Deluged With Books Cafe

The Dom Project was one exceptionally good book. Engaging, witty, funny and real. A true romance with an element of BDSM  but so everyday life as well. Fantastic writing, great memorable characters and a very unique twist to the friends into lovers trope.  I love how Robin and John are as friends, as would be Dom and picky submissive.  The way they are in the everyday life.  Robin with her almost obsessive way of organizing and how vulnerable she gets when she lets down her walls.  I love John's dorkiness, his laid back attitude and the way he becomes everything Robin needs in the end.  There are a lot of elements going into this book but its all flawlessly put together making the flow of the story great. It has enough of everything for every reader. Highly recommended reading whether you are into the BDSM romantic genre or not. *The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*

Two college students, Tom Sullivan and Paul Harris, attempt to solve the mystery about an old allegorical Renaissance manuscript,  Hypnerotomachia Poliphili (Poliphilo's Struggle of Love in a Dream),  which had eluded historians for generations. Each has his own deep connection to the coded text and it is this to which they threw their passions and also could lead to their ruin. Set in an Ivy League school, the scholarly atmosphere and ruminations of post-graduation life served as a background for treachery, murder and suspense. The Rule of Four  is bit scholarly than most historical fiction with the premise quite promising, drawing out the nostalgic school life, literary pursuits and intellectual squabbling so to speak. It also displays the human psyche by delving more on character background and the seduction of passion (in this case the devotion to study the text) which could either soar one so high or make one a slave for life.

If there's a saying to sum it all up, it would be that quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Life is a journey, not a destination ." One day for each year. We get to glimpse Emma and Dexter and their status of friendship or relationship whichever comes on first, from the day they first met through a number of succeeding years. Nicholls wrote this book focusing more on character development which invariably helps to explain the emotional journey of both to each other. This probably wouldn't be for those who read to escape and seek ideal romance (I wouldn't even call this under romance) for this is but a reflection of the bitter reality we are living. It touches on their own disappointments, issues and triumphs in their own lives like any normal post-graduation adults (e.g frustration with career, purpose of living, passions, etc).

Love the One You're With , the second book in the Love, Sex & Stilettos series , was a funny, entertaining and engaging tale about two magazine writers and their "He said, She said" approach to dating. I loved the interactions between Grace and Jake, their dialogue was witty, flirty, filled with double meanings and often downright sexy. It reminds me of those old Hollywood screen couples with all that sexual chemistry often manifesting themselves in their bantering and downplayed lusty looks. The plot and pacing simply flowed, the writing smooth. This is a story that reads like a movie, easy to visualize but the characters still had depth and were fully fleshed out. It was sweet, romantic and yes the couples antics trying to top one another was simply hilarious. Fans of romantic comedies would definitely love this one. *The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*

Julianna "Juli" Baker met Bryce Loski when they were seven. His family just moved into the neighborhood and being the good neighbor that she is, went to help. One look at his beautiful blue eyes and she knew she was a goner. Bryce met Juli when they were seven. Or more like she barged into his life and never left him alone since then. First time he saw her, Bryce knew she was dangerous. Unavoidably dangerous.

From Scotland With Love is a wonderful, captivating and engaging read mostly because of its adorable female lead. Daisy is simply a great character, self aware, young and just so relatable that it was pure pleasure to read this. Set in the wilds of Scotland, in the middle of winter, Daisy is set to prove herself to her boss. She just needed to drop by their famous client's place, author Rory McAllan, and have him sign the bookplates and off she goes to spend the holidays back home. How should she know that she'd be stuck in the middle of a snowstorm, spending time with her client and discovering how much she's starting to like him. Ms. Fforde's writing was truly excellent, from the very memorable characters, to the imagery of the setting and the development of the romance.  Everything just flowed smoothly, with no hitches. This was funny and sweet and romantic and just right for the holidays.