I'll be honest - it's been a while since I've had the time to dive into to a vampire novel. I've been pouring through the Ender series (again) by OrsoI'll be honest - it's been a while since I've had the time to dive into to a vampire novel. I've been pouring through the Ender series (again) by Orson Scott Card as well as a few others and haven't made the time for some good, tasty, vampires. I'm glad that BOUND BY NIGHT by Larissa Ione was my stepping stone back into that dark path.
I loved Nicole and Riker. I found the tension between the two of them to be compelling and kept me wanting to turn the pages, trying to figure out if they were going to get out of their own way or actually give in to the desire lurking within each of them. From the get go, you know that there is going to be some chemistry between these two. She's attractive, he's attractive, and they're both angry - at each other. Where else could this possibly end up except between the sheets? Okay, maybe Riker did kidnap her and take her to his secret lair and maybe Nicole is trying to destroy his existence as well as the rest of the vampires, but what's a little death and destruction when passion is on the line?
I've read many romances where you know from page one that your hero and heroine were going to hook up - I mean, we expect it don't we. Although we knew that these two would eventually hook up (and hoped and prayed they would), the cool part was that Ione kept us guessing as to when that would happen. She built the tension well and really made that part of the story interesting to the reader where it could have been predictable and boring.
Other aspects of the story served as good ground to move the world forward and give the reader a time for a coffee and cold shower break. The company Nicole works for has a captive vampire that Riker is bound and determined to set free. This struggle and Nicole's growing knowledge of some company secrets she wasn't previously aware of adds a sense of adventure to the story. Will they save the captive? Has everything Nicole known and believed all been a lie? Will the search for truth and freedom result in a premature end to Nicole and Riker's budding romance and their very lives?
I guess you'll just have to read and find out, won't you.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and would definitely read the next installment.
Imagine two points of action, like the ends of a string, fluttering around in a breeze and slowly drawing together. Suddenly they meet with fireworks,Imagine two points of action, like the ends of a string, fluttering around in a breeze and slowly drawing together. Suddenly they meet with fireworks, explosions, and huge bursts of color. For me, that just about sums up the POV within WITCHLANDERS by Lena Coakley.
Unlike the cover of the book might lead one to think, the main POV in WITCHLANDERS is not a female, but a male. More to the point, it's actually two different males. We switch back and forth between the stories of Ryder and Falpian, enemies by birth and yet unlikely allies by the time their "strings" finally meet. While the POV switch could be confusing if not worked well, Ms. Coakley obviously put a lot of energy into making sure that they meshed well. I've read books (as I'm sure we all have) where the POV switches can really kill a story. I'm happy to say that in this case, they add to WITCHLANDERS instead of detract.
About this time I always try to consider what my favorite part of the story was. In this case, I'm having a hard time picking one aspect as my favorite. The characters, their struggles, and the conflict between them is done wonderfully and truly builds the story. The world and the history of the Witchlanders and Baen add a fantastical element that keeps the reader engaged and wondering what's going to happen next. If I had to pick one thing, however, I think I would pick the scenery of the story as one of the aspects that really made this book memorable for me. Ms. Coakley did an excellent job building her landscapes and creating a place where the reader could jump in and experience the story along with the characters. Although I've come across many stories that I love, it's not as often that I find a book where I find myself wishing that I could see the scenery for myself and experience the colors, sights, sounds, and smells there. Ms. Coakley creates such a story.
Although WITCHLANDERS didn't seem to have a huge romance emphasis, I think fans of many genres will find something to love here. It has a touch of a high fantasy feel, a bit of romance, and a ton of adventure. Family and personal conflict abounds, hooking the reader and developing into a story that is very difficult to put down until the last page is turned. I highly suggest WITCHLANDERS and, if you haven't done so already, suggest you go find a copy and settle in for some good reading....more
I've heard variations of this story before, but never with the fantastic elements of romance and suspense that Ms. Dionne throws into her writing. A dI've heard variations of this story before, but never with the fantastic elements of romance and suspense that Ms. Dionne throws into her writing. A dying race must do anything it can to survive. For Aries, one of the last human women who should keep the human race going, her duty is to pair up with the compatible match assigned to her and have children. Without these children, the New Dawn, a spaceship taking the last of Earth's hopes to a new planet, will eventually become unmanned and another piece of space junk as its current crew all die of old age. We all know the complexities of the human race, however. Attempt to tell a human woman whom she should love and all heck will break loose.
