Sunday, November 27, 2011

My Top Ten Book Boyfriend list of 2012 thus far!

I don’t think I can accurately decide the actual rankings among these books I’ve read this year. They are all very good in their own right for their own reasons. Additionally, the timing is vast between when I read these books and the one that is most fresh in my mind always seems the best. So I will just say these are the ten must read books/series. I’m including series as one because I want to include more books.

Let’s start with my top three heroines from Vampire Academy, Divergent, and the Hunger Games.

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6)Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I want to begin with Rose because I think she is the top “girl” lead I’ve ever read. Why did I choose Rose over Katiness and Tris? It is because Rose is more “real” than the other two despite that she is the only one in a paranormal romance. Rose although tough and capable, is a girl. She has desires for male attention and the one I can relate to more. From the beginning Rose has been selfless making tough decisions but always having everyone’s best interest at heart. Rose was born a leader and always acted like one. But she always showed vulnerability when it came to love and relationships.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my book boyfriends from this series. Dimitri and Adrian, wow! What’s not to love about either other them. Dimitri is the guy we shouldn’t date if we are Rose because he is our instructor and legal when we are not. But his passion and sexiness drive us insane. Adrian is the fun loving guy who doesn’t believe in himself. He is vulnerable and we want to save him from himself. But at the end of the day, Rose needs someone strong to balance her out and handle her in ways Adrian cannot. So the best decision is made with Dimitri at her sides. I can’t wait for the next Bloodlines book to see if Adrian will fight for what he cannot let go.

Divergent (Divergent, #1)Divergent by Veronica Roth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Tris is my number two girl. What makes her number two instead of number one? Tris didn’t begin to think out of the box until the opportunity presented itself. She conformed until at sixteen and the “choosing” approach. Additionally, Tris was not a born leader until faced with no other options. She continually questioned herself about what was right/wrong. Her fighting against the “bad” guys only came when her family and friends were threatened. She is also not selfless which she admits as much. But her journey is not over like the other two series, so who knows how much more she will evolve. Tris was also initially uncomfortable with relationships. Therefore, she wasn’t as relatable to me.

Obviously, Four/Tobias is the guy. Al was never in contention. Tobias is strong and can help Tris to become the leader she is destined to be. Hopefully he can convince Tris that she is pretty and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. She will not grow until she learns to love herself a bit more.

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




Katiness is my number three girl. I must say, I don’t like Katiness very much. She is cold and unfeeling which has a lot to do with her circumstances. I didn’t much like her choices. She was definitely selfless, but she lacked emotions. I just couldn’t relate to that. She never allowed herself to feel. In fact, I think in the end, she only went with her option not so much that she loved the guy more but that he was the only one who showed up. Also, I think it was her best option despite I was on the other team. The other guy was too similar to her in a lot of ways. She needed someone else to balance herself out. But I never felt Katiness feel. She was always just doing the right thing. I think she would have done well in Tris’s home faction. I still loved the series though.

Gale and Peeta have very different qualities. Gale is strong and handsome. He will fight for us physically and loves us desperately. Peeta however will also fight for us but in different ways. He’s always loved us. His quiet nature compliments are strong one. He is the best choice.

Shadowfever (Fever, #5)Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



My top book boyfriend of all time would be Barrons. The Fever series is nothing short of great. The characters are rich and Barrons is the mysterious strong guys that we all want to protect us and love us with such ferocity. Barrons is right for Mac who although has evolved to be a fighter still needs protection. You have to read this series to appreciate. Well worth it.


HushedHushed by Kelley York

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



What can I say about Hushed other than the book took me by surprise. The guy is irredeemable yet we grow to love him nonetheless. Despite my apprehension to his flaws I find myself putting him on my top ten book boyfriend list.

Who wouldn’t love Evan? He will stand by us and be there through thick and thin unconditionally. Who wouldn’t want a man like that?


Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid, #6)Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Georgina Kincaid made a bad decision and made another to overcome the first. Despite being a succubus and leading men to the dark side to corrupt their souls, we love her. She is not typically strong but her values are high and she constantly tests the limits of who she is to save the day.

