Something happens and Cyn needs Shane's help, but afterwards he manages to avoid her. As we fast forward in time we see that even though they are still attracted to each other they are always with the wrong people. I think this is what frustrated me with this book. Ideally I would've prefer that they both waited for the other to be ready (most especially that Shane wait for Cyn until she was of age). And then they meet and fall in love. When the story finally has them together they are trekking through the wilds of Alaska saving each other from animals (literally) and criminals. And of course it ends up in a cliffhanger.
There was A LOT going on in this book. Along with the main plot of the romance there were many little sub-plots. I think this just lost focus on the story and it seemed like the author didn't know what direction to go. It seemed like she had so many ideas and tried to pack it into this story and then realized that the story was getting too long and said it will be a duology and finish up in the 2nd book. I think if she removed some things from the story and condensed it the story would be better and fit into one book. She could've used her other ideas in other books she plans to write.
March 6, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Taming Alaska was amazing!! It was a thrilling page-turner with well-developed, witty characters. Cyn was one of the best female leads I've read. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, went after her dreams (even if they were bad for her), and held her own in the Alaskan wilderness. There were times where the situation was gravely serious and she would have these thoughts that made you wonder about her depth, but then you realized that if you were in her situation you'd probably want to check some things off your bucket list too. Shane was perfect. He kept Cyn safe in some pretty harsh conditions, he was able to make light of a bad situation, while also being serious when he needed to be.
Cyn and Shane together were everything. They just worked. But their story isn't finished yet. I can only assume there will be a sequel. And I. Cannot. Wait!
Taming Alaska was amazing!! It was a thrilling page-turner with well-developed, witty characters. Cyn was one of the best female leads I've read. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, went after her dreams (even if they were bad for her), and held her own in the Alaskan wilderness. There were times where the situation was gravely serious and she would have these thoughts that made you wonder about her depth, but then you realized that if you were in her situation you'd probably want to check some things off your bucket list too. Shane was perfect. He kept Cyn safe in some pretty harsh conditions, he was able to make light of a bad situation, while also being serious when he needed to be.
Cyn and Shane together were everything. They just worked. But their story isn't finished yet. I can only assume there will be a sequel. And I. Cannot. Wait!
April 2, 2016
Taming Alaska by Diana Downey is the first book in her new So Not Prince Charming duology. This book was a sweet romance mixed with murder/mystery with a comedy of errors thrown in for good measure and it worked perfectly. Cyn, AKA, Cynthia Diaz is smitten with Shane O'Flannery at first sight as is he. When he learns how young she is, however, all bets are off. His rejection, albeit warranted, still stings and Cyn now has it our for him, at least until he finally sees the error of his ways. Dire circumstances and tragedy bring them closer than they ever thought but it also forces them to keep their distance, mistakenly making assumptions and taking their lives in opposite directions.
Just when their lives have absolutely hit the point of no return and it looks like they will be forever separated from having a chance with each other, tragedy strikes once more, this time sending them off into the Alaskan wilderness in a battle for their lives. At times dark, often steamy, sweet and humorous too, this book was a pleasure to read and while the story of Cyn and Shane is not finished, the cliffhanger is not overly precarious. This basically means I only spent a short amount of time rocking myself in a corner chewing my nails and wondering "what's next?". Highly recommend this if you like steamy action mystery romance (yes that is a genre, yes I created it just now).
Just when their lives have absolutely hit the point of no return and it looks like they will be forever separated from having a chance with each other, tragedy strikes once more, this time sending them off into the Alaskan wilderness in a battle for their lives. At times dark, often steamy, sweet and humorous too, this book was a pleasure to read and while the story of Cyn and Shane is not finished, the cliffhanger is not overly precarious. This basically means I only spent a short amount of time rocking myself in a corner chewing my nails and wondering "what's next?". Highly recommend this if you like steamy action mystery romance (yes that is a genre, yes I created it just now).
May 6, 2016
Taming Alaska by Diana Downey was a first time read for me. I wasn't sure what to expect in this story as I jumped into reading it with no knowledge of what it would be about. Diana Downey did an excellent job creating and writing this novel. The story is about girl named Cyn who is still a virgin. Cyn meets a guy named Trevor and gives home one night of passion and love. Trevor accused Cyn of being hard to please, however what Trevor didn't know was that Cyn was 16 years old, and still a virgin. Cyn knew there had to be more to it than a quickie. Cyn did not ever see Trevor again. Then one evening she dresses up and goes with her mother to an event and is introduced to a sexy man named Shane who sits at the table with them. He is interested in Cyn until he finds out that she is only 16 years old. I don't want to give to much of the story away. But I can say this book had me on the edge of my seat page after page and could not put the book down. There was lots of passion, suspense, and action. This was my first book by the author but I'm completely in love now, this book was an amazing read.