Escaping the New Dawn, Aries finds herself on a world that may hold just as many dangers as the life she is attempting to leave did, save for one aspect; Striker - a man who is not genetically desirable and definitely not one that should continue the human race. Yet, Aries finds herself drawn to him and eventually learns that she must do anything she can to keep him by her side.
Ms. Dionne's story was one full of love and passion. One of my favorite aspects of PARADISE 21 was Aries. I found her to be a fun character to read, full of emotion and well rounded so that she always made the story interesting. Her relationship with Striker is one of those that keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense, waiting to see if the two will eventually find happiness together or if a darker fate awaits them. In a cold world where the logical choice should take precedence, can romance and love win? You'll have to read to find out!...more
Many of the books I come across have been highly recommended and promise to be great. Occasionally, however, I come across a book that, for whatever rMany of the books I come across have been highly recommended and promise to be great. Occasionally, however, I come across a book that, for whatever reason, I really haven't heard too much about. Typically it's the cover that attracts me to these books; sometimes it's the blurb. In the case of ULTRAVIOLET by R.J. Anderson, I honestly can't tell you what made me decide to give it a try. I hadn't seen the cover or read the blurb - there was just something that drew me to the story.
Wow - what a story.
Based upon a natural phenomenon, ULTRAVIOLET follows Alison, a girl whose senses are extraordinary. Where most people may hear a noise or feel a sensation, all of Alison's senses seemed to be tied together. Words have colors and tastes, names carry emotion and feeling with them. Her world is one of color and light which may sound great at first, but even on the most dreary day, too much color and light holds the potential to drive anyone crazy...
When schoolmate Tori winds up missing, Alison is thrown into a mental institution. It's only later that she recalls admitting to murdering Tori and subsequently going crazy. But in Alison's world - nothing is as it seems. Where is the line between reality and not?
The one thing that I absolutely adored about ULTRAVIOLET was the intensity of it. From Alison's mental episodes, to her internal struggles, and out to the troubles of those she encounters, Anderson keeps us hooked from the first page through to the last. Throughout the story, there really is no slow moment stuck in to beef the book up. Instead, every sentence draws more of our emotions and pulls us further into the book. Suspenseful? Yes. Slightly dark? Yeah, probably. Full of action, mystery, and great characters that make you want to read the book in one sitting? Definitely.
As Alison progresses through the story and learns, so does the reader. It would have been easy for Anderson to explain to us what was going on with Alison up front and then let us watch her live it, but where would the fun it that be? Instead, we find that in the beginning of the book we are just as clueless as Alison. Her struggles become ours and we fight alongside her through to her triumphs.
Fans of fiction that tip-toe the line between reality and fantasy will love ULTRAVIOLET. This was a different story than the one I was expecting, but it ended up being really good. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to branch out and try something a bit different....more
There's nothing like an exciting romance to totally make your day. THE DEVIL WEARS PLAID by Teresa Medeiros is one such book. Full of adventure, passiThere's nothing like an exciting romance to totally make your day. THE DEVIL WEARS PLAID by Teresa Medeiros is one such book. Full of adventure, passion, and intrigue, this book is the perfect read to keep you entertained for hours.
Emma is about to be married when she is suddenly whisked away by the young and handsome Jamie. She knows she shouldn't be attracted to him, but how is she supposed to resist when he is everything that her heart and hormones are calling for?
(It's not easy for the reader to resist either!)
What Emma doesn't know is that Jamie has stolen her for the purpose of using her. She is nothing but a pawn to him...or is she? As we would expect from two young and attractive people thrown together in a whirlwind of adventure and suspense, a romance begins to bloom between the two. Can Jamie go through with his plans when his heart may now be in Emma's hands?