Seth and Roman are very different male leads. Roman is the strong guy who will love you with a fighting sprirt. He love hard and fast and we love him. Seth is quiet at heart and sometimes a little soft, but he steps up when it counts the most. Georgina chooses right here and this is the best ending to a series I’ve ever read.


The next two books/series Shade and Beg for Mercy are different romance/paranormal romance books that I’ve ever read. The relationships are real in every way. There is no true love and no soul mates. The female and male leads are flawed and make bad decisions at times. They are in realistic situations in an unrealistic world only by nature because it is paranormal. The plot twists are not predictable and had me cringing at times. But I loved every second of the ride.

Shift (Shade, #2)Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Logan and Zachery are both to die for in the Shade series. But this is no typical love triangle. And how could it be if Logan is a non-corporal ghost. This series isn’t over, but I still love Zach despite what he did. I never saw that coming. Which is what makes this series great.

Beg for Mercy (Cambion #1)Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Paul, Flynn, Luke and Sebastian are all very good leads in Beg for Mercy. Who wouldn’t want Mercy’s problem with four hot guys. The only problem is choosing one. They are all good and bad and for different reasons. I couldn’t blame Mercy for her indecision. The easy answer is Flynn the hot bad boy who vulnerable heart shows through at times. Luke’s total love and kindness should also be the easy choice. Because he is not perfect which also makes him a good candidate despite his overall goodness. Paul is the would be boyfriend turned to best friend status only due to circumstances out of their control. But he’s human, so he is automatically last in the list. Then there is Sebastian. He is the wild card who is mysterious and dangerous. Yet in the end, he is the one that saves her time and time again. I can’t choose.


My breakout Indie awards go to Eden and Winter Awakening. These stories were fantastic and should be best sellers next to other traditionally published authors. Lighter on romance than all the others mention above, they still packed a punch, pun intended.

Eden (Eden Series, Book #1)Eden by Janelle Stalder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In Eden, Aiden is the perfect male lead and his confusion over the girls in his life is understandable. But they don’t eclipse the story that unfolds with mini romance stories all around. Aiden/Elisa/Wolf and Rose/Callum and King/Witch. This author manages to weave the tales of all of these romances yet romance is not the majority of the book. You have to read this fantasy tale to see the genius at work.


Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge (Winter's Saga, #1)Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge by Karen Luellen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In Winter’s Awakening, Meg is fearless and daunting. Yet she sometimes needs saving too. Her brothers are there to help protect her and fight against the unstoppable evil. This book is awesome and one you shouldn’t miss. The budding romance with Cole and Meg gets complicated with the introduction to Creed in book two. Yet again in this story’s romance is just a backdrop. It is an addition that enhances the story but doesn’t harm. Despite romance is not a major factor, you won’t even miss that it’s not the major theme. Another must read book of 2012.

There are many more great books out there that I’ve yet to read. My list only includes the stories that I have read. So don’t hate me if one of your favorite books/series isn’t on the list. I maybe I just haven’t read it yet. So check out my book list on Goodreads and suggest some other great series I should read!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Winter's Storm: Retribution (Winter's Saga, #2) by Karen Luellen

Winter's Storm: Retribution (Winter's Saga, #2)Winter's Storm: Retribution by Karen Luellen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the second book in a fantasy series novel. Appropriate for all ages.

Book Summary

Meg was the star of the first book, "Winter's Awakening." In this book, "Winter's Storm," Meg's brothers, Alik and Evan are given a chance to shine.

"Through their words and actions the boys take life and the scenes come alive as they are forced to challenge a greater threat than the group met in the first novel, only this time, without the help of Meg. In this book we also meet Creed a new and interesting metahuman torn between what he has been taught and what he knows is right. Along with the tension of being stalked by the most relentless hunters in the world, we are left wondering which side Creed will be on when the final battle comes.

My Review
This story begins not to far from where we left off in the first book. Again I was sucked into this story from the first page. We are introduced to a new character, Creed, who is connected to someone from the first book who had an encounter with Meg.

Although he’s new, I sympathized with him from the beginning and rooted for him throughout almost feeling like I was betraying Cole in a way. You’ll just have to read the story to understand why.