May 19, 2016
Really glad Cyn had met Shane and had the with-it-ness to contact him when she was in trouble. He was a man to have on your side, that is for certain. Didn't hurt that he was hot, had tracking abilities, and was good at survival. Relieved when Shane didn't cross the line when Cyn was 16, but disappointed he didn't when she was 18. Maybe they both weren't ready for the fireworks that seemed to be apparent between them. Cyn certainly finds Mr. Wrong when she thinks he is Mr. Right. Again, Shane may not have been her idea of Prince Charming, but her mom seemed to know what she was talking about. The drama and thrill in this one had me on the edge of my seat while reading. I couldn't go to bed until I finished it the other night. The wilds of Alaska were exciting and dangerous. I know I couldn't have survived, even with a Shane of my own there to try to help me out.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
March 3, 2016
Shane just doesn't have game at times, but his woman has no problem pointing it out:
“I like your smile,” he says.
Oh my God, that’s lame. “That’s it?”
“You have a really nice a**, Princess, long legs that could wrap around my neck, and nice firm t**s. Is that what you want to hear?”
Shane he thinks of sex at the wrong time, such a typical man, "she stares after the bear where it disappeared into the trees. “How can you possibly think about sex at a time like this?” I enjoyed this book I loved Shane.
May 14, 2016
This was the first book of Diana Downey's I've read and I loved it! The storyline and characters were great. It was action packed and full of emotion. I just couldn't put it down. I didn't realize it was a 2-part series, so now I can't wait to read the next installment!
April 6, 2016
Taming Alaska is a fast action packed read.
We have wild mountains, hired killers, crazy wolves, a murderous bear and deadly outside forces trying to end this romance before it begins.
I definitely connected with the H, Shane in this book more than with Cyn our female lead. He at least was funny. The h, Cyn was at times a hard person to connect with. You know how sometimes you read about an h and you like her so much, you know you would instantly be bffs? Well Cyn was the girl I would avoid like the plague. She was shallow, conceited, bratty and sometimes straight up mean.
She held on to grudges for no reason and she was always looking down on the H. Half way through I was wondering what the heck the H saw in her and frustrated that he put up with her. There was just no reason for her behavior!
That being said, the story moved at a good pace, the mystery and the unanswered questions had me hooked from start to finish. The more the MCs had to depend on each other to stay safe and stay alive, the more walls and layers were revealed and torn down. Neither character would make it on my list of top fave but the author is definitely trying to show us positive change. I wish we could have seen Shane stand up for himself a bit more. He was way too forgiving of Cyn. Also there isn't a lot of romance. Every time we get a potential scene its over shadowed by mention of the OW and OM. It was a real buzz kill.
I was happy to finally see some emotional growth with Cyn towards the end. She stopped falling back on her resentment and nose in the air beliefs about Shane and she finally started seeing him for the real person that he was. I liked that Shane and Cyn both get to see and appreciate their strengths and weaknesses. When they stopped thinking so much about how different they were, they were able to get to know each other without outside influences. Now that they have to go back to the real world, will they be able to hold on to each other or will they be ripped apart for good? We’ll have to wait and see what the second installment reveals. :/
For the Safety Gang: This has some triggers. Definitely not for everyone.
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
We have wild mountains, hired killers, crazy wolves, a murderous bear and deadly outside forces trying to end this romance before it begins.
I definitely connected with the H, Shane in this book more than with Cyn our female lead. He at least was funny. The h, Cyn was at times a hard person to connect with. You know how sometimes you read about an h and you like her so much, you know you would instantly be bffs? Well Cyn was the girl I would avoid like the plague. She was shallow, conceited, bratty and sometimes straight up mean.
She held on to grudges for no reason and she was always looking down on the H. Half way through I was wondering what the heck the H saw in her and frustrated that he put up with her. There was just no reason for her behavior!
That being said, the story moved at a good pace, the mystery and the unanswered questions had me hooked from start to finish. The more the MCs had to depend on each other to stay safe and stay alive, the more walls and layers were revealed and torn down. Neither character would make it on my list of top fave but the author is definitely trying to show us positive change. I wish we could have seen Shane stand up for himself a bit more. He was way too forgiving of Cyn. Also there isn't a lot of romance. Every time we get a potential scene its over shadowed by mention of the OW and OM. It was a real buzz kill.
