Book Review: Unknown, by Melissa Pearl

Unkown
Melissa Pearl

Initial Thoughts: Solid fantasy story

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Summary:
Darkness is covering the land. As the city of Mezrah grows with power and greed, the rest of the world can only stand by and wait for their inevitable destruction. The only hope against this growing power is an ancient prophecy that people have stopped believing in.

Then a star begins to fall.

Princess Kyla of Taramon stopped believing in the power of light the day her father died. Trapped in a city she does not care for, under the watchful glare of her mother, the queen, she struggles to accept her fate.

Then a star begins to fall.

Jethro has loved Kyla for as long as he can remember. Learning that she was to marry his cousin drove a wedge between him and the feisty princess. Watching her from a distance is a torture he is unable to free himself from.

Then a star begins to fall, sparking an ember of hope and sending two seekers on a treacherous journey into the unknown.

My Thoughts:

This was a solid story with solid characters and motivations. Kyla is definitely scarred, and Jethro is the poor sod who pines after her from a distance, since Kyla has been engaged to his cousin.

So in this story the players have to fulfill the prophecy to save world from utter darkness, and in this prophecy they have to find the 4 elements. The interesting twist is *how* those elements are portrayed, but I won't give that secret away until you read it.

Kyla is strong and feisty, while her mother is suffocating, which makes her blind to what's going on in the kingdom. The bad guys are deliciously bad, and a character I thought for sure was good turned out to be naughty indeed. It's a great twist and setting up the characters for a huge betrayal.

The plot unwound like a chess game, with the players moving across the board like pawns. It was very well done.

I'm not sure of Kyla's feelings toward her fiance, whether she really loves him or just thinks she loves him because he's going to be her husband. For a such a strong character, this aspect seemed a little weak to me. I would think Kyla would know her own mind alot better. And as for Jethro? The girl has to be utterly blind to not see how he feels. But then again, she's only 16 so she could just be naive. Or maybe she's so comfortable in her role as 'friend' it would never occur to her that he feels anything differently.

Overall, really enjoyed this one. A great fantasy read.

Book Review: Onyx, by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx
Jennifer L. Armentrout

 Initial Thoughts: Hot chemistry and a riveting ending!

My Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

My Thoughts:

Okay, even though Katy was dumber than dirt in this novel, I still had to love it. My frustration level with the girl knew no bounds, but rather making me want to throw the book across the room, it made me want to read on to see what Daemon would do.

I will say one thing about Ms. Armentrout: the girl can write chemistry. Holy palapalooza! Katy and Daemon are smokin'! I felt a range of emotions when reading this book: anger, frustration, sadness, heat (yeah, that's code for lust). The book made me feel, and care about the characters.

Did I peg all the villains? Yeah, kind of. I wasn't exactly sure until the end, but everyone who I thought was twisted was. And there is some gray area in there, one of those good people can do bad things. I love good people who do bad things...but not nearly as much as I love bad people who do good things. (wink)

I wondered if the 2nd book in the Lux series would keep the momentum, and it did. It introduced new characters and new plot twists that kept things interesting without getting all weird. And the ending has me jonesing hard for book 3.

E, by Kate Wrath

E
Kate Wrath

Initial Thoughts: Captivating

My Rating: 4 stars!

Summary:
A poignant tale of love and friendship in a world beyond hope…

Outpost Three: a huddle of crumbling buildings choked by a concrete wall. Cracked pavement, rusted metal, splintering boards. Huge robotic Sentries police the streets, but the Ten Laws are broken every time one turns its back.

Eden is determined, smart, and a born survivor. Stripped of her memories and dumped on the streets of the Outpost, slavers and starvation are only the beginning of her problems. A devastating conflict is coming that threatens to consume her world and tear her newfound family apart.

Life is harsh. It makes no exceptions. Not even for the innocent.

My Thoughts:

This is a gritty look at a dystopian future. A story full of strife, grief, poverty, politics, and a glimmer of underlying hope. I guess the message here is no matter what happens to you, true love can't be erased.

The author portrays a world that is specific and detailed. She writes with a flair that has you believing the story and rooting/caring for the characters.

I loved every character in this book. From Kate to her newfound family, the bad guys, the good guys, the innocents...it's a page-turner that has you guessing how things will end, what paths the characters will take, and who will be caught in the cross-fire. The plot weaves and bobs through these people's lives with ease, and just when you think things can't get worse...it does.

So why is this only a 4 rating? I had so many questions that weren't fulfilled. What made the world this way? Why can't people travel off the roads? Where do the sentries come from? Who is controlling them? I think if I had more of a sense of the world and what created this environment, this book would have been perfect.

Definite must-read for dystopian lovers!

Book Review: Fade to Black, by Tim McBain and L.T.Vargus

Fade to Black
Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus

Initial Thoughts: Love the voice!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Summary:
Live. Die. Repeat.

Dying violent deaths over and over again totally blows. Loner Jeff Grobnagger has learned this the hard way. Every time he has a seizure, he dreams that a hooded man strangles and kills him. He runs. He fights. He hides. No matter what he does, his efforts end in a pretty bad case of death.

But when someone tries to kill him in real life, he realizes that what happens with the hooded man isn't just a dream.

Who is the hooded man? And who tried to kill Grobnagger in real life? His quest for answers leads to a missing girl, cults obsessed with astral projection, an arcane puzzle sphere, an evil book, a buxom private detective named Louise and a mustached man named Glenn that makes 'the best martini you've ever tasted.'

Yep. If it weren't for all of the horrific deaths, Jeff Grobnagger would be having the time of his life.