The story didn’t follow any predictable patterns for the most part. In fact, I was so engrossed with the story, I wasn’t even trying to figure out where things were headed. I just let Karen Luellen lead me wherever she wanted to take me.

I love a good cliffhanger, but having been able to read the first two books back to back, I must say I am in the dumps not being able to move on. Nevertheless, I don’t regret reading and not waiting. The third book can’t be released soon enough.

Great job! Again I recommend to readers of all ages.

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Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge (Winter's Saga, #1) by Karen Luellen

Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge (Winter's Saga, #1)Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge by Karen Luellen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The book is suitable for all audiences. It would be considered fantasy I think.

Book Summary

Assumptions
I am a normal human being.
I'm an average fifteen-year-old.
I have always lived here, and I always will.
This year will be like every other.

But I'll soon find out none of these assumptions are true.

******

Extraordinary teen Meg Winter and her brothers Alik and Evan are shoved into a new reality when they discover life is not what they thought it was: there is evil hunting them, they are not normal teens, and their mother's captor wants them back to continue his plans for the perfect race.(less


My Review
OMG! This book was amazing!

So how did I like this book? Let me count the ways. The story intrigued me from the first page and I was completely sucked in by the end of the first chapter. The point of view is mostly told from Meg’s prospective but the story weaves in effortlessly other points of view throughout. There is a bit of romance, not much but the story doesn’t need it. There is mystery, action and intrigue all woven through.

I really loved Meg, Alik, and Evan. These siblings’ whole world is turned upside down within the first few chapters. We follow their journey to turn it right side up. The author does a wonderful job at just everything. I don’t know what more to say without giving away the story. And I don’t do spoilers when I don’t have to. But it is a must read.

I recommend for everyone of all ages. Nothing inappropriate here. I especially suggest those fans of James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series and the two adult book When the Wind Blows and Lake House for which that series was derived.


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Falke's CaptiveFalke's Captive by Madison Layle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an adult paranormal romance novel and is not appropriate for young readers.

Book Summary

A graduate student working in animal genetics, Beth Coldwell is in town to track and tag big cats in the wild. Her prospects for the summer only improve when she meets Kelan and Reidar Falke and decides the sexy brothers are the right pair to fulfill her other, less than scientific, desires...
But her research is a threat to the Falke family secret. When Kelan, in cougar form, is captured, that secret comes closer than ever to being revealed. He escapes, but not before Beth draws a blood sample, and analysis shows this is no ordinary mountain lion.

Kelan and Reidar cannot deny the powerful attraction they feel toward Beth. She might just be their destined mate. But if they reveal themselves to her, will she embrace who they are or see them as just another science experiment?

My Review

This novel is a second in a series. Unfortunately, I had not read the first. However that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book. I really liked this one. In fact, I plan to read the first in the series soon.

The book captures our attention with two of six brothers. Hot! I must say, I was intrigued with Kelan from the first time he crossed the page of the novel. He’s strong but has passion everything I could love in a fictional character.

There is a story why the brothers are the way they are. Some of it was explained but not overly so, as I would expect in a second in the series. I wasn’t lost, but wished I had a deeper perspective of the back story because I liked the characters so much.

The plot was not totally predictable which is always nice. I will be reading more from this author in the future.

I recommend for those paranormal romance fans who like extra "spice" in their story. This story has explicit scenes so beware.


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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Eden (Eden Series, Book #1) by Janelle Stalder

Eden (Eden Series, Book #1)Eden by Janelle Stalder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.


This is a fantasy novel with some romance.

Book Summary

Stuck in the cruel world of hormones and high school bullies, Aiden is convinced life has something more to offer. A stranger soon brings him to a world that co-exists alongside our own called Eden. Here he will learn to trust himself and those around him, as all of Eden finds itself on the brink of war. With the handsome rider Wolf, his sidekick Logan, and the beautiful archer Elisa at his side, Aiden will battle to save Eden and learn just what he is capable of.
Being the only girl in the King’s Army, and the Captain’s daughter, Elisa constantly feels the need to prove herself. It doesn’t help that she is betrothed to Wolf, who challenges her at every turn, and who she refuses to marry. With the new stranger, Aiden, now involved, Elisa finds her life even more confusing than ever.
Rose is a prisoner of the war, taken by the army from the North. Her captor, the exiled Prince Callum, intrigues her and terrifies her all at the same time. Now she must choose to either betray her heart, or the memory of her family.
Eden is packed full of romance, adventure, humour, and action.