I was happy to finally see some emotional growth with Cyn towards the end. She stopped falling back on her resentment and nose in the air beliefs about Shane and she finally started seeing him for the real person that he was. I liked that Shane and Cyn both get to see and appreciate their strengths and weaknesses. When they stopped thinking so much about how different they were, they were able to get to know each other without outside influences. Now that they have to go back to the real world, will they be able to hold on to each other or will they be ripped apart for good? We’ll have to wait and see what the second installment reveals. :/
For the Safety Gang: This has some triggers. Definitely not for everyone.
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
March 25, 2016
4.5 stars
Cynthia and Shane
Cynthia Diaz
I received an ARC for an honest review. Really I don't read much romance and prefer thrillers and this one definitely provides that, though I did prefer Blackout by the same author. I enjoyed the twist, and though I should've seen it coming, it gave me that ah hah moment I enjoy as a reader.
Since the author said this was a satire, I looked for those elements recalling Evelyn Waugh, James Joyce, and Orwell from my college days. The story isn't at that level, but I did search for parodies of romance--the obvious one being on how many romance readers are searching for Mr. Perfect, billionaire, hung like a horse (Shane's nickname is even Secretariat), a great lover. Shane is far from perfect. He loses all his money, he's rough around the edges, but he has a big heart and looks after Cyn and apparently is good in bed.
Cyn is an interesting character. She has a backbone I'll give her that. She escapes her kidnappers, she treks through the Alaskan Interior, not an easy feat for anyone who's been there, and she fights off one of her assailants. She goes from a spoilt princess to a woman who sells her Porsche to put her sister through school.
When the cops find Cyn after her first abduction, they mistake her as an illegal and the author may have pointed out how sometimes police make wrong assumptions based on ethnicity.
When Cyn find her perfect man, he turns out to be bi and is far from perfect. That is probably one of the highlights of this book's satire. Because none of us men are perfect and far from it. Many young girls try to act older, and when she uses it on Shane, I found it amusing. Girls grow up faster than boys, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so it's hard for us to tell the difference.
My favorite parts though were the trek into the Alaskan wilderness and the sex. Shane is a good guy and rescues Cyn, but she rescues him on more than one occasion, which makes her a strong character. Both main characters had multiple layers and even the secondary characters were even complex.
The story does lead into apparently the next story from what I read online and introduces the plot of Seducing Texas. The main story of Taming Alaska, however, has a solid conclusion of finding the killers. Yes, I will be reading the next one, though I'd like to see the author write straight thrillers. All in all--a thrilling and sexy read.
Cynthia and Shane
Cynthia Diaz
I received an ARC for an honest review. Really I don't read much romance and prefer thrillers and this one definitely provides that, though I did prefer Blackout by the same author. I enjoyed the twist, and though I should've seen it coming, it gave me that ah hah moment I enjoy as a reader.
Since the author said this was a satire, I looked for those elements recalling Evelyn Waugh, James Joyce, and Orwell from my college days. The story isn't at that level, but I did search for parodies of romance--the obvious one being on how many romance readers are searching for Mr. Perfect, billionaire, hung like a horse (Shane's nickname is even Secretariat), a great lover. Shane is far from perfect. He loses all his money, he's rough around the edges, but he has a big heart and looks after Cyn and apparently is good in bed.
Cyn is an interesting character. She has a backbone I'll give her that. She escapes her kidnappers, she treks through the Alaskan Interior, not an easy feat for anyone who's been there, and she fights off one of her assailants. She goes from a spoilt princess to a woman who sells her Porsche to put her sister through school.
When the cops find Cyn after her first abduction, they mistake her as an illegal and the author may have pointed out how sometimes police make wrong assumptions based on ethnicity.
When Cyn find her perfect man, he turns out to be bi and is far from perfect. That is probably one of the highlights of this book's satire. Because none of us men are perfect and far from it. Many young girls try to act older, and when she uses it on Shane, I found it amusing. Girls grow up faster than boys, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so it's hard for us to tell the difference.
My favorite parts though were the trek into the Alaskan wilderness and the sex. Shane is a good guy and rescues Cyn, but she rescues him on more than one occasion, which makes her a strong character. Both main characters had multiple layers and even the secondary characters were even complex.
