If there is any thing about Fredrik Backman books that I want to talk about, its his characters he created. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is filled with colorful characters. Weirdos in their own way, witty to some. And for a time, they are memorable in a simple design. Sadly, I can't say much about the plot. While A Man Called Ove is formulated with a design that is predictable (you can read my previous review), My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is quite a mess. There is a main plot written, but the chapters on each page is just every where. There are times I have no idea whether the intention of reading is to see how fast a reader can capture the idea between the real world and the imaginary world. Of course, I do understand the reason behind this writing because this is from the perspective of Elsa, the little protagonist of this book but then, there are times I got confuse as to where is Miapolis or Mitabulous and who is Sam, which I later found out int he chapters and the origin of some of the characters weren't clear to me. The weakness of this book is the execution, which I do find it hard to follow. Maybe that's one of the reasons why it took longer time to read it as my interest was no longer the need to follow up but eventually, I finished it today.

Of course, there are some good points. For one - the dialogue. As always, its well written. I did smile from time to time whenever Elsa makes a smart remark. Yes, she is rude but then as a character design, she has part of her grandmother's traits, her mum's compassion and of course, some of her dad's. I can say that this is well-thought of. Whenever she interacts with the characters, its the mind that matters most of what she thinks. That adds a little realism of children today (I know, I taught kids in school and some were rude without realizing they are rude but it was not intentional). Then of course, Fredrik Backman added some other elements like calling a vehicle Taxi or Renault as a name, which adds some thing special to it. I like how kids are given a freedom to think for themselves, maybe because every thing happens in Sweden? I do not know what's it like in Sweden but I believe, as its written, it is how it is. I do not judge it because of how rude she is, but how she does make a point.

As for the rest of the characters, its just as its meant to be. It's a journey of forgiveness and closure. I love how Britt-Marie as a character isn't as what it seems. The things that we say 'no matter how bad people they are, there are some good in them', which I do believe its true. Not many do thought of it this way but I have met some people or children that no matter how much bad they had shown, there are some good in them. What make's this journey in reading is how important it is to have closure, even though the execution of it was not done smoothly, for me that is. This suffer's the rating I have given to this book.

Counting on Love Series

by Erin Nicholas

Average rating of 4.3 stars

(Based on the 6 books rated at KBS!)

Since you will ask here is the deal.

My favorite book?  Whoa.  #4 Going For Four.

My favorite quote?  Like I always tell you, read them.  It is so worth it.

Without further ado, here are the books and reviews in order:

Just Count on Me by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was created by the wonderful author who answered her readers requests. She brought together in this short and sweet book The Bradford's & The Dixon's. This combines the series The Bradford's & Counting On Love.

This quick book is an introduction to where the Dixon family begins telling their tales. We leave off from where The Bradford's were here. If you are reading both series I caution you to read in order so you can give yourself the heat and excitement without spoilers. 

She's the One by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ryan and Amanda have known one another for a while. He works with her brother, making him forbidden. Until one day something happens to change it all ....

Amanda just needed to be rescued. She just mentioned his name as a means to get rid of an unwanted suitor. Not really knowing what it would cause.

This series is so good. The characters are mostly related and the interaction is fun to read. I liked how the humor in the story made it more real. 

It Takes Two by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book #2, in the Counting On Love series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For the readers enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading this incredible series in order.

Shane & Isabelle are basically broken up as this book begins. With her basically being the love of his life, he is willing to make some concessions. They put this to the test.

Isabelle has been keeping many secrets from Shane. This could make or break their relationship. As it is, they are on the outs. If only they didn't have such a powerful attraction between them.

This book had all the feels and then some. I really could not stop laughing for part of it. Then the sad. The characters just make you feel everything with such power. Very well written. Seriously good series. I cannot wait to read the next book. 

Best of Three by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is book #3, in the Counting On Love series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and understanding, I recommend reading series in order.

Nate is trying his best to resist the outgoing and sometimes crazy, Emma. It is getting harder as she is his patient now. He knows he must resist but he is nearly forgetting why.

Emma has been attracted to Nate for a while now. She knows she is not his type. With them butting heads at every turn, she is doubtful they will ever get together.

This series just gets hotter! This story had them butting heads & the banter was flowing. I was laughing so hard! I really enjoyed reading about the development between these two. I have rooted for her for several books now.

Going for Four by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cody and Olivia have been best friends for almost 2 years and their friendship is stronger than ever. Except - Cody just walked in Olivia's home and found her naked. She is beautiful and everything Cody has ever wanted. If it weren't for her brother, Conner, they would be together in every way.

Olivia wants Cody and wants to take a risk. She has waited forever it seems for a man to think her worthy of every great stunt her sisters men have given them. She sees three great relationships and wishes for her own. She has a steady friend with Cody but she longs for more.