My Review

I’m going to say Wow. This book was fantastic.

When I began the book I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Not for anything more than I thought it was about a genre I don’t normal read but one I watch often on tv. But before the prologue was over, I was hooked. I couldn’t put the book down. I read straight through with minor breaks.

This story has multiple storylines that some authors can’t pull off. Not Janelle Stanlder. She takes it and runs away and as a reader you just sit back and enjoy the ride.

This story is told mostly from the point of view of a young male, Aiden and Janelle also pulls this off with flying colors. The story has romance but not enough to be considered a romance novel and that is fine. The story doesn’t need more than what it has to be great.

I’m personally in love with Callum. I really enjoyed the story line between Aiden/Elisa/Wolf and Rose/Callum. I can’t wait for the sequel, so I hope Janelle works double time! I also really love Turk and hope to find out more about him.

This is a fabulous read and I highly recommend to anyone.


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Indie Spotlight - Visions by Anna James

VisionsVisions by Anna James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book as a part of Read 2 Review.

This is an Adult Mystery Novella with a bit of paranormal activity

Book Summary

Prudence Bailey has just learned that Laura Bailey, the woman she has always believed to be her mother, is in fact a distant cousin. Laura adopted Prudence when she was four years old after her father, Joshua Adams, brutally murdered her mother, Jane, then killed himself.

She has no memory of the past and, after Laura’s death, decides to return home to Salem Massachusetts to learn more. Twenty years have now passed since the murder / suicide took place.

Almost immediately she meets Detective Matt Cavanaugh, her neighbor. Matt is gorgeous and sexy and Pru is instantly attracted to him. Matt is also linked to her past. His father, now a retired police officer, was first on the scene the night of her parents’ deaths.

From the moment she returns Pru experiences visions that lead her to believe that the circumstances surrounding her parents’ deaths are not as they seem. The facts don’t add up. And when a recent murder that Matt is investigating is linked to the past they discover that Pru is right and the killer is still on the loose.

Will they discover the killer’s identity in time or will history repeat itself?

My Review

Overall, I really liked this book. The mystery part of the story was well told in novella format. The writting was well done and flowed making the story easy to read. I was very surprised by the “who done it” part of the book which I’m generally not easily fooled. So that was a good thing.

For a novella, I know that an author has limited time to unfold a story. But for me the romance all be it for the most part realistic, felt rushed and not needed. If not for the romance, this story would have been five stars and here is why.

I know that meeting someone and having sex can happen very quickly. Wham bam thank you mam comes to mind. But here is my problem with how it was handled in this story. After a first date, Matt drops off Pru and home and gives her a kiss. But next thing we know his hand is on her breast and she’s ok with that. From her mind, she’s only just met the guy. I might have been ok with that if not for me stopping and re-reading the previous pages to see if I missed something. And I hadn’t. Prior to this moment, Matt’s hair and eyes are described and nothing else. Nowhere did I find that Pru saw he was attractive or she lusted for him, giving us any reasons why she’d be ok with this. A sentence even saying why she was ok with his forward behavior would have gone a long way. So as I’m reading I’m thinking I’ll let that go. Until the end when he confesses love for a girl he’s met again a few days ago and now is asking to marry her. I just can’t buy it. Even though it flowed as a story, it just wasn’t believable for me.

So if I had half stars, I would say this is a 3.5. But I’m going to round up, because the mystery part of the story was so well done, I have to give credit for that.

I would recommend for adults who enjoy mystery. There are aspects of paranormal but not ones that readers who are paranormal fans wouldn’t enjoy.


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Indie Spotlight - Coexist (Keegan's Chronicles #1) by Julia Crane

Coexist (Keegan's Chronicles #1)Coexist by Julia Crane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book from Read 2 Review.