My Thoughts:
OK, I've read McBain/Vargus's books before, and I have to tell you...one of my favorite writing styles *ever*. I was captivated by the voice from page 1. The style has a witty, clever, funny edge to it that completely draws me in. This book did not disappoint in that area.

Now that the gushing is over, let's get on with it, shall we? So you have this dude, Jeff, who's dying over and over again in what appears to be dreams. Or nightmares. I guess if some hooded mystery man is killing you, it ain't no dream. :) But this doesn't happen when Jeff goes to sleep; his world literally fades to black and launches him into this death sequence with increasing frequency.

Yeah, not good.

He meets this older gent, Glenn, with whom he develops a friendship. Glenn is the kind of guy that seems to know a little something about everything. He's the kind of guy who takes a stranger into his home. He's the kind of guy who "knows things". He's the kind of guy who raises red flags all over this sistah's brain!

I liked the characters. I liked Jeff with his self-depreciating humor. He's obviously broken, keeps away from people, wants to be alone, and you find yourself rooting that the guy is going to be fixed somehow. I also liked Glenn, with his nurturing nature and his happy attitude. And apparently the guy's a genius in the kitchen. I'd like to invite him over for dinner!

I liked the plot, which moves forward at an easy pace, and never loses it's witty charm, even when things go black. I think the humor is more evident when things go black, which is a nice contrast. There are mysteries upon mysteries in this little book; lots of suspicious characters and missing daughters and secret groups and oh my, who is Jeff to trust?

You know, read the whole book, and still can't answer that question. As the first book in a series, I guess we'll get answers in future books.

Which brings me to my only complaint. The book ends with more questions than it started with. To me, I like to have some closure when I read a book. Even books in a series should have some amount of closure at the end...the book should have a beginning, middle and end and I felt this one really only had a beginning and a middle. Yes, some questions were answered at the end, but not the bigger issues. Throw a girl a bone here! I don't mind cliff-hangers in series; that's the draw to get you to read the next book, and to me this ending was a cliff-jumper!

However, that doesn't detract from my over-all enjoyment of this story, characters and writing, and I will read on when the next books are released. A definite recommend for paranormal and urban fantasy fans!

Book Review: The Prophecy of Arcadia, by M.H. Soars

The Prophecy of Arcadia
M.H. Soars

Initial Thoughts: Great ensemble characters. Loved 'em all.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Summary:
Being a teenager is tough, especially when you have to pretend to be something you’re not, and you’re in love with someone you shouldn’t. 115 years ago, a small planet called Arcadia was invaded by a vicious alien race and nearly destroyed. Cut off from their resources, the Arcadians turned to Earth for help. A group of Arcadian explorers discovered a Prophecy that claimed their salvation lay in the hands of two children from Earth. To ensure their safety, the Arcadian Council sent their most gifted youngsters to Earth to act as protectors. Samantha is one of them.

To succeed in her mission she must learn to control her Arcadian powers and keep her true identity from her best friend, and the girl she swore to protect, Alexia. But Samantha will soon realize that nothing is as it seems. Someone is trying to prevent the Prophecy from taking place and the prophecy boy hasn't been found yet. There is also a new drug circulating at school that is turning students into freakishly strong menaces.

To make matters worse, distractions keep getting in her way. Such as her love/hate relationship with her “cousin” Matthew. Or her confused feelings toward popular and mysterious Julian. She wants nothing more than to be free to live her life. But the survival of Arcadia depends on her and her friends. Free will is not an option.

My Thoughts:

This is definitely a YA read with all the angst and drama attached to it. What is simply great about this, though, is that the author so effectively captured the emotions rioting through the characters. It has a very real feel to it, even though there are aliens jazzing up the drama-works. Basically, these guys are going through alien puberty, trying to manage their developing powers while dealing with raging hormones. Fun stuff. heh heh

Told in 3 POVs,which I adored, you get an in-depth view to what is driving the characters. It's funny, because the summary focuses mainly on Samantha, and I would have said that Alexia is the main character in this story. 

The POVs are from Alexia, Samantha, and Matt. But there are other "cousins" in this ensemble cast that simply can't be ignored. I'm almost hoping to see some other POVs in future books, cuz I would most definitely want to get into the heads of some of them.

Some of the plot twists were evident, but I don't think red herrings were the author's intent. Some of the characters you really didn't know whether they turn out friend or foe. The author draws mysterious characters with such finesse, you kinda want to get in the story and break the code yourself. If you're drawn to those bad-boy types. Which I am. 

So, what brings the rating down a 1/2 star, is some plot points that didn't make sense. Maybe it was addressed in the story and I missed it, but for one, if these 'cousins' are supposed to be protecting Alexia,why did they send Alexia to live so far away from all of the cousins? Since she only lived with her cousins during the summer, who was protecting her when they were separated during the school year? Why did Mel take so long in Arcadia for training when others only went for a few days, and why was she so angry when she returned?

Maybe these are minor complaints, but I think are worth mentioning. Really, those are not enough to ever stop reading the series, or to stop me from recommending this book (which I have)!

Friday Funnies!

Yay! It's Friday! So sit back and relax with a grin.


These are from a book called “Disorder in the Courts” and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while the exchanges were taking place.


ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning? 

WITNESS: He said, 'Where am I, Cathy?' 

ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you? 

WITNESS: My name is Susan! 

____________________________

 ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact? 

WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks. 

____________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active? 

WITNESS: No, I just lie there. 

____________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?

WITNESS: July 18th. 

ATTORNEY: What year? 

WITNESS: Every year. 

_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you? 

WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which. 

ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you? 

WITNESS: Forty-five years. 

________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all? 

WITNESS: Yes. 

TTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory? 

