Halflings (Halflings, #1) by Heather Burch

Halflings by Heather Burch

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



This is a young adult paranormal novel.

Book Summary

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

My Review

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

Where to begin? To start off, I really wanted to like this story. There are a lot of good ideas in here. Unfortunately, to me, this book was a soup pot filled with good idea and bad execution.

Nikki is your average paranormal book heroine. She doesn’t believe in her beauty. She is not really a girly girl. And she is generally smart. Not terrible that this is the structure for most paranormal books these days. In fact, I read a number of novels that do well with this base model. Now this author layers on her on touches.

Nikki is an artist, no surprise there. Writers/Authors are creative people and tend to have their heroes and heroines creative people as well. But Nikki also drives a motorcycle. This is new or at least not done a lot. I don’t think it a spoiler to reveal that. Knowing she’s an artist and drives a motorcycle isn’t earth shattering. So that was a good thing.

The problem, I have with Nikki and most of the characters in the book, is the lack of character development. By the end of the book, I really don’t feel like I know her or can relate to her any better. I don’t have to like the main character in the story to enjoy it. But I should feel I understood the reason why they were who they were and how that relates to the story. Nikki was just one dimensional to me. As were the rest of the characters. The character I liked the most was Zero and he played a very minor role, but I found him interesting.

The story started on a bang and really kept moving from there, but I never felt part of the story. The writing was disjointed. At the end of every chapter it felt like you were hunger for a bite of a really good burger, but then the burger is gone and you now have a pencil and paper in your hand. The problem is you have no idea why the burger is gone and what happened to it. Not to mention that you are still starving. It was annoying. This writing style didn’t create a chapter ending cliffhanger to entice you to move to read on. Especially after a few chapters, when you realize that this follows a pattern every time. Just when things get good, we end up at a new place with significant time passage. In fact the timeline is horrible to follow.

I could probably say more, but why beat a dead horse. As I mentioned I received this from the publisher and who knows if I’ll get another book to review after this, but I had to be honest.

On a positive note, like I said, there were a lot of good ideas. The mythology was pretty good. So you might enjoy this one. You don’t have to take my word for it.

My Book Boyfriend if I had to choose would be Mace. But I'll post pics of the other guys too.

Mace


Raven


Vine

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SPOTLIGHT - Resurrection, a YA Paranormal Romance (Book 2 of The Guardians of Vesturon) by A.M. Hargrove

Resurrection, a YA Paranormal Romance by A.M. Hargrove

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a young adult (college age) novel.


Book Summary

"Maddie knew she was dying. Her life started to flash before her. She had visions of running down the soccer field, scoring a goal, eating her mother’s yummy, homemade, sticky cinnamon rolls, standing in her foyer listening to the police tell her father that her mother had been killed in a car accident. Each vision was disturbingly clear—as if it was happening again."

Rayn Yarrister, the first-born son and Leader of The Guardians, has been imprisoned on Vesturon for breaking their most sacred of covenants. He is suddenly jolted by Maddie's telepathic pleas for help, as her life hangs in the balance. Can he alert The Guardians in time to save his soulmate? Or will he face his trial alone and broken without his one true love?
In Resurrection (Book 2), The Guardians of Vesturon are facing their biggest challenges as Earth is threatened by an invading species from a distant planet intent on destroying it for its resources. The Guardians, as protectors of the universe, have been assembled to defend not only Earth, but other vulnerable worlds as well. The Yarrister family is threatened by an unknown entity intent on discrediting them. Will they uncover this plot in time to save themselves from ruin? Will The Guardians succeed in stopping the Xanthians, or will Earth be invaded and ravaged by this marauding species?

My Review

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

Did I like this book? Heck yes! Rayn is back and Maddie is in toe. Maddie grows as a character in story from being clumsy to strong. Does she still make her fair share of mistakes, yes. But with any story that what we want to read and see happen. I can’t share to much other than there are a lot of ups and downs. I wouldn’t want to walk in Maddie’s shoes. But somehow she pulls it off. Rayn, on the other hand, makes tough decisions. But I respect most of them. He’s been through a lot and even the best of us run out of patience at times.

I had some minor problems with the story but nothing that would keep anyone from enjoying it. This story is very interesting and different than any book I read. It captured my attention and I felt drawn back to it each and every time I had to put it down. So go out and read this second in a series after you’ve read Survival.

My book boyfriend is Rayn!






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The Litigators by John Grisham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is a legal mystery novel.