This is a young adult urban fantasy novel with some paranoral romance.

Book Summary

Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans. In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Rourk finds himself drawn to Keegan's side every time she thinks his name. He wants to talk to her but remains in the shadows, silently guarding her every time she mentally beckons him. A twist of fate thrusts the two of them together when Rourk is forced to step up his protection and make his presence known. An ancient prophecy deeply entwines Keegan's family and the future of their society. Somehow they must find a way to thwart fate and win the battle...without losing Keegan. With war brewing, and dark forces aligning, will Keegan and Rourk ever have the life together that they both desire?

My Review

This book was nearly 5 stars for me. I really like it. From the first page, I was drawn into the story and felt invested into it. Other than Tolkien, I haven’t really read about elves, so that was nice. The mythology was great. The story line was believable. I really felt for Keegan.

So why not five stars? Somewhere a little after halfway through, I felt cheated with Keegan and her beau. I felt that the weekend they shared which could have really drawn me to love the guy was rushed. Although I was connected with him, I felt there could have been more.

Also, the war just seemed to happen. I know that it was prophesied. But if the other side wasn’t aware of the Thaddeus’s recent prophecy, how would they know to go to Ireland for a war if everyone was in the states? It seems to me the ‘light’ elves themselves brought the war on by gathering in Ireland. I guess a paragraph before they actually went to Ireland to war saying that “spies” confirm that the dark elves were preparing for war, might have gone a long way to believability. The only thing we got was once they were in Ireland ‘dark’ elves’ scouts were spotted, unless I missed something???

All in all, I’m looking forward to reading the sequel which thankfully is already out there so I don’t have to wait. :)

So, I would recommend to YA paranormal romance readers!


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Indie Spotlight - Therian (The Bloody Crescent, #1) by Roxanne Kade

Therian (The Bloody Crescent, #1) Therian (The Bloody Crescent, #1) by Roxanne Kade

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book from Read 2 Review.

This is an older young adult paranormal romance novel. POV is college aged.

Book Summary

All Amberlyn Darksky has ever wanted is to be normal. But what if normal is everything supernatural and legendary?

Amber has never been ordinary. She has a gift, the ability to see memories through simple touch, and for her it’s a curse. Especially when she has to relive her mother’s death, the night she was born, through her father’s eyes. Leading a sheltered life for years under his constant watch has her yearning for freedom and her acceptance into Cyprus Falls University gives her just that.

She is immediately plunged into a world of true love, heart ache, seduction and horror. With a deepening affection for Tayelon Cree, whose sparkling hazel eyes leave her breathless, and the undeniable allure of Lucard Colbaine, who seems to be immune to her gift, can she accept what either of them represent in her life? And what about the steely eyed vampire who invades her dreams? When the blackouts and nightmares begin, Amber fears the pain that rips into her soul and threatens to destroy her. Before long she is faced with the truth of her destiny, as well as the devastating secrets that surround the people she holds dearest; dark secrets that will truly change the course of her very existence. Amber doesn’t know if she has the strength to accept the hand fate has dealt her. She will have to fight as hard as possible to remain human while the beasts inside her rage to take over.

My Review

Overall, I really liked this book. One very positive thing about this story is that the setting of the book is college life. This is the gap that is missing in current market place. There just aren’t that many book that surround college life.

I do feel conflicted over this book, though. I really liked all the characters and felt they were believable for the most part. However, I found some of the situations and choices to be unbelievable at times.

Tayelon is the leading quarterback on the football team, yet he’s only date one girl and that was in his freshman year. Even if I could buy that, I would expect girls would be circling him. I didn’t get that sense. There were other things surrounding his character that just didn’t ring true but not enough for me not to enjoy the book.

But with that said, I never once felt forced to read it. I wanted to read it and did it straight through. I enjoyed the book despite the few flaws. I find myself thinking about the characters and wanting the sequel now. The cliffhanger is making me crazy wondering what’s going to happen next. I can’t wait to read more about Lucard and Lynke, but I’m a big fan of their species. Don’t get me wrong, I love Taye too!