WITNESS: I forget.. 

ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot? ___________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning? 

WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam? 

____________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he? 

WITNESS: He's 20, much like your IQ.

 ___________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken? 

WITNESS: Are you shitting me?

_________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th? 

WITNESS: Yes. 

ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time? 

WITNESS: Getting laid 

____________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: She had three children , right? 

WITNESS: Yes. 

ATTORNEY: How many were boys? 

WITNESS: None. 

ATTORNEY: Were there any girls? 

WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney? ____________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated? 

WITNESS: By death.. 

ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated? 

WITNESS: Take a guess. 

___________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual? 

WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard 

ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female? 

WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male. _____________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney? 

WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work. ______________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Doctor , how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?

 WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight. _________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to? 

WITNESS: Oral...

 _________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body? 

WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PM 

ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time? 

WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished.

 ____________________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample? 

WITNESS: Are you qualified to ask that question? 

______________________________________ 

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse? 

WITNESS: No. 

ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure? 

WITNESS: No. 

ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing? 

WITNESS: No.. 

ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy? WITNESS: No. 

ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor? 

WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar. 

ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless? 

WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

Book Review: Hyde, by Lauren Stewart

Hyde
Lauren Stewart

Initial Thoughts: Intriguing!

My Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
This novel is intended for adults only. It includes lots of cursing, descriptive sex, biting sarcasm, and dark themes.

Honesty is impossible when you don't know the truth to begin with.

Mitchell Turner is everything women want most in a man--he's charismatic, successful, and undeniably gorgeous. But he's not a man--he's a monster. By venting his rage 24/7, Mitch keeps people out of the danger zone that surrounds him. But, after the most incredible night of his life, he realizes that might not be possible. Except the woman he wakes up with claims she doesn't remember any of it. And that kind of thing can make a guy insecure.

Eden Colfax is kind, loyal, honest to a fault, and cavity-inducing sweet. To rid herself of the monsters that haunted her broken childhood, Eden doesn't lie, doesn't curse, and definitely never wakes up naked in strangers' beds...until the day she does. Then the flashbacks start--places she's never been, people she's never met, blood she's never spilled. And the only person with any answers is a man she never wants to see again.

What they don't know is that someone is manipulating them, determined to find out exactly what they're capable of. And when the truth leaves them nothing to hold onto, they will be forced into a partnership neither expected. Or wanted.

But in life, who you trust is as important as who you are. And when you can't even trust yourself, sometimes the only person you can rely on is the last person on earth you should be falling for.

My Thoughts:

OK, first I really dug this concept of Jekyll and Hyde in the modern world. From the very first chapter, I loved the writing style, and I loved the characters. It was impossibly sexy and funny at the same time, and I was hooked.

There's mystery and suspense woven in with this incredibly sexy story. You can't help but root for Mitchell, he's so alarmingly bad but in a good way, that you pretty much want to take him to bed. :)

While Eden is, as the author says, cavity-inducing sweet, I don't want to kill her (which I normally would, because really, no one's *that* good, and if they are, well, they're boring). I think it's because of this darker side that comes out that has me rooting for her.

Damn, but you root for them both! You want to strangle a few other characters in the novel, and I was pretty glad to see one particular bitch bite it in the end.

The ending has you craving more. Read on!

Book Review: Rua, by Miranda Kavi

Rua
Miranda Kavi

Initial Thoughts: Moved too fast

My Rating: 3 Stars

Summary:
A girl with an unknown destiny.

A boy from a hidden world.

When Celeste starts at a new school in a small, Kansas town, she hears whispering voices, has vivid nightmares, and swarms of blackbirds follow her every move. She is oddly drawn to aloof Rylan, the other new student who has his own secrets. The exact moment she turns seventeen, she wakes to a bedroom full of strange creatures, purple light emanating from her hands, and Rylan breaking in through her bedroom window. He knows what she is . . . Intriguing and deeply romantic, RUA is page-turning YA novel with a supernatural twist.

My Thoughts:

Love the cover. Ain't it beautiful?

So, I was all down for a fae read, cuz I like me some fae. This one was okay for me. The plot seemed to move at a frenzied pace, not giving me time to savor the essence of the story. I didn't get enough to time to feel it.

The book is filled with stereotypes, so the character development is probably about the same as you've read in a hundred other stories. There's really nothing new here, complete with bad boy slipping in through heroine's bedroom window every night and staying till morning while she sleeps. Does *that* sound familiar? Yup, been there, read that.

With that being said, I did like Rylan. He was by far the best character in the book.

I was at times confused with what was going on. That might have to do with the pacing, which as I mentioned went at lightning speed. I would have liked to have spent more time with the world-building.

Book Review: Desire Untamed, by Pamela Palmer

Desire Untamed
Pamela Palmer

Initial Thoughts: Hot and steamy!

My Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

Kara MacAllister's quiet small-town life is transformed forever the night a powerful stranger rips her from her home, claiming she is the chosen one—the key to his survival.

Spiriting her away into the rain-soaked night, Lyon reveals a truth Kara can barely credit. She's immortal, and the only one who can save his race. And deep within her, he arouses a fierce, primal hunger beyond anything she's ever imagined.

But only when their lives are threatened by an ancient evil will Kara and Lyon realize they have found a love they would risk their immortal souls to claim . . . and a powerful desire that could never, ever be tamed.

And he begins to wonder if the woman who's stolen his heart is destined to be his salvation...or his doom.

My Thoughts:

Okay, usually not a fan of shifters, but I enjoyed this read very much. I think because the story had more to do with plot and character development than focusing on the actual shifting. The steam factor is pretty high; sure to make your hair frizz.