The story does lead into apparently the next story from what I read online and introduces the plot of Seducing Texas. The main story of Taming Alaska, however, has a solid conclusion of finding the killers. Yes, I will be reading the next one, though I'd like to see the author write straight thrillers. All in all--a thrilling and sexy read.
April 11, 2016
Title:Taming Alaska
Author:Diana Downey
Series:So Not Prince Charming Series, Book #1
Publisher:Books on the Edge
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:April 5, 2016
Genre(s):NA Romance
Page Count:220
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“He is probably the most masculine man I’ve ever seen. Rugged is his middle name. I’m lucky it’s him here with me and not Blake, though I hate myself for that thought.”
5 tame me stars!! Thrilling and sexy!
I don’t even know where to begin….. But this book had me on the edge of my seat one minute and fanning myself in the next!! I loooooooooooved Shane, he’s a total jerk, but dang it I loved him!!! You feel for Cyn as she goes through hll and back in this book and you pull for Shane and her!! I don’t want to give too much away, I will say that if you haven’t read this book, then you definitely need too!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author:Diana Downey
Series:So Not Prince Charming Series, Book #1
Publisher:Books on the Edge
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:April 5, 2016
Genre(s):NA Romance
Page Count:220
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Shane O’Flannery is no Prince Charming.
He is uncouth, uncultured, untrainable.
Damn this man! How dare he humiliate the spoiled Texas heiress Cynthia Diaz by turning her down, even if she was underage at the time?
When Shane first meets Cyn, his attraction to this frustratingly hot, flirtatious spitfire almost gets him into trouble when he discovers she’s only sixteen. He cannot forget the temptingly sweet taste of this woman-child, so for two years he does his damnedest to avoid this young siren.
Even though Shane’s body was chiseled from granite and Cyn compares every man’s caress to Shane’s panty-melting kiss, she dreams of her true knight in shining armor. So shortly after meeting charismatic, well bred, and breathtakingly handsome Mr. Waits, the perfect man in every way, she marries him. She fully expects a fairytale honeymoon in Bora Bora, Fiji, or Maui. Much to her chagrin, he whisks her off to the Alaskan Interior. When her life is threatened, she must rely on the ill-mannered Shane to survive—a man who has never read the Prince Charming manual.
Review:
“He is probably the most masculine man I’ve ever seen. Rugged is his middle name. I’m lucky it’s him here with me and not Blake, though I hate myself for that thought.”
5 tame me stars!! Thrilling and sexy!
I don’t even know where to begin….. But this book had me on the edge of my seat one minute and fanning myself in the next!! I loooooooooooved Shane, he’s a total jerk, but dang it I loved him!!! You feel for Cyn as she goes through hll and back in this book and you pull for Shane and her!! I don’t want to give too much away, I will say that if you haven’t read this book, then you definitely need too!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
June 9, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
We begin this read with a young and mostly innocent Cyn and a rugged Alaskan Shane. As soon as these two meet the sparks fly!! They had a strong connection that was undeniable! But...Cyn is 16 at the time while Shane was 21. A bit too young than what he'd like. We follow these two as they meet again and again throughout the years and how they seem to get lost in the wrong people. I found this quite frustrating!! I wanted to bump their heads together and make it happen when it was just so obvious their love for each other! Anyways, this was a lot more than a frustrating love story. There was quite a lot of unexpected suspense that had me biting my nails! You will be taken through the Alaskan interior while being simultaneously stalked by a bear, wolves, and a small group of people. Not the best of situations, but it finally lands Cyn and Shane together.
All in all this was a great read! I did shake my head at times because of Cyn's childishness and wanting something to be absolutely perfect, but she finally came around for the better. I also shook my head at Shane's thinking that Cyn couldn't handle the Alaskan interior. Men will never understand. But sadly this book ends on a cliffhanger. So now I'm chomping at the bit to read Seducing Texas!
We begin this read with a young and mostly innocent Cyn and a rugged Alaskan Shane. As soon as these two meet the sparks fly!! They had a strong connection that was undeniable! But...Cyn is 16 at the time while Shane was 21. A bit too young than what he'd like. We follow these two as they meet again and again throughout the years and how they seem to get lost in the wrong people. I found this quite frustrating!! I wanted to bump their heads together and make it happen when it was just so obvious their love for each other! Anyways, this was a lot more than a frustrating love story. There was quite a lot of unexpected suspense that had me biting my nails! You will be taken through the Alaskan interior while being simultaneously stalked by a bear, wolves, and a small group of people. Not the best of situations, but it finally lands Cyn and Shane together.
