emreadswhatshewants's review against another edition
4.0
Not her best work, but not the worst thing one could read by a long shot. I am trash for Meljean Brook
kblincoln's review against another edition
5.0
I like Meljean Brooks' Iron Seas series, so I figured even a novella would be fairly good. (especially if you enjoy a nice dominant, caveman-like Alpha Hero tragically wounded in some way as most of her heroes tend to be.)
I almost threw my Kindle across the room after finishing this one, it was THAT hard to leave the world of Erik Gulbrandr and Olivia Martin.
Because Meljean Brooks doesn't just do alpha males well, she does spunky heroines who aren't too stupid to be true or take unnecessary risks, and who are spunky without being Mary Sue like. Olivia works in construction-- a man's world-- and so her toughness was believable.
And the way that Olivia's mother with the "sight" and her own propensity for being prepared like a super-girl scout totally wove into the story in a believable way, making normally ludicrous events believable.
Okay, so Erik is just a tad bit stupid in his inability to see Olivia's true feelings, and his self-torture over the horrible curse, and possibly Olivia was just a tad dense on not picking up what triggered the curse after seeing Erik's happy grandparents photo, but the bad guys were suitably evil, there was a lovely, tense plot-twist, and the slightly dominant-submissive scene very much in the Meljean Brooks yummy vein.
So yeah, it sucks this is stand alone. And so short. Only because it was good. And I mean, Frost Giants! Fenrir's wolves! So cool. Totally an indulgent read. If you like romance or dominant paranormal alpha heroes, this is a good one.
I almost threw my Kindle across the room after finishing this one, it was THAT hard to leave the world of Erik Gulbrandr and Olivia Martin.
Because Meljean Brooks doesn't just do alpha males well, she does spunky heroines who aren't too stupid to be true or take unnecessary risks, and who are spunky without being Mary Sue like. Olivia works in construction-- a man's world-- and so her toughness was believable.
And the way that Olivia's mother with the "sight" and her own propensity for being prepared like a super-girl scout totally wove into the story in a believable way, making normally ludicrous events believable.
Okay, so Erik is just a tad bit stupid in his inability to see Olivia's true feelings, and his self-torture over the horrible curse, and possibly Olivia was just a tad dense on not picking up what triggered the curse after seeing Erik's happy grandparents photo, but the bad guys were suitably evil, there was a lovely, tense plot-twist, and the slightly dominant-submissive scene very much in the Meljean Brooks yummy vein.
So yeah, it sucks this is stand alone. And so short. Only because it was good. And I mean, Frost Giants! Fenrir's wolves! So cool. Totally an indulgent read. If you like romance or dominant paranormal alpha heroes, this is a good one.
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book and it served to remind me that I ought to read more from this author. Character history is quickly and clearly dealt with at the start, nicely setting the stage for the main story without ramming jarring facts down the reader's throat. And then bam! The action starts and doesn't really let up. Great world building, fun characters and suitably high stakes all made for a rollicking good read. That's right: rollicking.
mdlaclair's review against another edition
4.0
This book was long awaited and was worth it! sorta I love this book MB is very good at the slow burn of sexual tension. While this book was no different the ending is keeping me from giving it 5 stars. The very end of the book just felt wrong it did not flow like the rest of the story it felt forced. overall a nice read that could have been great>
ingypingy2000's review against another edition
3.0
Compared to the Iron Seas series, this book was lacking significantly.. But it was kinda cute in its own way. I found the build up to be pretty fun although the main event *wink wink* was somewhat lacking. So, I guess I'm just trying to say that it was a quick and easy romance, cute and shallow and sweet.
renpuspita's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Meljean Brook is once a hit and miss author for me. I struggled when reading her Guardian series and The Iron Duke is the first steampunk novel I read that sadly failed to make me interested. I then think that maybe Brook's books is not for me. But, I still follow her blog and FB page, because I love her humor. When there was review request for her short story, Frozen, I decide to sign up. I never hear anything back, until late August ago she emailed me the e-ARC version.
Been busy, I just have a chance to read Frozen today. And no..this is not a R-Rated version of the Disney's Frozen, and the heroine, Olivia not singing "Let It Go". Even the "Let It Go" part can be applied to the hero, Erik. Frozen is about misunderstanding between h/H with "I think he do not desire me"-and-"I'm afraid that I will hurt her"-tug and pull war between our MCs. Sprinkle with a curse that will make Erik, a frost giant, do something, something horrible to Olivia. Will not say what because it will become spoiler. But Brook have some nice warning on her site that those aspect will be a trigger for some readers. As for me? I find it okay, tho. The reason behind Erik's demeanor to Olivia is understable and like I said, misunderstanding. With big M.
Talk about frost giant, we have Norse myth here. Don't worry, the world building is pretty simple. The story told from 1st POV, that's the first from Brook's work and I find myself enjoy Olivia's voice. Just wish that I can get through what inside Erik's mind and feeling since he seems so tortured. There's some plotholes, but it's not make this one less enjoyable. For a novella, the story wrapped up nicely and I hope that someday she can make Frozen as full length novel.