I liked Kara, and I loved Lyon. There are some minor characters I loved as well. I felt their journeys were real and believable. Lyon puts the good of the clan above his own desires ... well, *most* of the time. He slipped a time or two with Kara (wink wink). The man just couldn't help himself!

Parts of it were a little too predictable. Knew who the bad peeps were, figured out *how* the bad peeps were manipulating everyone. I would have preferred a few more red herrings to keep me guessing at what would happen. Some of the sacrifices in the end did take me a little by surprise, so that's good.

Were there parts of the story that were a little weird? Yeah. Parts of the story that were a little awkward? Yeah. Still enjoyable, especially if you want a little steam in your day (or night).

Book Review: Yakimali's Gift, by Linda Covella

Yakimali's Gift
Linda Covella

Initial Thoughts: Entrancing historical romance!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Summary:
It’s 1775 in Mexico, New Spain, and 15-year-old Fernanda Marquina, half Pima Indian and half Spanish, can’t seem to live up to her mother’s expectations or fit into the limited female roles of her culture. While she tends her garden, matches wits with buyers and sellers at the weekly market, and avoids Mama’s lectures and the demands of Nicolas, the handsome soldier pursuing her, Fernanda grabs any opportunity to ride the horses she loves, racing across the desert, dreaming of adventure in faraway lands.

But when a tragic accident presents her with the adventure she longed for, it’s at a greater cost than she could have ever imagined. With her family, Fernanda joins Juan Bautista de Anza’s historic colonization expedition to California.

On the arduous four-month journey, Fernanda makes friends with Feliciana, the young widow Fernanda can entrust with her deepest thoughts; Gloria, who becomes the sister Fernanda always wished for; and Gloria’s handsome brother Miguel, gentle one moment, angry the next and, like Fernanda, a mestizo–half Indian and half Spanish. As Fernanda penetrates Miguel’s layers of hidden feelings, she’s torn between him and Nicolas, who has joined the journey in the ranks of Anza’s soldiers and whose plans include marrying Fernanda when they reach California.

But propelling Fernanda along the journey is her search for Mama’s Pima Indian past, a past Mama refused to talk about, a past with secrets that Fernanda is determined to learn. The truths she discovers will change the way she sees her ancestry, her family, and herself.

My Thoughts:

What a ride! This is a YA historical romance with the unique setting of Mexico, California, Spaniards, and Indians. It's an interesting tale of the trek from Mexico to colonize California, and this novel depicts the very real hardships endured during the expedition.

And sprinkled throughout this subtle history lesson, are very real characters whom it would be difficult not to believe were actually part of the expedition. You immediately feel a connection to Fernanda, her inability to accept the stifling constraints of her time (marriage, children, and inferior heritage), and her longing for freedom and adventure and romance. You feel her struggle between wanting to do what's right to please her mother, and longing for something more. And then there's her struggle between a safe marriage, and adventuring into the unknown.

All of the characters are so well drawn and believable. Though Nicolas is more than nice to Fernanda, there's always that hint of superiority and, um, *maleness* which was common for the time when men were truly the boss and law. I loved Miguel, his anger and mystery and the many layers of his character.

The plot moved well, a very visual read and beautiful descriptions that allowed me to picture the scenery. I was rooting for the romantic pair, and was not disappointed in the end!

Book Review: Zeus, Inc., by Robin Burks

Zeus, Inc.
Robin Burks

Initial Thoughts: Interesting concept

My Rating: 3 Stars

Summary:

50 years ago, Zeus, Inc., and its CEO, the mysterious Joseph Brentwood, saved the world from a major energy crisis by discovering a new unlimited energy resource. Now, in 2069, Mr. Brentwood has gone missing and private eye Alex Grosjean has been hired to find him by his daughter (and Alex's best friend), Aleisha.

My Thoughts:

OK, where to start with this one. Let's do characters.

Alex, our main squeeze, is I think about 40 years old or so. She was an OK character, not necessarily someone I was necessarily rooting for, which can be problematic for a main squeeze. She's impatient with her mom, and come to find out they have issues from their past, but we never really learn why. She seems prone to anger, and getting angry at times when I was like, really? That just pissed you off? So despite being 40 or so, she's a bit immature.

Could care less about Mr. Brentwood, and nothing in the novel drew me to Aleisha either. 

Now Pip, I liked. He's tall, dark, mysterious, my kind of guy. He's strong, he cares, he's Alex's knight in shining armor, though I don't think she appreciated him as much as she should. Now *that's* a point against Alex! Take the beefcake, adore the beefcake, love the beefcake.

The plot is slow, and quite often repetitive. Many times Alex's internalization interrupts the flow of the story. Often times, I think it was supposed to be witty, but for me typically fell flat. I really got into the story when the greek mythology became strongly evident. Loved the way it was inter-woven in the story, with a surprising take. However, I didn't quite believe the ending, when Alex was supposed to be smarter than the Greed gods and take over and save the day. Didn't buy it, and then didn't really see her come up with any plan other than what the gods had originally planned on doing. So yeah, call me perplexed.

Over all, this story was a little flat with enough interesting parts for me to keep reading to the end.

Book Review: Untethered, byKatie Hayoz

Untethered
Katie Hayoz

Initial Thoughts: Pretty cool premise.

My Rating: 4 stars!

Summary:
Sylvie isn’t comfortable in her own skin. In fact, there are times she can’t even manage to stay inside it. But if there is one thing she’s sure of, it’s her love for Kevin Phillips. She’s willing to stake everything on it –her family, her friends, and possibly her soul.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie has been best friends with Cassie forever. But everything is turned around when the boy Sylvie’s loved since fifth grade falls for Cassie. Devastated, Sylvie intends to get Kevin by any means possible, even if it involves treachery, deceit, and the dark side of astral projection. She is positive her plans will give her what she wants, but she doesn’t count on it all spiraling out of control.