The best part about this book was the romantic tension. We want things to work out well for Emma. We begin to like Jamie; however, how can we hope for the best for both of them when that means one or the other will be hurt? Emma is beautiful and completely relatable to a female reader. Jamie is...well, he is a completely hottie and essentially eye candy. He has that bad boy learning to love personality that just makes a girl swoon.
If the relationships within THE DEVIL WEARS PLAID weren't enough to hook a reader, the descriptions and scenery should be. Ms. Medeiros has a wonderful way of describing the world, including the clothing and the beautiful settings. The landscape is brought to life in vivid detail which really helps to draw the reader into the story.
I found this book compelling and quite pleasant to read. Ms. Medeiros has a lovely writing style that brings the story to life without drowning us in a barrage of words. The romance is great, full of tension and totally lived up to my expectations. I recommend this to fans of romance and especially fans of highland romance....more
DARK ROAD TO DARJEELING is the fourth book in the Lady Julia series by Deanna Raybourn. Now, I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, DARK ROAD TO DARJEELING is the fourth book in the Lady Julia series by Deanna Raybourn. Now, I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, so I can't compare this to them. I can, however, tell you that I found this to be an entertaining read and really didn't feel like I lost much from jumping into the middle of the series.
DARK ROAD TO DARJEELING starts strong, with a mystery and the appearance of some strange happenings. Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane are told than an old friend, Jane, is having some troubles at her home. Pregnant and widowed, it's no wonder that Jane is feeling sad and lonely. Her fears, however, go beyond that of a new mother trying to figure out how to raise a child on her own. It seems that somebody might be out to get rid of Jane - the question is, why?
Lady Julia and Brisbane make a cute little investigative team. The romance between them coupled with Julia's desire to help in the investigation adds some intense drama to the story that I really wasn't expecting. Ms. Raybourn uses this drama to entice the reader into the story and then allows it to ebb and flow, hooking us quite firmly. For me, drama is something that is either done really well or kind of poorly. Sometimes you get one of those books that almost tries too hard to inject drama into the story. It ends up feeling forced and flat. DARK ROAD TO DARJEELING, however, has the perfect touch of drama to it. What makes it so compelling is the way Ms. Raybourn adds realism to it. The troubles between Julia and Brisbane are completely believable as is the journey and consequences. This was a book that was very easy to follow because the reader was really able to become part of the story.
The second aspect of DARK ROAD TO DARJEELING that made it a winner for me was definitely the characters. Here I'm mainly going to focus on Julia and Brisbane. Ms. Raybourn managed to create two characters that fit together beautifully. Not only is there romantic tension in this book (won't spoil what I know of previous books), but there are a couple personality conflicts as well. It just so happens that this is typically the case in most relationships. Not every couple can share the exact same interests and do things in exactly the same way. Ms. Raybourn allows for this by giving Julia and Brisbane their own personalities; however, she does so in such a way that the connection between the two is very believable. Robust characters creating real connections with the reader make this a great book.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good romance combined with a great mystery....more
We've got something just a little bit different today. I was approached about taking a look at BIG BOOK OF WHY: ANSWERS TO THE 1001 MOST ASKED QUESTIOWe've got something just a little bit different today. I was approached about taking a look at BIG BOOK OF WHY: ANSWERS TO THE 1001 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS by Time for Kids. Now, normally I tend to look at books with a story that appeal to YA or older readers, but I just couldn't pass this up. It looked like something my daughter might be interested in, so I figured I'd use her to test drive it.
Verdict: She loves it.
The best thing about THE BIG BOOK OF WHY is that it is jam packed with facts and trivia that kept my kid entertained for hours. In fact, I'm not entirely sure she's made her way through the entire book yet although she picks it up any chance she gets.
Story books are great for her, but there are times when I think she really just wants something she can sit down with for a while and peruse. THE BIG BOOK OF WHY fills this role perfectly. This definitely is not a book I would recommend for extended reading sessions as there is no clear story for young minds to follow. However, little readers looking for some light reading and something to flip through should find something of interest here.