All in all this was a great read! I did shake my head at times because of Cyn's childishness and wanting something to be absolutely perfect, but she finally came around for the better. I also shook my head at Shane's thinking that Cyn couldn't handle the Alaskan interior. Men will never understand. But sadly this book ends on a cliffhanger. So now I'm chomping at the bit to read Seducing Texas!
April 7, 2016
**ARC provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Texas heiress Cynthia Diaz first meets Shane O'Flannery when she is sixteen. His sexy roughness draws her in, but his table manners keep her from wanting more than a sexy romp in the hay but when he finds out her age he turns her down. Through one devastating event the two are bonded, and through the years they remain acquaintances.
When Cyn marries she expects a sexy tropical honeymoon, instead she ends up in Shane's backyard in the Alaskan Interior. More tragedy ensues and Cyn finds herself in the very capable hands of roughneck Shane once again. This time though Cyn may not be able to resist Shane's crude charm. If they live through being hunted by murderers, wolves, and a bear can Cyn get past Shane's roughness?
I loved it! I got tired of Cyn's whining about a certain experience she wasn't getting but wanting really bad, at times, but other than that I couldn't put it down. It ends with a cliff hanger and I'm hoping book two will be out in the near future.
Texas heiress Cynthia Diaz first meets Shane O'Flannery when she is sixteen. His sexy roughness draws her in, but his table manners keep her from wanting more than a sexy romp in the hay but when he finds out her age he turns her down. Through one devastating event the two are bonded, and through the years they remain acquaintances.
When Cyn marries she expects a sexy tropical honeymoon, instead she ends up in Shane's backyard in the Alaskan Interior. More tragedy ensues and Cyn finds herself in the very capable hands of roughneck Shane once again. This time though Cyn may not be able to resist Shane's crude charm. If they live through being hunted by murderers, wolves, and a bear can Cyn get past Shane's roughness?
I loved it! I got tired of Cyn's whining about a certain experience she wasn't getting but wanting really bad, at times, but other than that I couldn't put it down. It ends with a cliff hanger and I'm hoping book two will be out in the near future.
March 28, 2016
Don't be fooled by the cover. This is not your typical romance story; more like a thriller. Taming Alaska is not what I expected. While Cyn and Shane as the leading characters, I couldn't connect with them. The book started off with Cyn as a teenager turned into an adult. But Cyn the character didn't mature. She stayed the same materialistic and whinny character throughout the book. With Shane I felt that his storyline wasn't developed. Then with the addition of all the random characters in the mix didn't add to the storyline. It just made the book more confusing. I did like the suspense and romance in the book (some of the scenes were over the top). It would have been of an enjoyable read if the storyline wasn't all over the place. The book states that it's a standalone book, but the ending was more like a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2016
Wow, this book was not what I expected. I was expecting a story line of boy meets spoiled rich girl, boy falls for girl, saves girl life and they end up happily ever after. I was so wrong!
This story is on Shane and Cynthia. The first few chapters gives us a glimpse of how they meet and bump into each other over a 5 year period. Through a series of events Shane rescues Cynthia and they end up stuck in the wilderness and on the run.
The book had so much going on. I could not put it down. I was bummed when I got to the end. I didn't realize there would be a second book. I don't know that I would say this on left off at a cliffhanger but it did lead into the next book. I cannot wait to see what happens next and how things pan out for them.
This is the first I have read by this author. Based on this book I plan to check out her other pieces of work.
Received from NetGalley for honest review.
This story is on Shane and Cynthia. The first few chapters gives us a glimpse of how they meet and bump into each other over a 5 year period. Through a series of events Shane rescues Cynthia and they end up stuck in the wilderness and on the run.
The book had so much going on. I could not put it down. I was bummed when I got to the end. I didn't realize there would be a second book. I don't know that I would say this on left off at a cliffhanger but it did lead into the next book. I cannot wait to see what happens next and how things pan out for them.
This is the first I have read by this author. Based on this book I plan to check out her other pieces of work.
Received from NetGalley for honest review.
May 14, 2018
5 stars For the Cover!
Taming Alaska was not quite what I expected. This story was all over the place. I could not get a grasp on the focus of the book. There were so many random storylines and none of them came together in a cohesive way.
The story was way to rushed in many parts and the parts that were drug out were ones you wanted to speed through. The female lead is an absolute bore and a complete whining princess.