My Thoughts:

So you have this girl, Sylvie, who doesn't see herself as others see her, nor does she see others as they should be seen. She's blinded by her infatuation with Kevin, and then later blinded by her jealousy of her best friend. It's pretty typical teen drama.

I liked Sylvie, though I did get frustrated with her. I'm like, wake up, and see what's going on! I understood her though, felt her frustration when talking to some condescending adults, but I can see their point too. I mean, who would ever believe the girl was lifting outside her body? I'd probably think she was nuts too!

There are other characters that I really love, especially Nelson. He seems like such a cool guy, and if I were in high school, I'd probably think he'd be the perfect boyfriend! Maybe it's the blue hair. Maybe it's the artist thing.

What I liked most about this novel is how real and life-like the characters progressed, all of them. Everything was so typical and believable. You watch Sylvie spiral into darkness, and then you watch her try to climb her way out. You understand Cassie's development, because every nobody in high school always wants to sit at the cool table. You also understand that the heart wants what it wants...how many people would give up their love for a friend? Not many. You see Cassie's struggles with that.

There were some cool twists, but overall, it was a bit predictable, which pulled off that 5th star in my rating. But extremely well written.

Book Review: Katie's Hellion, by Lizzy Ford

Katie's Hellion
Lizzy Ford

Initial Thoughts: Even amidst confusion, I want Rhyn!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Summary:
Katie didn't send her boyfriend to Hell, but she's going there to bust him out!

Katie thinks she’s going crazy when a baby angel and death’s personal assistant appear on her doorstep. Both claim she’s destined for something great. If she can survive, that is. She’s drawn into a world filled with immortals like Rhyn, an outcast who claims her as his mate in a show of defiance to his brothers. Katie rescues Rhyn from Hell, and he discovers fast just how special his little human is. With Death counting his days on one hand, Rhyn must learn to love, before his own time is up and Katie becomes the first human casualty in the brewing war between immortals.

Will the love between a gifted young woman and an immortal outcast save the world-- or destroy it?

My Thoughts:

This started out slow and confusing for me. I never quite got the feel of all the relationships between some of the characters...history between individuals that never quite had the dots fully connected. But as the story continues, boy does it pick up speed.

Katie is one of those great heroine characters. Spunky and sassy and ready to punch out any demon's lights. The slow path to hell...or insanity...is so clear, and you easily believe her struggles in dealing and comprehending this whole 'nother world unfolding at her feet.

And Rhyn? What can I say other than one of those bad-misunderstood-boys who's broken and defiant and you just can't help rooting for. You literally want to save this guy...or take him to bed. (wink)

All hell's broken loose...and you do not want to miss watching this show close up! This is on my series-to-keep reading list!

Book Review: The Ice Goddess, by Hannelore Moore

The Ice Goddess
Hannelore Moore

Initial Thoughts: Epic Read!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Summary:

In the bitter winter of 1752, Evangeline Grey is determined to return to London, claim her inheritance, and lead a solitary, uneventful existence. York holds too many sad memories for her now, and she's ready to leave it behind. When she finds out that her guardian has designs on her -- and her pending fortune -- Evangeline manages to escape, but her journey south is fraught with uncertainty and danger. Mourning the murder of her brother, still reeling from her aunt's recent death, and close to penniless until she finds her way back to London, she's never been more alone. And then, on a desolate Northern English moor, she meets a benevolent stranger who changes everything. Kendall Beaumont is a man running from a few demons of his own. On his way to his home in remote Almsborough, he stops to help the pretty, young runaway. The future seems fairly bleak for the both of them -- until he decides to make her an offer she can't refuse...

My Thoughts:

First and foremost, this is an epic, historical romance spanning many pages. So if you like to cozy down for a nice, long historical romance, this book is for you!

If there is one word to describe every character in this book, it's 'growth'.

The fate of Evangeline is typical for the time period, where women for the most part are considered property, except for the few lucky ones who meet a man of honor. Evangeline is serious and shy, and like the characters in the book, I found myself taking a while to warm up to her. But that's true in the real world; shy people are considered by the masses aloof, or uncaring, when in reality they're just, well, shy. They find it difficult to talk to people or show their feelings. That's our Evangeline! I did feel for her, and her plight in life, but I loved her spunk and her unwillingness to give up no matter what shit was hitting the proverbial fan.

Kendall is much more likeable as a character (not that I didn't like Evangaline!), but that is the contrast between the two. Kendall, despite his high position in society, is so down to earth that he gets along with all classes. His staff sticks with him even when he's low on money, a testament to his character. And while I do prefer my leading men in romance stories to be a little more in control, there's something about the broken Kendall that I ended enjoying his scenes immensely! He, em, 'grew' on me. :)

So, you're probably wondering how this story could possibly be so long? Well, there's another character, Emmett, whose story runs parallel to Evangeline's. Emmett, quite frankly, is a fop. And while he showed quite a bit of growth, in the end I still found him a tad selfish and immature. I much preferred Kendall. I also feel that this book would have been a great launch to tell Emmett's story in another book.

For me, the plot was solid, and I found no fault in the writing. It has all the elements of a historical romance that those readers are looking for. Highly recommended!