My daughter's favorite aspect of THE BIG BOOK OF WHY is definitely the pictures. Luckily, although robust with information and facts, this book comes complete with a wide assortment of illustrations. You only have to look as far as the cover to see how colorful the book is. I'm pretty sure that there is an image for just about every bit of trivia in the book.
If you're looking for an entertaining book for kids - this is it. Full of knowledge and guaranteed to entertain for hours, this is a great rest-time or road trip book. Also, don't tell, but this book is fairly entertaining for adults as well....more
The cover of a book is usually a good indicator of the kind of story I'm going to get out of it. In the case of DAMAGED by Pamela Callow, the cover poThe cover of a book is usually a good indicator of the kind of story I'm going to get out of it. In the case of DAMAGED by Pamela Callow, the cover portrays the feel and intensity of the book wonderfully. Just as the cover draws you in with the eerie feeling that something is going to go wrong and yet you can't help but go along anyway, so does the book.
I don't read a lot of suspense unless it has some sort of paranormal aspect to it. I don't know why - typically it just doesn't interest me all that much. The premise behind DAMAGED looked interesting though, so I gave it a shot and I'm thrilled to say that it was a really good read. This is the story of Kate and her journey to uncover a dark secret.
Kate has a lot going on in her background. The death of her sister still haunts her thoughts and her romantic life is in shambles. Work is about the only thing that keeps her sane, that is until she comes to realize that her words may have led to the death of an innocent girl. Desperate to rid herself of this guilt, she fights for her career and her life to uncover the mystery behind the girl's death.
As with any good suspense novel, we know from the beginning that bad things are going to happen to Kate. Unfortunately, our hero and/or heroine in suspense stories rarely have an easy time of it. Kate is definitely no exception. Ms. Callow puts her through the ringer, throwing one obstacle after another at her, with both a serial killer on the loose and a complicated medical mystery, and allowing the story to unfold as she maneuvers around each one. This is probably one of my favorite aspects of the book. We really get that sense of discovery as we trail alongside Kate. Her fear becomes our fear, and her triumph trickles over to us. The racing of her heart and rushing of her blood entices ours to do the same and before we know it, Ms. Callow has pulled us down into the story, allowing us to experience it in full detail.
I'm not really a person that prefers plot over character development or the other way around. I basically just want some kind of fantastic element in a story that I can latch on to. I was surprised to discover that both plot and character development gave me this in DAMAGED. Once the story kicked off, I really expected the development of the characters to go sliding down. Fortunately, Ms. Callow appears to be quite a talented writer and managed to keep the development up while maintaining the intensity of the plot. This combined to give us a great story with characters that we actually cared about.
If you're a fan of Suspense then I highly recommend DAMAGED, the first in the Kate Lange series. This is a good story that's guaranteed to get your blood pumping and keep you flipping the pages like a mad person, trying to find out what happens next....more
GEORGIA'S KITCHEN by Jenny Nelson tells the story of dear Georgia whose professional and romantic life are in ruins. What does any sane girl do when tGEORGIA'S KITCHEN by Jenny Nelson tells the story of dear Georgia whose professional and romantic life are in ruins. What does any sane girl do when the going gets tough? Why, she runs off to Italy of course!
I loved the personality that Ms. Nelson gave Georgia. This is a girl who has climbed her way to the top, been beaten down, and yet still manages to find joy and happiness in her life. When some behind-the-scenes scandals emerge, the restaurant that Georgia is the chef of suddenly gets a horrible review. What happens when I restaurant tanks? Typically the chef is fired. Now unemployed and coincidentally dumped by her fiance, Georgia finds herself travelling across the globe to meet up with an old friend at the restaurant she is opening in Italy. The beautiful countryside and food reignites Georgia's passion for cooking while another type of passion may be brewing with a certain Italian man.
One aspect of GEORGIA'S KITCHEN that I wasn't entirely expecting was the beautiful descriptions Ms. Nelson instilled the story with. Even though we're only reading it on the page, Ms. Nelson brings forth the rustic charm of the Italian countryside and the delectable treat that is the food. In a book like this, which relies partly on the characters and partly on the scenery, being able to bring her settings to life is a real plus.