I felt that neither of the leads were well developed. I also never connected with or wanted to get emotionally invested in any of the characters.
Something I found incredibly annoying was the random drop in characters that take of several pages, but are never seen again or there is no background for them so they essentially were put in to confuse the reader.
This may simply be one of those books that is just not for me, but I do not recommend paying for it if you do want to read it.
Taming Alaska was not quite what I expected. This story was all over the place. I could not get a grasp on the focus of the book. There were so many random storylines and none of them came together in a cohesive way.
The story was way to rushed in many parts and the parts that were drug out were ones you wanted to speed through. The female lead is an absolute bore and a complete whining princess.
I felt that neither of the leads were well developed. I also never connected with or wanted to get emotionally invested in any of the characters.
Something I found incredibly annoying was the random drop in characters that take of several pages, but are never seen again or there is no background for them so they essentially were put in to confuse the reader.
This may simply be one of those books that is just not for me, but I do not recommend paying for it if you do want to read it.
April 5, 2016
Shane O’Flannery may not be everyones Prince Charming, but he sounds pretty good to me!!
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Diana Downey book, right up until the very end where I rushed to find a release date for book two.
Cyn ended up being a character I could love, in the beginning I was on the fence. Through her college years I kind of wanted to smack her but in the end she became more than that little rich girl looking to marry a multimillionaire.
Shane I liked from the beginning. The fact that he didn't fit in with her crowd but was honored by them due to his accomplishments but never changed a thing about himself to try to fit in with them endeared him to me. And I loved the fact that he didn't eat "properly". Two utensils an going for it lol
that alone hooked me.
While Cyn took some warming up to for me I loved the story line, the characters and the suspense.
I have my opinion of who's behind the whole thing but I'll keep it to myself.
Now to impatiently wait for book two.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Diana Downey book, right up until the very end where I rushed to find a release date for book two.
Cyn ended up being a character I could love, in the beginning I was on the fence. Through her college years I kind of wanted to smack her but in the end she became more than that little rich girl looking to marry a multimillionaire.
Shane I liked from the beginning. The fact that he didn't fit in with her crowd but was honored by them due to his accomplishments but never changed a thing about himself to try to fit in with them endeared him to me. And I loved the fact that he didn't eat "properly". Two utensils an going for it lol
that alone hooked me.
While Cyn took some warming up to for me I loved the story line, the characters and the suspense.
I have my opinion of who's behind the whole thing but I'll keep it to myself.
Now to impatiently wait for book two.
February 12, 2016
Taming Alaska is a steamy, sexy friends to lovers romance, including a strong alpha male. Downey takes you on a thrill ride to uncover Texas heiress Cyn's mother's murder in the Alaskan Interior. Lots of steamy sex and tension between spunky Cyn and the very hot Shane.
My alpha male Shane
Spitfire Cyn (pronounced sin)
My alpha male Shane
Spitfire Cyn (pronounced sin)
October 20, 2016
Exiting hot book
I liked this book but I couldn't get totally comfortable with the writing style. I thought it was a little messy, I felt like sometimes it jumped around and didn't make sense.
The characters was described well but I didn't get the feeling of getting in to their minds as good as I like.
The storyline was good and it was a good build up.
I bought this book because I received an ARC of book 2 and wanted to read this one first. I don't regret it even if this was not a full 5 star read.
Note that this is a cliffhanger.
I liked this book but I couldn't get totally comfortable with the writing style. I thought it was a little messy, I felt like sometimes it jumped around and didn't make sense.
The characters was described well but I didn't get the feeling of getting in to their minds as good as I like.
The storyline was good and it was a good build up.
I bought this book because I received an ARC of book 2 and wanted to read this one first. I don't regret it even if this was not a full 5 star read.
Note that this is a cliffhanger.
June 3, 2016
I received a copy for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read from this author. I enjoyed it. It wasn't your typical romance novel. Shane right from the start is my favorite character. It was a fun read with some twist. Can't wait to read the next one to find out what happens.
This is the first book I have read from this author. I enjoyed it. It wasn't your typical romance novel. Shane right from the start is my favorite character. It was a fun read with some twist. Can't wait to read the next one to find out what happens.
May 22, 2016
3.5 stars
Cynthia Diaz is a spoiled Texas socialite who's looking for her Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet and make her Mrs. Right.
Shane O’Flannery is no prince. He's a self-made millionaire but he's brazen, brash, and not refined enough to fit into Cynthia's mold of the perfect man.