Book Review: The Guardian's Wildchild, by Feather Stone

The Guardian's Wildchild 
Feather Stone

Initial Thoughts: Slow Start

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Summary:
Sidney Davenport is known as Wildchild to her Guardian mentor, Greystone. She rebels against rules. Wildchild is gifted in the paranormal, but carefully conceals her powers from the world. Even in the crises that threaten her life, she refuses to use her powers of telepathy, telekinesis, space/time travel. If her enemies discovered the truth of who she is, her Guardian people would be destroyed. She calls upon her spirit guides, Seamus and Celeste, to guide her through a mine field of the insane - Madame and Captain Butchart.

Sidney leaves her home on Hawk's Island to help the underground stop two people who are about to cause worldwide madness. Unskilled in esponage, she is arrested and sentanced to death. But, God help Sidney, she can't deny her attraction to the man who has orders to perform her execution - the tall, dark eyed Captain Waterhouse. He's meticulous, disciplined and lives by the strict rules expected of an officer of the American navy.

Captain Waterhouse is about to scrap his higher morals to bust out of his hell. When a female prisoner is delivered to his ship, he has no idea she is capable of turning his disciplined life into a storm of unimaginable experiences. His prisoner's enemies, he discovers, are also the ones who hold his life in the palm of their hands.

Through stunning imagery, an intricate and adventurous plot, and a strong cast of characters, Feather Stone gives readers a fast paced story woven with murder and magic.

My Thoughts:
OK, so this really did start off slow. I was intrigued by the description and thought it was a unique paranormal read, so was excited in picking it up.

There's a lot of intrigue, with military muckety-mucks who have personal agendas, blackmail, and of course the Guardians throw in that supernatural twist.

As far as the characters, I didn't care for Sidney all that much, to be honest. She's supposed to be carefree and wild, but to me her character was serious and philosophical. And when she giggles or whatever (she does a lot of giggling, which screams immature to me, not wild) it seems out of character for her. She is a good girl, always doing things for the higher good as is the Guardian way, so this whole description of being a wild child didn't ring true.

Loved Sam, however. He's a great tortured soul, and I loved watching  his development over the course of the story.

The plot was for the most part well-crafted, with a lot of moving pieces and players, but it did leave some confusion in parts, and a number of loose ends, in my opinion, at the end.

Oh, and the ending is quite good for me, one of those twisty ones where the story doesn't necessarily evolve the way you think it will.

Giveaway! Kiss Me Dead

Kiss Me Dead
Dale Ibitz

Summary:
One curse . . .
Christian, a nineteen-year-old reaper-human hybrid enslaved to the Other World to harvest souls, earns his freedom by making a bargain with the Goddess of Death. As part of the bargain, he’s been cursed with the kiss of death.

One kiss . . .

The only way Christian can break his curse is for an angel to kiss him. Willingly. He finds Brooke, a nineteen-year-old descendant of a Naphil whose destiny is to hunt rogue reapers, suffocating in a semi-agoraphobic cocoon since witnessing a reaper steal her brother’s soul.

Two destinies . . .

Christian has found the angel who can break his curse, and the seduction begins. To break her phobia’s hold, Brooke embraces her angelic role and makes it her mission to kill rogue reapers to avenge her brother’s murder. Christian can break his curse by kissing Brooke dead . . . but will she figure out his game and kill him first?

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Book Review: Jenny Pox, by J. L. Bryan

Jenny Pox
J. L. Bryan

Initial Thoughts: Ew and Ick and Good!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Summary: 
Eighteen-year-old Jenny Morton has a horrific secret: her touch spreads a deadly supernatural plague, the "Jenny pox." She lives by a single rule: Never touch anyone. A lifetime of avoiding any physical contact with others has made her isolated and painfully lonely in her small rural town.

Then she meets the one boy she can touch. Jenny feels herself falling for Seth...but if she's going to be with him, Jenny must learn to use the deadly pox inside her to confront his ruthless and manipulative girlfriend Ashleigh, who secretly wields the most dangerous power of all.

* * *

Not recommended for readers under eighteen.

My Thoughts:

First, not sure why the warning label...I certainly think any kid 14 and older who loves horror can handle this book. 

So, let's get down to business. Characters. You have the good, the bad, and the ugly. Truly well developed characters. Ashleigh is so wickedly evil you just have to love that character. She's a brilliant master-mind and a master manipulator. Of course, she has a little help with her paranormal ability, but damn, the girl knows how to use it.

On the other hand, you have Jenny, who has done everything in her life to dial back her powers because, ya know, they're deadly. And she doesn't just pass on the plague...she is the plague. I mean, super gross! I have to give Seth kudos for over-looking that one kinda major gross thing. Ew and ick! It gave me chills just reading it. And that, my friends, makes the book yummy.

All the manipulating is so painfully well-written. There was a time or 2 I had to set the book aside, just to take a moment, because I could feel Jenny's pain and humiliation. Really good, my pretties.

All of the events in the book simmer gently, slowly boiling to a blow-out explosion in the end that I didn't see coming.

Book Review: Wicked Sense, by Fabio Bueno

Wicked Sense
Fabio Bueno

Initial Thoughts: Wicked good!

My Rating: 5 wicked stars!

Summary:
Witches inhabit our world, organized in covens and hiding behind a shroud of secrecy—the Veil.

Skye’s London coven sends her to Seattle’s Greenwood High to find the Singularity, an unusually gifted witch who may break the Veil and trigger a dangerous new era of witch-hunting. Things get complicated when Skye meets a charming new classmate, Drake. Skye’s job becomes even trickier when she clashes with Jane, an intimidating rival witch.

Drake falls for the mysterious Skye, but odd accidents, potion mix-ups, and the occasional brush with death kind of get in the way of romance. Once he discovers Skye is a witch, he goes to war for her, even though his only weapons are a nice set of abs and a sharp sense of humor.