So, I would recommend to paranormal romance readers!


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Indie Spotlight - Malice by Griffin Hayes

MaliceMalice by Griffin Hayes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a Horror novel with a bit of paranormal activity.

Book Summary

Something unspeakable is murdering the townspeople of Millingham and only seventeen-year-old Lysander Shore knows what it is. A dark shadow that possesses its victims and forces them into grizzly acts of suicide. Lysander knows because he has seen it and he's pretty sure it saw him too.

Now he can't shake the eerie feeling he's being watched. And when his friends and neighbors begin to die under mysterious circumstances, he knows his only hope is to uncover what the shadow wants.

Lysander's frantic search for answers leads him to a dark secret. One that traces back to a witch's brutal torture and execution 350 years before. A secret about himself Lysander never knew. A secret he desperately wishes he could forget.

My Review

I really liked this book. I would consider this book more horror than paranormal, but there are paranormal aspects to the book. I was riveted by every chapter. Not a whole lot of romance, but the story really didn’t need it. So if you’re looking for romance, this is not necessarily the book for you.

What this book does deliver is mystery and horror. The story is very well developed and kept me captivated. The back story was well delivered at perfect timing. Chapter to Chapter the flow was a bit jarring but I have a feeling that the author wanted the reader a bit off balance.

I recommend this book to those who like horror and paranormal type books. I look forward to reading more form this author.


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Indie Spotlight - The Bringer by Samantha Towle

The BringerThe Bringer by Samantha Towle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book from Read 2 Review.

This is an Adult Paranormal Romance Novel.

Book Summary

Death is sad, love is agony.

Max was her next job. She got his name just before he died and it was for her to lead his soul to heaven. She was a Bringer.

Then Max started pleading (as they often do), but not for himself, for his son, James.

Would she look after him, would she comfort him as he grieved for the loss of his father? James was a sensitive young man. He would take his father's death very hard.

Well, Bringers don't do that sort of thing; their exclusive role is to usher souls to heaven. They are not allowed to get involved in earthly affairs.

However, when she saw James, she felt something she had never felt before - an emotion, a shock.

She was a Bringer. Bringers do not have emotions.

Yet she couldn't help herself. She found herself being drawn inexorably towards James and his life, against every instinct she had ever had, against every law of the universe.

And she fell in love.

For a Bringer, that is a terrifying fall.

My Review

This was nearly a 5 star book for me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to the sequel. I wasn’t expecting every twist in the story which is always great. The romance part of the book was well balanced for the most part. In the beginning, I kind of questioned it but all will be explained. I won’t say anything further because I don’t really like giving spoilers away.

The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars because it took me a couple of chapters to get in the story. I understand why now, but as a reader I want to be gripped from the beginning. To be honest, I think the first chapter did draw me in. But a few chapters after that dragged for understandable reasons. Inside the Lucyna’s head was just as her character was described and that wasn’t good.

For those intending to read, be patient. Hang on and you will enjoy the ride.

Oh, as a side note for American readers, this book uses more of the ‘Queens’ English. It wasn’t a problem for me. In fact I learned what a jumper was. It’s a sweater. But for me, an American, my first thought was overalls. LOL!

Good book. I recommend to those who like paranormal romance. This book delivers.


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Indie Spotlight - Bound by Blood (The Garner Witch #1) by P.A. Lupton

Bound by Blood (The Garner Witch #1)Bound by Blood by P.A. Lupton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book as a part of R2R.

This is an Adult Paranormal Romance Novel.

Book Summary

FBI agent and psychic, Brianna Reece, descends from an ancient and powerful bloodline of witches, only she doesn’t know it. But now that legacy has come back to bite her—literally. In the shadows of night in Denver Colorado, a serial killer is hunting women, and FBI agent Brianna Reece is hunting the killer. Unlike any case she’s worked before, Brianna can’t ignore the prickling at the back of her neck when she glimpses the resemblance she shares with the victims. The investigation begins to touch even closer to home when it is revealed that all of the victims were also psychic. Complicating matters further, Brianna is captivated by the FBI’s prime suspect Nathan Donovan. Though she senses he is hiding something from her, the attraction she feels for him is compelling, and unlike anything she’s ever experienced. Through a chance twist of fate, Nathan learns of Brianna’s ancestry and is forced to divulge secrets to Brianna that will change her life forever. When she learns that the killer is an evil vampire, and he’s now set his sights on her, Nathan alone holds the key to awakening her dormant powers. Now he must race to teach her how to control her emergent gifts before she becomes the next victim.