They met when Cynthia was only 16 - too young for Shane to make a move but not too young for either of them to recognize the strong attraction that sizzled between them. Shane helped Cyn through the tragic loss of her mother and they became friends. Years later, when Cyn finds herself in another life threatening situation, Shane once again comes to her aid and these two must face the fervent attraction that they've fruitlessly tried to keep under wraps.
This book is action packed from start to finish and the story keeps you hooked from the first page to the rousing cliffhanger. I loved Shane. He was a little rough aound the edges but he was real and he wore his heart on his sleeve.
This could have easily been a 4-5 star book for me but there were a couple of things that bothered me about this book and they all revolved around Cyn. I didn't like her- she was a prima donna who snubbed a good man in her quest to find Mr. Right. She was shallow and self-centered. On the day her mother's body was found, she tried to seduce Shane. While she was running for her life, all she thought about was being humiliated, missing out and they all revolved around Cyn. on her honeymoon, and her lost opportunity to finally have the Big "O". Really?? Who thinks about things like that when you just saw your husband murdered, and you're being chased by by killers, a pack of wolves and a killer bear?? She kind of grew on me towards the end of the book but she was extremely superficial and her behavior was a bit unrealistic.
Cynthia Diaz is a spoiled Texas socialite who's looking for her Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet and make her Mrs. Right.
Shane O’Flannery is no prince. He's a self-made millionaire but he's brazen, brash, and not refined enough to fit into Cynthia's mold of the perfect man.
They met when Cynthia was only 16 - too young for Shane to make a move but not too young for either of them to recognize the strong attraction that sizzled between them. Shane helped Cyn through the tragic loss of her mother and they became friends. Years later, when Cyn finds herself in another life threatening situation, Shane once again comes to her aid and these two must face the fervent attraction that they've fruitlessly tried to keep under wraps.
This book is action packed from start to finish and the story keeps you hooked from the first page to the rousing cliffhanger. I loved Shane. He was a little rough aound the edges but he was real and he wore his heart on his sleeve.
This could have easily been a 4-5 star book for me but there were a couple of things that bothered me about this book and they all revolved around Cyn. I didn't like her- she was a prima donna who snubbed a good man in her quest to find Mr. Right. She was shallow and self-centered. On the day her mother's body was found, she tried to seduce Shane. While she was running for her life, all she thought about was being humiliated, missing out and they all revolved around Cyn. on her honeymoon, and her lost opportunity to finally have the Big "O". Really?? Who thinks about things like that when you just saw your husband murdered, and you're being chased by by killers, a pack of wolves and a killer bear?? She kind of grew on me towards the end of the book but she was extremely superficial and her behavior was a bit unrealistic.
March 29, 2016
2.5 Stars
Taming Alaska was a bit of a meh book for me. I’m on the fence about this one folks. There were scenes and parts of the book I really enjoyed yet some that I didn’t as well. There were some good suspense and action packed parts. Yet others were so over dramatic that I just rolled my eyes and skimmed over them. You met Cynthia as she’s about to ambivalently give her virginity to her high school boyfriend. It doesn’t go over very well so she goes all “girl power” and gets all sexy for a dinner out with her mom and sister. It’s there that she meets Shane. At this point, Shane is twenty one to Cynthia’s seventeen, making her jail bait but she doesn’t clue him in on this. She just flirts heavily letting him think he has a chance. And that’s how the story starts. I don’t want to spoil too much.
I was disappointed in the lack of character development in the book. Cynthia goes through something traumatic early in the story, but it doesn’t change her at all it seems. She remains the same whiny, spoiled girl that you meet at the beginning. And this doesn’t change throughout the book. It made it extremely difficult to connect with her. Shane was a rather flat character as well. The author hints at his past and you get a glimpse into it, but she never goes into it in any depth which leaves him as this rather rough lumberjack businessman type guy.
Overall, though, the writing style was easy to read and there were parts I did enjoy. And I know that others did enjoy it fully. It just wasn’t for me but that shouldn’t stop others from trying it if it catches their eye. I’m not sure if I will read the next book, I may just to see how it all ends.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Taming Alaska was a bit of a meh book for me. I’m on the fence about this one folks. There were scenes and parts of the book I really enjoyed yet some that I didn’t as well. There were some good suspense and action packed parts. Yet others were so over dramatic that I just rolled my eyes and skimmed over them. You met Cynthia as she’s about to ambivalently give her virginity to her high school boyfriend. It doesn’t go over very well so she goes all “girl power” and gets all sexy for a dinner out with her mom and sister. It’s there that she meets Shane. At this point, Shane is twenty one to Cynthia’s seventeen, making her jail bait but she doesn’t clue him in on this. She just flirts heavily letting him think he has a chance. And that’s how the story starts. I don’t want to spoil too much.