Fighting off wicked Jane and the other dark forces hell-bent on seizing the Singularity's immense power, Skye and Drake will risk everything to save the covens.

Going on a date has never been harder.

My Thoughts:

First, loved the characters. The story is told in 2 points of view, Drake's and Skye's. Drake's chapters are especially good, and the voice is so strong, it's perfect the book opens in his POV because it immediately draws you in.  Loved, loved Fabio's writing style. I do like Skye as well, but Drake is 'the man'!

What is especially captivating is not only the characters, because even the minor characters are exceptionally drawn, is the interaction between them. And I don't mean just our 2 main squeezes, but their interactions with the other characters. I don't believe I have a single complaint! Woot!

I liked the plot, I likde the world-building, I liked the ebb and flow of the story. There are some red herrings about who the Singularity is. While you can kinda guess, you can't know for sure because there are a few options, so you have to read to the end to confirm your suspicions.

I'm not quite sure I dig the ending. The scheme they come up with in the end seems tetchy at best, and as I was reading it, I was thinking "This is never gonna fly". But maybe that's the point. It's not going to fly, and their innocent, naive plans in hiding you-know-who is perhaps the bridge to the next book. Which I will definitely read!

New Release: Relinquish, by Amy Thompson

 New Release! Relinquish, by Amy Thompson

Purchase on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/ofkj4fh

Regan has a life in Georgia. She is going to school, has managed to make some friends, and has even found a new love interest in Colter. So what happens when she can’t hide what she is anymore? When do all the lies become too much to handle? And how much longer can she hold onto her sanity—while Agro pushes her closer and closer to the edge of no return—her ascension to Elite?

Colter is beautifully oblivious. Wanting so much to believe that Regan is safe, and Agro has been halted, he ignores Finn’s constant skepticism at the risk of their friendship. Overlooking what is so clearly right in front of him, Colter passes off Regan’s outbursts of emotion on her recent trauma. Colter can feel Regan—his one exception to his retribution—slipping out of his arms, but fighting her to stay with him may not be an option.

Colter and Finn are now at odds, and there is a newly formed alliance between Kaiden and Exile Max. Will this group of Collectors be enough to fight off the new enemies and old threats that emerge in the battle for souls when Regan is broken, and their group is on the brink of self-destruction?

The lost will be found, the Collectors will be exiled, and the Elites will reign.

*Due to mature content and adult themes, Relinquish is recommended for 18+.

Purchase Links for Book #1 - Retribution

Start the series for just 99 Cents!

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/m9cml6m

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/ouve6qf

Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/kfn58lm

Book Review: Moon Child, by Tracy E. Banghart

Moon Child
Tracy E. Banghart

Initial Thoughts: Awesome!

My Rating: Easily 5 stars!

Summary:
Diana Calvert is so over high school. Who cares if Olivia hates her? And David needs to forget about having a crush on her STAT. Even Emma’s crazy fashion choices can’t keep Diana entertained. All she can hope for is a dance scholarship to a college as far away as possible from too-small, too-boring, too-nothing-ever-happens New Freedom, PA.

Then Diana meets Nicholas Woodhaven. He’s pale, angry…yet weirdly charming. The more time they spend together, the more she wonders who – or what – he really is. Because he isn’t anything like the other guys she knows. Not with the whole only-going-out-at-night thing. And living with his creepy aunt. And not going to school.

Just when Diana thinks she’s got Nicholas all figured out, people in her small, nothing-ever-happens town start dying. She has to wonder – can she trust him? And even more alarming – could she be next?

A murder mystery with a paranormal twist, Moon Child is best read under the covers with a flashlight...if you dare!

My thoughts:

Wow, I was blown away by this book. The characters real and very-well drawn, I could picture each and every one of them going through their lives. Emotions were spot on.

Diana is so easy to relate to. Small town girl who wants to get out of dodge before the I's are dotted on the words "eighteenth birthday". Nicholas is charming in his bad-boy mysterious ways, very swoon-worthy for the younger crowd.

Pacing and plotting are terrific. I read this book wondering the whole time who was behind the murders, what was up with Nicholas and crazy-as-a-coot grandmother, wanted to kick one or two people to the curb (especially nosy, over-bearing mamas. Grrr!), and just wanted to keep on reading!

If you think you know the answers to these questions, think again. You won't know until you read it.

Book Review: Nathanial's Window, by Peazy Monellon

Nathanial's Window
Peazy Monellon

Initial Thoughts: Gripping ghost story.

My Rating: 5 stars!

Summary:
Tommy Cooper’s life is hellish…that is, until it gets worse. His stepfather can't stand to look at him, his mother is dying of cancer, and he's well on his way to nowhere.

To make matters worse, there's a monster loose in the small town that he lives in and children have been disappearing for years. As the cold-case files stack up on the local constabulary's desk, it seems this cold-blooded murderer will never be found.

But Tommy has one thing that puts 'paid' to all of it--he has Beth. Tommy Cooper has been in love with Beth Riley for as long as he can remember; at least since Beth's seventh birthday party when he accidentally hit her in the face with a snowball, knocking one of her molars out and making her cry.

And Beth loves Tommy right back. Or does she?

A series of devastating losses later and Tommy’s in the wrong place at the wrong time. Again. When he and his friend, Nicky, desecrate a tomb in an all but forgotten part of the cemetery, they unleash a power they don’t have the ability to reckon with. Tommy and Nicky soon find themselves trapped in a nightmare, caught between a child molester, the town cop, and a demon. It seems like there’s no place left to go, except jail or dead!

