Intertwined (Intertwined, #1) by Gena Showalter

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a young adult urban fantasy novel.

Book Summary

There’s something about the new guy at Crossroads High…

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can possess another human.
One can tell the future.

Everyone thinks he’s crazy, which is why he’s spent his entire life shuffled between mental institutions and juvie. All of that is about to change, however. For months Aden has been having visions of a beautiful girl—a girl who carries centuries-old secrets. A girl who will either save him or destroy him.

Together they’ll enter a dark world of intrigue and danger... but not everyone will come out alive.

My Review

So let me tell you a little about this story. There is a lot going on. But that didn’t bother me. In fact, I think that added to the appeal for me.

Step one. The writing was choppy and juvenile for me in the beginning. I guess the author was going for authentic teenage speak, but even the inner dialogue was the same. And for me, it made the story fall flat. Somewhere however, all that is eclipsed and the story really takes off for me. I was able to look past all of that.

Step Two. The characters. There are a lot of them. Despite the number, for the most part, the author does a great job of letting the reader to get to know enough about each to enjoy the story. Although only one really interested me.

Step Three. The plot. I have to say that this story is a mesh of all things paranormal. It may seem like a lot to some, but for me I found that the author did a really good job of putting it all together in an interesting way. There is a little paranormal for everyone. Because there was so much going on, I never really knew what was going to happen next. The author did a really good job of answering our questions not too soon or too late, but right before the reader might get frustrated which was good.

Overall, it was an interesting read. I would recommend for those paranormal readers who don’t mind reading a book with mini storylines that are unfolding and bringing in new aspects to the story with them along the way. But this story surely sets us up for the next one.

Audio Review
Jessica Almasy does an amazing job at keeping the high number of character straight with different voice inflections. I love her Julien. But I have to say, I probably enjoyed this story that much more because of her great narration.

My new hot book boyfriend is Riley.





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Indie Spotlight - Dark Matter (Elemental Enmity, #2) by Christie Rich

Dark Matter by Christie Rich

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is an older young adult paranormal romance novel.

Book Summay

Rayla Tate’s dreams for the future shattered when she discovered she was an Elemental capable of manipulating matter. Thrust, once again, into the magical fae realm of Faeresia, she has an important choice to make. But now that she has Heath to contend with, deciding between Zach and Luke is the least of her concerns. Tall, dark and lethal to her will, her attraction to Heath eclipses all she has experienced with any other lord, but he is using compulsion to wear her down. If only she could trust her feelings?

In a desperate attempt to escape Heath, she accepts the help of a little troll and finally gets what she wants; however, her relief is short lived. Things go terribly wrong when a dark force closes in on her, threatening to steal her burgeoning power before she even has a chance to test her abilities. Now, with Rayla as their captive, the Order will stop at nothing to create a male Elemental, and willing or not, Rayla is the key.

Caught up in the age-old battle for dominance between human and fae, only one question matters to her now—will she be able to save those she loves most without losing herself in the process? Or will she be forever haunted by the choices she alone can make?

My Review

Overall, I liked this story more than the first. We were immersed in Christie Rich’s Fae world throughout most of the story. There we learned just the extent to Christie’s imagination in a good way.

I wasn’t endeared more to Rayla in this story. But that is okay, I didn’t have to like her much to enjoy this story. She was wrought again with indecision and I wanted to slap her at times and hug her other ones. Okay, let me give her some slack, surrounded by hot guys, I think I would be just as confused if they all wanted me as well. We meet a new suitor in this story. For me the jury is still out on him.

The storyline was one, I don’t think I could imagine and that’s a good thing. We went places I hadn’t expected to go. And when I though all my questions were answered, something else would happen. All that did was help make this story a page turner.

Would I recommend yes. For those who love stories about the fae and don’t mind love triangle, give this story a shot. You may find a new series to love.

My book boyfriend, Finn. Since he wasn't on the menu, I guess you will have to read why I chose him.







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Indie Spotlight - Five (Elemental Enmity, #1) by Christie Rich

Five by Christie Rich

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars



This is an older young adult paranormal romance novel.

Book Summary

Rayla Tate was just a child when her mother disappeared from her life forever. Raised by her aunt Grace in a small town, she has lived a relatively uneventful but extremely sheltered life. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is special. She has been hidden from the fae who have lived secretly among us since the beginning of time. Descended from an ancient blood-line of Elementals, only she has the power to crown the first fae high-king.