I was disappointed in the lack of character development in the book. Cynthia goes through something traumatic early in the story, but it doesn’t change her at all it seems. She remains the same whiny, spoiled girl that you meet at the beginning. And this doesn’t change throughout the book. It made it extremely difficult to connect with her. Shane was a rather flat character as well. The author hints at his past and you get a glimpse into it, but she never goes into it in any depth which leaves him as this rather rough lumberjack businessman type guy.
Overall, though, the writing style was easy to read and there were parts I did enjoy. And I know that others did enjoy it fully. It just wasn’t for me but that shouldn’t stop others from trying it if it catches their eye. I’m not sure if I will read the next book, I may just to see how it all ends.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2016
3.5 Stars
The cover and synopsis of this story caught my eye so naturally I dove in head first. I love a good romantic suspense, and while this story delivered, I felt it was just too much. There were alot of characters and situations thrown in the mix that could've been an entire separate story.
I liked the main characters but I couldn't connect with them. For Shane's age and the situations they ended up in, he certainly did a lot of thinking with the smaller of his two heads. Everyone loves sex, but if you're fighting for your life and in survival mode, it probably wouldn't be the first or seemingly only thing you think about.
There were many questions left unanswered at the end of the book. It isn't a terrible cliffhanger, but most of the serious issues were left unresolved. I believe that book 2 is expected to release in July of this year. So, I didn't LOVE this book but i didn't dislike it either. I will definitely pick up book 2, Seducing Texas, to see how Shane and Cynthia's story ends.
The cover and synopsis of this story caught my eye so naturally I dove in head first. I love a good romantic suspense, and while this story delivered, I felt it was just too much. There were alot of characters and situations thrown in the mix that could've been an entire separate story.
I liked the main characters but I couldn't connect with them. For Shane's age and the situations they ended up in, he certainly did a lot of thinking with the smaller of his two heads. Everyone loves sex, but if you're fighting for your life and in survival mode, it probably wouldn't be the first or seemingly only thing you think about.
There were many questions left unanswered at the end of the book. It isn't a terrible cliffhanger, but most of the serious issues were left unresolved. I believe that book 2 is expected to release in July of this year. So, I didn't LOVE this book but i didn't dislike it either. I will definitely pick up book 2, Seducing Texas, to see how Shane and Cynthia's story ends.
October 27, 2016
I was waiting and waiting for Cyn and Shane to stop fighting their attraction to each other. They faced some serious challenges once the story was under way but, it never took away for the quirkiness of their love story. It may not be nice to Blake but, I seriously laughed out loud when Cyn and Shane were arguing while he was getting stabbed.
**** I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book****
**** I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book****
October 30, 2016
This is the first title i have read by Diana Downey. I wasn't a big fan of her writing but I will defiantly give her writing a second try!
January 19, 2017
This book opens with sex, a feisty Texas young women named Cynthia Diaz who as left her boyfriend out in the middle of the woods or field because well say he was not up to standards. When later she goes to a dinner with her mother and all of the highest society people in town are there. She is flirting with a man named Shane O’ Flannery, turns out he is awarded this night for business and when he finds out that she is only 17 he gives her his card and sys call him when she is of age. A week goes by and she is actually calling him but not because of a birthday. It is because of a tragedy and because she is Hispanic when he gets there he find she is in jail. Once everything is worked out. They realize that her mother has been killed, but saved her life. He once again helps her home, but turns her down. When she meets young men she compares them to him, but years go by and by the next time he sees her she is more stunning than ever, but she is also engaged. Now after being married and expecting to be on a flight to some exotic island she finds herself on a plane flying into Alaska and wondering what is going on when she him. Yes Shane, and now they are on a smaller plane going farther into Alaska than she ever wanted to be. Her is when everything in the story changes. She finds out a little about what happened to her mother, her husband is killed, and Shane and her have to trek through the woods to escape the men that are after them. Meanwhile they become to fulfill what each of them wanted to do years ago. There is plenty of action horizontal, and escaping from the killers. Only to leave you at the end with them? Read the book. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
June 14, 2018
This story had some good sexual tension, up until the actual main event unfortunately. Good suspense in there too.
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