My Review

Overall this was a great read. The author does a good job with the mystery and intrigue. I really liked Brianna as a tough kick butt girl. I also enjoyed Morrison and wish him a HEA with the next installment of the book. Nathan was great of course. My only complaint would be that I would have loved to see Nathan court Brianna more. I didn't get a sense of what he woud do to get the girl. But I didn't let that affect my rating of the book.

I certainly would recommend to those who enjoy a good mystery with a healthy dose of paranormal activity.


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Indie Spotlight - Elemental: The First by Alexandra May

Elemental: The FirstElemental: The First by Alexandra May

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book as a part of R2R.

This is a yound adult novel.


Book Summary

ROSE Frost receives a bracelet on her sixteenth birthday, a parting gift from her mother who claims it is a family heirloom. From that night Rose starts having vivid dreams and strange visions.

DAYS after, her family separate and Rose moves into her grandmother's house. Her dreams start to involve a woman called Halíka Dacomé. Is she a legend or a figment of her imagination?

DANGER strikes one night. Rose is first on the scene after she smells burning and discovers a car that has been purposely set on fire. She is convinced that the boy in her latest vision is inside the car. The mysterious Aiden Deverill pulls Rose to safety, but not before a window explodes and a ball of fire burns them both. She uses her secret healing gift to heal the scars and to all appearances remains unscathed.
But Aiden is free from burns too and Rose doesn't know why.
She is drawn to his alluring smile, his gorgeous dark looks and hypnotising blue eyes, but as they get closer her friends warn her off claiming that he's bad news.

Rose tries to find the truth about Halika Dacomé and more about why Aiden is so disliked, but she soon gets drawn into helping her friends solve the mystery behind the missing Warminster townsfolk. The latest missing person is her new friend Jez's father.

During the investigation she meets Morgan, a family friend of Daisy's who lives in the cottage at the bottom of Daisy's garden. He's kind, funny and clearly devoted to her, but Rose finds out that his hatred towards Aiden and his grandfather, Ben Deverill, lies rooted in a shocking event that happened years before involving both families.

For Rose, her new life is beginning but she soon realises that people are not always what they seem, and finds it difficult to determine who to trust.

What she always believed to be a happy family and a friendly town soon turns on its head when she discovers that her family secret, Aiden Deverill and the truth behind Halíka Dacomé is at the heart of the whole conspiracy.


My Review

This book was really interesting. It took a little too long for me to get into I think. Had I not had this to review, I might have stopped reading and missed a really good story. Additionally, at the beginning I think the author had a tendency to over describe things that weren’t really necessary to the story which made it drag on. But once we into the meat of the story, I couldn’t stop reading. I didn’t like Rose very much in the beginning or understand why she reacted certain ways, but I accepted that. It wasn’t so bad that I didn’t remain interested or invested in seeing the story through. Actually, I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I happen to be a big fan of Morgan, but we will see where Rose’s heart lies.

I recommend this book.


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Indie Spotlight - Enchantment by Charlotte Abel

EnchantmentEnchantment by Charlotte Abel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book as a part of R2R.


This is a young adult paranormal romance novel.

Book Summary:

Sixteen year old Channie Kerns leads an idyllic life of seclusion and magic deep in the Ozark Mountains ... until her family is forced to flee for their lives.

They leave everything and everyone behind to start over in Louisville, Colorado. Magic is forbidden while they are in hiding, but Channie can't resist the temptation to enchant a group of local boys. When her overbearing parents catch her flirting with these "sex-crazed, non-magical delinquints,” they slap a chastity spell on her to protect her virtue.
The spell is triggered by lust, so just navigating the halls at her new school is an ordeal. She can't even touch a boy she's attracted to without blasting him with a jolt of magical energy that feels like a taser.