Book Summary

The partners at Finley & Figg—all two of them—often refer to themselves as “a boutique law firm.” Boutique, as in chic, selective, and prosperous. They are, of course, none of these things. What they are is a two-bit operation always in search of their big break, ambulance chasers who’ve been in the trenches much too long making way too little. Their specialties, so to speak, are quickie divorces and DUIs, with the occasional jackpot of an actual car wreck thrown in. After twenty plus years together, Oscar Finley and Wally Figg bicker like an old married couple but somehow continue to scratch out a half-decent living from their seedy bungalow offices in southwest Chicago.

And then change comes their way. More accurately, it stumbles in. David Zinc, a young but already burned-out attorney, walks away from his fast-track career at a fancy downtown firm, goes on a serious bender, and finds himself literally at the doorstep of our boutique firm. Once David sobers up and comes to grips with the fact that he’s suddenly unemployed, any job—even one with Finley & Figg—looks okay to him.

With their new associate on board, F&F is ready to tackle a really big case, a case that could make the partners rich without requiring them to actually practice much law. An extremely popular drug, Krayoxx, the number one cholesterol reducer for the dangerously overweight, produced by Varrick Labs, a giant pharmaceutical company with annual sales of $25 billion, has recently come under fire after several patients taking it have suffered heart attacks. Wally smells money.

A little online research confirms Wally’s suspicions—a huge plaintiffs’ firm in Florida is putting together a class action suit against Varrick. All Finley & Figg has to do is find a handful of people who have had heart attacks while taking Krayoxx, convince them to become clients, join the class action, and ride along to fame and fortune. With any luck, they won’t even have to enter a courtroom!

It almost seems too good to be true.

And it is.

The Litigators is a tremendously entertaining romp, filled with the kind of courtroom strategies, theatrics, and suspense that have made John Grisham America’s favorite storyteller.

My Review

Talk about refreshing. Boy it’s nice to read a book from one of your favorite authors. John Grisham is a master at legal thrillers and this one didn’t disappoint. From the first page, I was hooked. I laughed and often while reading this story. I’ll have to go back and read again for some great quotes.

Unlike some of Grisham’s other novels, this one was light hearted but still maintained that epic educational experience of law being practiced that most of his stories have.

This story may have seemed a little predictable, but Grisham knows how to add and mingle side stories and twist to keep you guessing. I look forward to my annual dose of Grisham each year and I’m thoroughly happy to have read this one. (or listened to as the case was. For those who like audio books, I really enjoyed the narrator.) This was no exception.

Wally had to be my favorite character. He was a train wreck with big dreams and high hopes. You just had to love his jump in attitude and his never thinking before he speaks demeanor. His comic relief was exceptional with all the crazy things he said or did.

Up next is David. How can you not love him? His entrance into the story is one I think many of us can relate to on numerous levels. Clueless, he stumbles into a mess but never once gives up. His courage and loyalty are admirable.

Oscar, well, he’s Oscar. And you have to read to understand what I mean about it.

This is not a romance novel ladies, so don’t expect that. It was heart warming nonetheless and had a happily ever after if you can call it that. Basically, by the end all loose ends are tied and you are left satisfied with no questions. What more can you ask for?

Do I recommend, totally YES! And to everyone. There is nothing really totally inappropriate in this story.

If I had to pick a book boyfriend, it would be David. There are plenty of reasons, but if you read the story you will understand why.





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Indie Spotlight - Rapture by Renee Field

Rapture by Renee Field

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is an adult paranormal novel.

Book Summary

Mermen aren't real. That's what biologist Jamie Winters thinks until a gorgeous Greek god enters her life and drowns her, forcing her to rapture into a Siren. Used to logic, she can't quite come to terms with Seth Cutter's magical undersea realm or the fact that he's a macho Titan.

Being a Siren causes Jamie's hormones to go into overdrive, which isn't good when she realizes that's exactly what Seth was hoping for. Sure, the sex is out of this world, but she's not about to change her character.

As Prince of the North Seas, Seth is used to having his commands followed. A decade of exile on land was easier than having to deal with the sexy-as-sin Siren who tips the scales of his existence and doesn't listen to one word he says.

They must overcome their prejudices to recover stolen relics that are key to the undersea kingdom, stop a deadly plague and destroy an underwater diva who wants to rule the roost. Are they two souls destined for each other or will the Fates decide otherwise? Seth knows firsthand, Fate can be a bitch.

My Review

I’ve never read a story about Titans and Sirens. So, most of the story was a real treat. The mythology and the main storyline of the story was really pretty good. What troubled me about the story was the sex. Don’t get me wrong. I’m no prude believe me. But in reading this story, I might have given it a five if not for the sex or reducing the amount of it. I just felt like there were two different stories that were shuffled together. The sex in the beginning of the story felt like a bad B-movie with cheesy lines. The sex in the middle of the story made sense and fit right. The sex towards the end of the book was overwhelming and could have really used some editing. The sex at the end of the book was ok. I guess another big problem for me is the love at first sight. While I believe in lust at first sight I have a real problem with the other.