Hell was just the easy part—the part before Jesse Eades came back.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those books that pulls you in from the start. The pacing is great, the voice is great, and you have a bad-ass, super angry ghost! What else can you ask for?

I like all the characters in this book. They're very real, well-drawn, and you are right there with them as they go through all their angst. And for Beth and Tommy, this is real angst, not teen drama.

OMG, you feel for Tommy and you ride this rocky road with him and you keep thinking, poor kid, what else can go wrong? It can't get any worse from here!

It can.

It does.

And then you hit the ending.

Must-read for ghost story lovers!

Book Review: The Light Within Me, by Carly Fall

The Light Within Me
Carly Fall

Initial Thoughts: Hot Damn!

My Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!

Summary:
When Abby and Noah meet, there is an explosive attraction between them that neither can deny...

As a shy, awkward, social misfit, Abby has gone her whole life feeling as though she's different from everyone else and she simply doesn't fit in well with society as a whole. She longs to feel a real connection with someone, and she finally does when she meets Noah.

Unbeknownst to Abby, Noah is from another world and his sole purpose is to hunt down the evil of his people that was unleashed on Earth hundreds of years ago. He's certain he isn't going to be able to return to his home, and anger and the need for revenge are his constant companions. His focus has been eradicating the evil and making them pay for taking his life on his world away from him.

Noah tries desperately to fight his attraction to Abby so he can keep his focus on his mission. But when Abby gets dragged into the evil and mayhem from Noah's world, he realizes that maybe with Abby he can find a home here on Earth...if he can save her in time.

My Thoughts:

OK, first let's talk about this cover. Yum-me. I could take a slice of that cake.

Second, let's talk about my love-fest. Yes. Love. Fest. There is *so* much to love about this book. The voice is magnificent. This author gets you to that level of emotion that is so missing from many books. From the first page, you are right inside Noah's head. And I mean right inside. The writing is so natural, you really think it's him talking to you, telling a story.

Abby is also a great character. So well drawn and believable. The author takes time with her emotions and thoughts, building up believable reactions to everything thrown at her. And there's this one scene where Abby's in danger, OMG, I was on the edge of my seat!

The ensemble cast is dee-lish-us. All these savior dudes are hunka hunka burning love-fests. It's an orgy of beefcake. Not that I've ever partaken in an orgy (or have I? LOL ), but if I were to partake, I'd partake with these guys. Not since the Lords Of the Underworld series have I met a more delightful cast of swoon-worthy characters.

So, what drew this rating down from a 5 star review?

1. Lots of grammatical errors. Onesies or twosies I'll deal with. It was almost as if this author was writing so fast to get the words out, she missed some stuff. Hell, if I were writing this book, I'd be writing fast too!

2. The wrap up left a lot being desired. OK, so we have this situation where things aren't looking good, and the answer to fix it all is love. Got it. But then, we skip ahead when it's all said and done, and I was like, WFT? *HOW* did they fix it? It was like the author took a short-cut, or didn't know how this fixin' truly worked, so she glossed over it instead of writing about it. I felt a little cheated, like she'd short-sheeted my bed.

3. I'm jealous I didn't write it. OK, that one doesn't really count, and had no impact on my rating. Just saying.

Seriously, if you like PNR romance, read this book. I'm continuing with the series, and adding it my Series to Keep Reading list.

Book Review: Fearless, by Tawdra Kandle

Fearless
Tawdra Kandle

Initial Thoughts: Insta-love-itus

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Summary:
Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad's job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn's ability to hear others' thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town's secrets aren't just bizarre, they're deadly.

My Thoughts:

I really toyed with my rating. On the one hand, the story moved well, the characters were well drawn, and it was pretty well written. On the other hand: I hate insta-love. It's just not believable in my book, unless the author makes it believable, i.e., give me a reason to believe it. In this case, it didn't work for me. But for those of you who believe in love at first sight with no cosmic explanation...go right ahead and disagree with my thoughts and rating, cuz you'll love this book! 

So, like I said, this book was actually well-laid out, the plot moved fairly well (though started extremely slow...I'm all for the slow build-up, but sometimes things gotta move along, ya know what I'm sayin'?), and things were very descriptive. You saw, felt, smelled, got all the senses going.

Tasmyn is like-able, and her growth is what's to be expected from a teenage girl with over-protective parental units. I like how she took control over her life in the end. Atta girl! Loved the bitches, I could just picture those mean girls raging through the high school halls. The science teacher was deliciously mysterious and creepy.

Michael, her insta-love connection, is a nice guy, works hard, struggles sometimes in school with some subjects (which I liked, no one can be too perfect, otherwise - gag!). Another well-drawn character.

Here's my problem. Everything was insta-good. Tasmyn and Michael? Insta-love. Tasmyn and his parents? Insta-love. The good things here were that her parents weren't so quick to jump on the love caboose with Michael, and his sister wasn't down with the whole gee-she-can-read-your-thoughts-but-don't-worry-she-works-real-hard-to-not-listen-but-hey!-no-promises-there sitch. Good for her. Can't have everything be too easy! LOL

Other minor annoyances: 

1. If her parents are so freaking over-protective, the first, and I mean FIRST, thing they'd do is buy her a cell phone so they can connect any time. Not buying the fact that she didn't have one.

2. The set-up at the end was obviously a set-up. But Michael had his phone turned off...who does that? No teenager I know, so this was an obvious hurdle the author threw in to get us to the main event.

3. There's something going on with the insta-love connection, since it seems to be a family trait on Michael's side. I would have bought this whole thing if there was something behind that, and maybe there is, but it's never touched on.

4. The wrap-up was kinda quick. 

Overall, the book was good, just a little too many coincidences and obvious in the plotting phases.