Sick of provincial living and the dictates of her aunt, Rayla flees the safety of her home and runs away to college with her best friend. However, excitement over her newfound freedom is short-lived when she finds herself being chased by a mysterious stranger on her way to school. She is drawn to him immediately but resists the compulsion she feels. He disappears into the night, but she is certain he is following her.

Rayla struggles to deal with the encounter while she adapts to her new environment. To make matters worse, Aunt Grace reveals that Rayla will soon be hunted by a pack of fae lords, each hoping to claim her power for his own. She soon finds herself surrounded by stunning men. Are they fae, or is this just normal college life? More importantly, who can she trust when she can’t trust herself to be near them?

My Review

The second time around reading was better and smoother than the first. This story has a lot of potential and held a lot of good more so than bad. It really took off towards the end. There is a hand full of hot guys and I can’t hide my excitement for all the drama.

My biggest problem I had was with the main character, Rayla. She took the news that she was different a lot calmer and more accepting than I would have expected. She allowed a boy into her more private secrets a little easier than I would have thought. However, in some respects I understood some of her decisions.

My other problem was with the “insta love” between some of the character but especially Cassie and one of the Lords that was suppose to court Rayla. But that’s me.

Otherwise, the story was original and unique in a way that made me want to know more about the characters.

Towards the end of the book, things took an unexpected turn for the better. Once we got to see the world of fae spun my the author, things really took off. There is a really good story in there. Still with that said, being the curious sort, I will the next installment.

This story was better this time around. I’m giving it 3.5 stars.

My book boyfriend is Zach.


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Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians, #1) by Dianne Duvall

Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





This is an adult paranormal romance novel. (NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

Book Summary

In this dazzling, innovative debut paranormal series, Duvall beckons readers into a world of vampires, immortals, and humans with extraordinary gifts--where passion can last forever. Original.

My Review

I don’t know about you, but I’ve read and seen a ton of vampire stories a lot of different ways. I’ve liked some and loved others. This is one of the stories I loved.

Okay, first let me be honest I did a bit of eye rolling with the author’s mythology on her vampires. They were a bit goody goody for me. I have to say though, in the end it just worked. The author did a bang up job at plugging any holes and making sure everything was plausible.

Those that follow my reviews also know I hate unbelievable love. I encounter books all the time that straddle the edge or down right fall into that trap. But this author made me a believer. She plugged the hole of “insta love” with so much gauze of reasonability and fail proof logic, I had no way but to except what happened.

What I really like about this story is the bad boy here isn’t a jerk. The author pulled out the stops to make this guy unapproachable without him being rude to the female lead. He’s an alpha male but a gentleman through and through.

I have to say this was a love story for me for the ages. Hell, I fell in love with Roland along the way. I even fell for his cat. The characters are so well written, I was taken in immediately with this story. The storyline was original and creative. Okay, the basis for the storyline has been done a hundred times, but boy meets girl, danger ensues, they fall in love, and danger is adverted. But how it is done is imaginative. When I think I’m smarter, the author points out exactly what I was thinking. I couldn’t find any holes to plug because she plugs them herself. She just has a gifted way of telling a story.

Overall, a bang up story and one you shouldn’t hesitate to read. I totally recommend for paranormal lovers. This series will be liked by those who enjoy Black Dagger Brotherhood, Demonica, Lords of the Underworld, and the Highlander series. There are many more great men to explore in this series as I was torn with who I loved the most.

Look out Bones (Night Huntress series) there is a new British vamp in town. And his name is Roland and he is my latest book boyfriend.






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By a Thread (Elemental Assassin, #6) by Jennifer Estep

By a Thread by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



An adult urban fantasy novel. (NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

Book Summary

When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation.

Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun.

But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.

My Review

I have to say that Jennifer Estep made me remember why I love this series with this book. So much so, I felt kind of lost when it was over wondering what I could read that would live up to this.

This is probably my favorite of the books next to the first or earliest ones that drew me in, in the first place.

Let me just say, that shamelessly, I wrote Jennifer after one of the books because of a certain event that left me in turmoil. Jennifer was kind enough to write back answering my question and my suggestion. I’m not going to take any credit other than, I guess I got what I asked for not exactly when and how I wanted it. But in the end, I think it was all for the best.

This was a great book that brought us back closer to how things were where this series began. It was refreshing to have a story without Mab. There was someone new in town. Or should I say Gin was in a new town. I’ll let you guys read and figure that one out.