When Channie falls in love with Josh Abrim, a BMX racer with dangerous secrets of his own, she rebels against her parents and turns to dark and forbidden magic to break the chastity spell ... with disastrous results


My review

This book was certainly enchanting. Overall it was a very good read. It certainly was different than anything else I’ve read. I really enjoyed it a lot. I haven’t read a lot of books that center around witchcraft, so I’m not as familiar. But for me it was really different. I enjoyed learning the mythology built in it. Once I got into the story, I was in it until the end. I laughed a few times at the situation the couple found themselves in. Plot lines, I haven’t seen before. The parents weren’t good as other reviews mentioned, but to me that made the story. The story centers on the parents being awful and how that translated to Channie. I won’t give spoilers away, but I only had a few problems with the story. I didn’t quite buy that Channie would reveal herself so easily to one of the characters. It was too quick in the story based on the fact that it had been so engrained in her how important it was for her abilities to remain hidden. Secondly, I thought that the story at the high school felt rushed. Some of the extra characters weren’t really developed or really needed. Then the romance between the couple was perilously closed to happening to fast to be realistic. But once past that, the story took off. Despite those few things, the story was really good.

I would recommend to those who like authors such as Rachel Vincent and Jeri-Smith Ready.


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No Holds Barred by Callie Croix

No Holds BarredNo Holds Barred by Callie Croix

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My reviews don’t contain spoilers.

This is an Erotica Novella.


The set up for this book from the book summary is During a playful talk about fantasies, Caitlin's fiancé offers to give her a threesome—with his best friend, Liam, who's coming to spend the weekend. At first Cait is shocked that Nathan could entertain the thought of sharing her with another man, but once he's planted the idea her imagination runs wild, leaving her deeply aroused—yet still unsure about what the implications could be for her and Nate's relationship.

Okay this book is hot! Besides being erotica, this author takes this novella and really makes use of all her words. This story is really well written. I really felt Cait’s feelings as if they were my own. Her angst was mine. I appreciated that. But the angst wasn’t the annoying kind that makes you want to skim the story. It was just a natural part of the story that was being told. I left the story hoping there would be more from these characters, yet I was satisfied with what I got.

I totally recommend this story for those who enjoy erotica.


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A Shot In The Dark by Christine d'Abo

A Shot In The DarkA Shot In The Dark by Christine d'Abo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My reviews don’t contain spoilers.

This is an Erotica Novella

The set up for this book from the summary is Carter is one of the hottest men ever to walk into Paige Long's coffee shop. The attraction is mutual, and when Carter reveals himself to be a Dom, the submissive in Paige is aroused.

As a follow up to Double Shot, this book held its own. I really like this one. Even though this book is a novella, it took it’s time with the romance and I really appreciated that. The erotica was just as hot as I’ve come to expect from this author. The author created entirely different scenarios that I wouldn’t have dreamed up.

I’m not submissive by nature, so some of the aspects of the book had me cringe for Paige. But I still thoroughly enjoyed the story.

This is an author I will continue to follow. I'm really looking forward to Ian's story which hopefully will include Blue Eyes. I recommend this for those who enjoy erotica.


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Double Shot by Christine d'Abo

Double ShotDouble Shot by Christine d'Abo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My reviews don’t contain spoilers.


This is an Erotica Novella.

The set up for this book from the book summary is Coffee shop owner Sadie Long has been lusting after her good friend Paul Williams for years. So she's more than a little intrigued when he invites her to a business meeting at Mavericks, the sex club where he works.

This was a fast quick read, one I wish would have been longer. I think there is a story about Josh and Paul that needs to be told. Because this I guess is considered a Novella for me the romance was a bit rushed. And as I mentioned before I think more attention could have been paid to the Josh/Paul and Sadie/Paul romance.

That being said, I still really liked this one. The erotica part of the book was HOT! I wish there had been more. And again Josh/Paul, I wish there could have been more.

Anyway, I recommend this quick cup of java to anyone who likes m/f/m and m/m/f. It won’t disappoint.

I'm onto A Shot in the Dark!


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