And...pheeeeeewww...this is the wow-hot-hot-hooooot book by Brook I'd read. Very..titillating, and make my nose almost bleed. Just metaphor, tho, hehe :p. I also close my room door so I can read the sex scene without disruption, lol. This book is not erotica, mind you. But the sex scene between Olivia and Eric is the most erotic sex scene I'd read this year in which I will re-read it again and again. *rubbing hand gleefully*
I think, maybe I'll try to resume my Brook's reading. Read this short story restore my faith to her, and if I have time, I'll continue reading her Guardian and Iron Seas series again.
e-ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review
Meljean Brook is once a hit and miss author for me. I struggled when reading her Guardian series and The Iron Duke is the first steampunk novel I read that sadly failed to make me interested. I then think that maybe Brook's books is not for me. But, I still follow her blog and FB page, because I love her humor. When there was review request for her short story, Frozen, I decide to sign up. I never hear anything back, until late August ago she emailed me the e-ARC version.
Been busy, I just have a chance to read Frozen today. And no..this is not a R-Rated version of the Disney's Frozen, and the heroine, Olivia not singing "Let It Go". Even the "Let It Go" part can be applied to the hero, Erik. Frozen is about misunderstanding between h/H with "I think he do not desire me"-and-"I'm afraid that I will hurt her"-tug and pull war between our MCs. Sprinkle with a curse that will make Erik, a frost giant, do something, something horrible to Olivia. Will not say what because it will become spoiler. But Brook have some nice warning on her site that those aspect will be a trigger for some readers. As for me? I find it okay, tho. The reason behind Erik's demeanor to Olivia is understable and like I said, misunderstanding. With big M.
Talk about frost giant, we have Norse myth here. Don't worry, the world building is pretty simple. The story told from 1st POV, that's the first from Brook's work and I find myself enjoy Olivia's voice. Just wish that I can get through what inside Erik's mind and feeling since he seems so tortured. There's some plotholes, but it's not make this one less enjoyable. For a novella, the story wrapped up nicely and I hope that someday she can make Frozen as full length novel.
And...pheeeeeewww...this is the wow-hot-hot-hooooot book by Brook I'd read. Very..titillating, and make my nose almost bleed. Just metaphor, tho, hehe :p. I also close my room door so I can read the sex scene without disruption, lol. This book is not erotica, mind you. But the sex scene between Olivia and Eric is the most erotic sex scene I'd read this year in which I will re-read it again and again. *rubbing hand gleefully*
I think, maybe I'll try to resume my Brook's reading. Read this short story restore my faith to her, and if I have time, I'll continue reading her Guardian and Iron Seas series again.
e-ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review
diecryread's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Short story about a woman who gets snowed in at a colleague’s house in the mountains. The FMC is sensible and not over emotional. The MMC is stoic but soft. Not too cheesy. The writing is pretty good.
ashlaz's review against another edition
3.25
M/F PNR
I liked the premise, but the conflict between the MCs was primarily due to terrible communication, which is very much not my jam. Also some truly nonsense reactions to a situation that was frankly NBD with some preparation. I'm forever a Meljean Brook stan, but this did not do it for me. I did like that it was winter themed without mentioning Christmas though.
I liked the premise, but the conflict between the MCs was primarily due to terrible communication, which is very much not my jam. Also some truly nonsense reactions to a situation that was frankly NBD with some preparation.
Spoiler
Like oh are you cursed to be dicked down by a hot frost giant? How terrible. However will you cope?leelah's review against another edition
2.0
1,5 stars
There are authors whose writing I love.
There are authors whom I love from what I can see following their online presence.
And then there are those whom I love because they are all around awesome people and write amazing books.<--- That's Meljean to me. I freaking love this lady and her books.
This book was not what I am used to reading when I pick MB book. It's not near the same quality in term of plot nor characterization.
Olivia is sent by her boos to lonely, remote cabin to take some papers to his son. Olivia isn't very thrilled since his son is a man she liked very much, but who rejected her. Soon she will found out his reasons and they are literally stuff of nightmares.
I guess my biggest issue was the fact that plot dragged, but it seamed artificial. So...main conflict of this romance is the fact that out characters failed to communicate. But, it's not even that- main plot point I (and I am sure most of readers) figured it out right away but heroine needed...a lot of pages.(around 85% mark).
I liked mythology and sex scenes were hot, but everything else was just not up to quality Meljean used me to. :(
There are authors whose writing I love.
There are authors whom I love from what I can see following their online presence.
And then there are those whom I love because they are all around awesome people and write amazing books.<--- That's Meljean to me. I freaking love this lady and her books.
This book was not what I am used to reading when I pick MB book. It's not near the same quality in term of plot nor characterization.
Olivia is sent by her boos to lonely, remote cabin to take some papers to his son. Olivia isn't very thrilled since his son is a man she liked very much, but who rejected her. Soon she will found out his reasons and they are literally stuff of nightmares.
I guess my biggest issue was the fact that plot dragged, but it seamed artificial. So...main conflict of this romance is the fact that out characters failed to communicate. But, it's not even that- main plot point I (and I am sure most of readers) figured it out right away but heroine needed...a lot of pages.(around 85% mark).
Spoiler
Curse. It was so obvious it's true love... :facepalm:I liked mythology and sex scenes were hot, but everything else was just not up to quality Meljean used me to. :(