This to me is one of the best adult urban fantasy series I’ve read. For all you readers who like your action with a dash of romance, this is the series for you. Gin is a no holds bar kind of girl. She’s not snarky all the time, but she certain has her quips when needed. I have to say my second favorite character in the series would be Finn. I love Finn. Early in the series I desperately wanted him and Gin to be together, but it shows you, that sometime the author knows better than the reader, lol.

If I had one complaint it would be that I wish Owen would be in the series more. Donovan was always in the action with Gin when he was in the series. Owen is always off on the side. I understand he lets Gin be who she is, but I still like my guys ultra strong. Maybe he can save Gin once. I don’t know. Anyway, this was a great book.

Audio Review

Lauren Fortgang does a wonderful job with this series as usual. I don't think I could ever listen to anyone else do Gin. She has that character nailed. Lauren doesn't have a wide array of voices she uses in the series, however I never get confused as to who is speaking. Again, Lauren is as fantastic as the writing for this series. Love it.

My book boyfriend is Owen. (he's eyes and nose are exactly right, but work with me here, lol)






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Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson #3) by Darynda Jones

Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is an adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy novel.

Book Summary

Charley Davidson—grim reaper extraordinaire, private investigator . . . meh—is practicing her profession under the influence, caffeine and copious amounts of it, due to an extreme desire to induce insomnia. Every time she closes her eyes, Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan, is there. Only thing is, he’s a tad peeved. She did bind him for all eternity, so it’s hard blame him. But 13 days without a wink is bound to bring out the crazy in a girl. So, when a man hires her to find his wife, Charley accepts the job with one goal in mind: Put the man behind bars, and not the wet kind. She can sense the guilt waft off him and vows to find the woman’s body and prove he’s a murderer.

In the meantime, Reyes is back in prison and none too happy about it . . . so Charley thinks, until she is carjacked by the dark-haired rake, who swears the very man he went to prison for killing is not only alive, but close by. And he wants Charley to find him.

While a visit to her old friend Rocket sheds no light on Reyes’s situation, Charley finds out the man’s wife is still alive and time is running out. Finding her before she dies would be a miracle, but she has to try. Together with the help of a fashion-impaired receptionist named Cookie, Charley sets out to bring the bad guys to justice. She just hopes Reyes is not one of them. And that she’s not hallucinating from her self-induced bout with insomnia.

My Review

This third installment is nothing short of the first two. This begins close to where the previous novel left off. In this novel, Reyes is nothing short of scary. He’s pissed. Charley is left to solve a mystery and deal with his wraith. Charley however may have a new beau?

This story has new revelations and still scratching our head over Reyes and what he will do next. We learn more about things in Charley’s past that she didn’t even know about. UB is always there and we get a shock that almost has us thinking who will protect Charley in the end, but it turns out to be an unexpected twist. I have to wonder about the gang that owns the mental hospital where Rocket lives. It seems like we will get more of that story to come.

Would I recommend this book? I highly recommend.

My book boyfriend is Reyes.






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Indie Spotlight - The Gates (The Resistance Trilogy, #2) by Rachael Wade

The Gates by Rachael Wade

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a adult paranormal romance. (rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

Book Summary

Armed with more unsettling knowledge about Gavin Devereaux and her circle of friends, Camille Hart is faced with new adversities and lethal propositions when she returns to the Amaranth exile to carry out Gavin’s risky crusade.

Realizing her journey through the bayou was only the beginning of her struggle to stay with Gavin, she finds that leaving her Louisiana home is the least of her worries. New evils await her on the other side, and as she and her friends press on with their mission, they are confronted with the reality that everything doesn't always go according to plan.

As secrets unfold and alliances are formed and broken, only the strongest will survive and the power of love will be tested when a war between witches, humans, and vampires erupts into an all-out power struggle and all is on the verge of being lost.

My Review

Starting off where book one left off, Camille is thrust into Gavin’s world. I was mad at Gavin in the beginning wondering why the wait, it was a little to Twilighty for me. But in the end, the author’s choice was the better road. Shows what I know, lol.

Somewhere in the middle I was really pissed, at Gavin and the choice he made. He stayed true, but I didn’t have to like it.

Camille and Gavin will be put to the test in this book. I can’t say more without giving a whole lot away. Scarlet, whether a color a particular nemesis wears a lot or a name of a scheming vixen, wasn’t something either of them wished for in this story.

As far as characters go, we got more of Audrey whom I really like. She is the kind of friend who will always be there for you. We got a bit more of Gabe and Josh, and a new character too.

The final book in this trilogy looks like it will be the apex of them all. I’m really looking forward to it. If you haven’t read this book or this series, pick it up.

My book boyfriend is Josh.





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