ARC Review: Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
 
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“Once I started, I was compelled to turn the pages and know what happened next.” ~Under the Covers

I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating.  Lisa Kleypas has a way with words.  The ease of her writing is astonishing every single time.  She can truly write a novel that flows almost effortlessly and draws you in until you are living and breathing in her world.

CRYSTAL COVE was no different.  I devoured this book in less than 24 hours.  Once I started, I was compelled to turn the pages and know what happened next.

Other than the beautiful writing and sweet storylines that she’s always known for, CRYSTAL COVE has again an amazing set of characters.  Justine is a spunky heroine that believes love is out of her reach.  But truly there is a curse in her family and the men they fall in love with are destined to die.  So she’s preferred to stay alone.  Better NOT to have loved and than lost.

And Jason is the typical millionaire that is so popular nowadays in romance books.  He’s all powerful, has all the money in the world, lives a very methodical lifestyle where everything goes according to his wishes, and …. he also has a dark secret.

“The fissure of a crescent moon gleamed white and clear like a claw mark in the sky. A night made for magic.”

CRYSTAL COVE is also a bit different from the rest of the series in that Ms. Kleypas does delve into the paranormal and magical aspects that were previously just hinted at or where not the main focus of the story.  Although, ultimately, this is a story about Justine and Jason, this is also very much so about magic for both of them.  In the previous books that was less prominent.  However, being a reader of paranormal, I didn’t have a problem with the deeper exploration of these topics.

Another surprise in this one was the addition of some BDSM.  To be quite honest, that’s the main reason this book didn’t get a 5 star review for me.  I read BDSM normally, it just didn’t quite work to where it needed to be for Kleypas.  It didn’t feel like real BDSM, it just felt like she wanted to put the characters in that position and then didn’t know how they should act once they were there.  Yes, he ties her up and all that.  And yes, this makes sense with his character because he is very controlling in every other aspect of his life.  I’m just not sure if BDSM works for Lisa Kleypas.  Ultimately, I couldn’t wait for that scene to be over and done with so they could get back to more sexy loving.  And this book did have quite a bit of hot, sexy loving.

This may not be my favorite book in this series, I still think nothing can compare to DREAM LAKE, but it was definitely a great addition and it has me wanting LIGHTNING BAY that much more.

Fantasy Cast:

Favorite Quotes:

“I didn’t know happiness came in these flavor,” she said absently, her head on his shoulder.
“Marshmallow and chocolate?”
“And you. My favorite flavor.”

“If I had a soul, I’d have sold it for a chance to see you like this.”

*ARC provided by publisher

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Francesca

Blogger/Reviewer at Under the Covers Book Blog

I’m a 30 something sun lover currently living in Florida.I’m a book and coffee addict and lover of all things elephants.

I get easily distracted by pictures of sexy guys and have tons of book boyfriends.I keep all my alpha males chained to my basement and guard them fiercely.*Back off bitches*I like to see Jason Momoa as a lot of those boyfriends, because ….. mmmmmmm JASON.MOMOA!

I’m a part time graphic designer (yes, everything you see on UTC has been done by me), run my husband's business from home and on a good day I’m a self appointed superwoman (she who can do it all).I love blogging with my girls and I couldn’t do it any other way!My first love is everything paranormal, but in the past few years I’ve re-learned to love contemporary romance.Every once in a while I like to mix things up with a historical romance, a steampunk or an LGBT book.Because I need variety to avoid book slumps.I don’t always need an HEA although I prefer one, and I love authors that can rip my heart out and make me ugly cry.

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