****Spoiler*******
I found it hard to believe that Jamie who had been a virgin for over twenty years of life all of a sudden decides to give it up to a virtual stranger. Somehow, she being so beautiful, as Seth would call her, would have never come across a man she found attractive enough to given into her burning desire. I just didn’t buy it. Especially giving it up to a man who kidnapped her like only a day before???

Ignoring that and a few other pot holes, the story was very interesting. And Seth was surely swoony worthy. So would I recommend. Yes, I think that my issues were personal and not the fault of the writer or her style. The ending was very interesting and I have to wonder if there will be a sequel. Will I read, yes! I was torn over the rating. I think I settled at 3.5. I’ve rounded up.

My Book Boyfriend. The Twins. Considering they get naked before they get in the water, this is what I picture for both of them.




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WITHIN BLOG TOUR

Within by Clare C. Marshall


This is a young adult novel.

Book Summary

Trinity Hartell’s life changed after the accident. Left with irreversible brain damage, she becomes a burden to her mother, a cause for heartbreak for her boyfriend Zack, and a flattened obstacle for her best friend, Ellie.

But then she starts writing. Perhaps it’s a coincidence that the psychotic, murdering protagonist of her novel bears a striking similarity to the charming Wiley Dalton, a mayoral candidate in the upcoming election.

Or, perhaps not...

My Review

First, I really like the cover. Its eye catching and it's gets the attention of my reading goddess.

This is a story that starts in the present, goes to the past, then further back, returns to the present, goes to the past and so on. Add to that several changes of points of view. Somehow through it all, the author is able for the reader not to get confused.

However, at first, I thought that may have been the reason why I wasn’t connected to any of the characters. But after reading the whole book, I have to say that wasn’t the problem. Not really any of the characters are likeable except maybe Trinity. But she is just as much of a mystery from the beginning of the story to the end. And let me just say that I don’t have to like the characters in order to enjoy a story.

And, this story was really interesting and kept my interest peaked throughout wondering how it all was going to come together. Some may think that this book has a happily ever after. But I was just disgusted. Most if not all the characters to me were selfish and self absorbed. The one redeemable character in my opinion was Zach. And he lost me when he ran. I’ll leave it at that. Read the story and you will understand why.

Would I recommend, yes. Especially, if you like stories that are edgy and are dim if not dark in places. This isn’t a conventional story, which is why I found it intriguing. Check it out and let me know what you think.

My almost book boyfriend is Zach.



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Beautiful Disaster by by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is a twenty something romance novel with the setting as college.

Book Summary

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

My Review

What can I say about this book without giving away spoilers?

First I want to say for the record I liked the original cover better. I'm not exactly sure what this cover says about the book. Maybe nothing. It's nice though.

Well first and foremost, I think that I can say that this book was totally unique. It’s hard to find a unique story in romance. I mean everything has been done in some fashion. But this book did what others do not. This book took you to places you wouldn’t think an author would dare. To suggest that this romance was a disaster is an understatement. Should these two people be together, maybe not? But that is what made the story so intriguing. She went to uncharted ground and I loved every minute of it. This book is another shining example of a book that you be traditionally published.

The bottom line: Should you read this story? YES! With no hesitation.
When should you read this story? NOW. Don’t wait.

If you want to read something fresh and unconventional this story is it. No it’s not paranormal. No it’s no an average romance. It’s just a refreshing read about two unlikely people who fall for each other at college. They will not fall in love and live happily ever after. They have a long road to bare and that’s the journey you will be immersed in.

I recommend to mature audiences for violence, language and sexual situations.

SO who is my hunky new book boyfriend. TRAVIS.










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BEST BOOK EVER! Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

This is an adult romance novel. There is explicit material in this story. Rated NC-17

5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Review

WOW AMAZING FANTASTIC MIND BLOWING BEST BOOK EVER

To read or not to read, may be a question many of you may ask yourself. And let me tell you, you’d be crazy not to read if you enjoy romance novels.

Is this a conventional romance novel? NO! Does the lifestyle our hero live conform to the average persons. MAYBE NOT. But don’t let that stop you from reading this book. This book is more than that. It’s about overcoming oneself, stripping to the core of who you are. What this couple must face to find and be with one another is nothing short of writing brilliance.

The story is very well written with well developed characters. This is the kind of book that will keep you up all night reading. Is it just that good? YES! I wish I could give it more stars or put it in a category all its own.

Too say more would give too much away. But I will say that if I could bring one fictional character to life, it would be Christian Grey.

*bows down to E. L. James* You have created a story that will go down in history as one of the best love stories ever written.

I'm not quite sure any image could accurately portray but I'll give it a shot, my Christian Grey.






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