Cody is scared to upset the apple cart, so to speak, and stays just friends with Olivia even as it hurts like a physical ache. He loves Olivia but knows Conner has been very vocal and would never approve of them being a real couple. Olivia has been hurt in the past and listens to Conner's advice.

The tidal wave takes them away one night and the friends turn to one another for "benefits". Olivia is so grateful Cody noticed her - finally! Cody is hoping this means they can be a couple and work things out. Conner still is not okay with all of this and causes a rift in the 2 people who had such a strong relationship and now can't even speak to each other.

It's time for Olivia to grow up and stop being the baby sister everyone thinks is so fragile, she will shatter at the first sign of trouble. She finally explodes and tells Conner and Cody both to back off. It's all down hill from there. Can Cody and Olivia see that what they already have has been magical and right?

Really good book and a great installment as book # 4 in the Counting on love series. Erin Nicholas is a terrific author and this book had me going with laughter, tears, and tons of emotion! 

Up by Five by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book #5 in the Counting On Love series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding and enjoyment, I recommend reading this series in order.

This amazing series concludes with Gabby and Conner who work together. They end up living together and reviewing how they look at their relationship or non-relationship as it is. Other opinions aside, they really feel the sparks and are having a tough time ignoring one another.

Conner has realized he is starting to feel something more for her. Gabby is someone special in his life. He is actually angry with himself for how long it has taken for him to appreciate it. Now what can he do about it?

This amazing series has been a joy to read! It is HOTTER than I first predicted. I love the character development over time. I also love that the friendships and relationships are solid and proof that everyone can be loved.


***These copies were given in exchange for honest reviews only.

View all my reviews

About the Author Erin Nicholas:

I've been reading romance since my mom first let me into her book cupboard when I was about fourteen. LaVyrle Spencer, Julie Garwood, Debbie Macomber... they took my 'happily ever after' ideas from animated princesses to real people in the real world.

I've been writing romance almost as long. Many a family car trip was spent with my head bent over a spiral notebook in the back seat. I'll confess that my very first attempts at fiction were fantasy and paranormals, influenced by my father's love of the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the original Alice in Wonderland. If Harry Potter had been around, I'm sure he would have been on the bedtime story shelf as well.

But it wasn't long until I started writing about true love and that's where I've been ever since.

I'm so thrilled to be able to share these stories with you! I hope that they make you smile, sigh, maybe even choke up a little. Most of all, I hope that they help you believe in magical things like first kisses, the spark of passion, and the power of true love.

Find Erin Nicholas Online:

Website * Mailing List Signup URL * Goodreads Author Page 

* Amazon Author Page * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

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She's The One, Counting on Love Series Book 1

by Erin Nicholas

Date of Publication: June 11, 2013

Blurb:

Available From:

She's the One by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ryan and Amanda have known one another for a while. He works with her brother, making him forbidden. Until one day something happens to change it all ....

Amanda just needed to be rescued. She just mentioned his name as a means to get rid of an unwanted suitor. Not really knowing what it would cause.

This series is so good. The characters are mostly related and the interaction is fun to read. I liked how the humor in the story made it more real.


***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

View all my reviews

 

About Erin Nicholas:

Find Erin Nicholas Online:

Hosted by:

Ryan and Amanda have known one another for a while.  He works with her brother, making him forbidden.  Until one day something happens to change it all ....

Amanda just needed to be rescued.  She just mentioned his name as a means to get rid of an unwanted suitor.  Not really knowing what it would cause.  

This series is so good.  The characters are mostly related and the interaction is fun to read.  I liked how the humor in the story made it more real.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

Odd little book. The blurbcraft I saw for this book all called it a paranormal romance, but that really isn't right. It's more dark fantasy or Gothic, like Interview with the Vampire period Anne Rice. The plot concerns a Cruxim, an angel like being that hunts vampires. The novel takes place over the 16th and 18th Centuries, and our cruxim is a man of his time, convinced of his righteousness and utterly bought into the virgin/whore dichotomy.

Which is what makes this so not a romance, because when his now adult ward throws herself at him, begging for him to release her from the nunnery so she can marry and have a life, he completely freaks out. Like oh my God you can't want to have sex you slut! Then of course when he runs off like a big idiot his ward is deflowered and turned into a vampire OH MY GOD THE IRONY.

It's first person, and there isn't much authorial commentary on this, which makes the whole thing interesting indeed. The prose is overheated and formal, which I completely adore for the right subject matter, e.g. tortured angel morality tales. Oh, and there's a sphinx character who is the most impressive mix of sinuous sexiness and alarming bestiality. Bravo.