Fans of Romance, Chick Lit or Foodies will all find something to love within the pages of GEORGIA'S KITCHEN. This is a lighthearted book with a fun heroine and a fantastic journey. Georgia's story will get you teary-eyed at times, make you laugh other times, and there might even be the occasional moment when you smack your head with a, "What are you thinking?" This is a great story and one that is perfect for those days when you just need a little escape....more
COLD ROCK RIVER by Jackie Lee Miles is full of emotional and angst - perfect for those times when you want a deeper story. Having never read one of MsCOLD ROCK RIVER by Jackie Lee Miles is full of emotional and angst - perfect for those times when you want a deeper story. Having never read one of Ms. Miles works before, I can't compare it to her other stories, but I would be willing to read more of her work after this book.
Adie is the kind of character that you can't help but feel for. She's young, pregnant, and enters into a marriage that should make life easier for her. Sadly, marrying simply for the sake of her pregnancy leads to a little more heartbreak than she had been prepared for. Adie finds some joy in little Grace, the baby who turned her world upside down. Unfortunately, this joy is dulled by the infidelity of her husband and a general sense of unhappiness.
During this time, Adie befriends Willa Mae, and is thrown into a whirlwind of history and mystery. The journal that Willa Mae always carries with her serves as a sort of life preserver for Adie in this difficult time. The journal tells the tale of Tempe, a young woman going through some of the same issues. Tempe's story carries with it a sense of suspense and raises a lot of questions; the girl's life was not a happy one. When Adie begins to see connections between the ancient diary and her own life she begins to question everything she knows about her life and her new friend, Willa Mae.
I have to say that I really liked Adie's story and the combination of Tempe's thrown in there. Although we seem to figure out what is happening before it actually happens, there is still a bit of suspense to the book. The mystery and all the questions help to make this a compelling read.
The best part of COLD ROCK RIVER was the characters. They were full of life and Ms. Miles really put a lot of energy into making sure that they were robust and full of personality. Each of the characters had layers upon layers of depth and became more like real people than simply words on a page. This aspect of the story kept me reading from the first page through to the last.
While the characters may have been great, I had a very hard time getting through the words coming out of the characters' mouths in order to understand what was going on. This was not a quick read (which sometimes is good) because there were often occasions when I would have to go back and reread a section. Any sort of dialogue needed to be reread a few times.
Unfortunately for me, instilling accents in dialogue is kind of a pet peeve for me. It's great to show us the accent instead of simply telling us that it is there, but at the same time, all that work is kind of waste if I have no clue what is being said.
Overall I really liked COLD ROCK RIVER and would recommend it to anyone looking for some good Southern fiction. The story is deep and will keep your mind entertained throughout. ...more
Nancy Gideon does it again with another great shapeshifter romance that is guaranteed to knock your socks off (or making you go running out of them). Nancy Gideon does it again with another great shapeshifter romance that is guaranteed to knock your socks off (or making you go running out of them). Full of fangs and claws, peppered with just the right amount of passion, CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT is the third in the Moonlight Trilogy and an excellent addition to the series.
If you remember my review of Masked by Moonlight, Cee Cee and Max were just finding themselves drawn to each other. Now, the passion between them is hotter than ever before, but like any good romance, there's something in the way. What's a couple with an obvious spark between them supposed to do when the one thing about to snuff that spark out is ... themselves.
Cee Cee doesn't know how not to live her life as a police officer. Recent events have taken Max's life in new and interesting ways, even if they aren't always legal. Trying to overcome these issues would be hard enough for two passionate lovebirds. Throw a nefarious scheme into the mix and you'll wind up with two characters who will have to take a good look at where their true loyalties really lie.
Probably the best aspect of CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT is the suspense that Ms. Gideon puts us through. Max and Cee Cee are two fantastic characters and seeing them struggle really does make the reader struggle with them. In this latest installment to the series, even the reader starts to wonder who they should be rooting for. Do we want Cee Cee and Max to form a bond? Do we side with Cee Cee over Max or vice-versa? Ms. Gideon throws us in a whirlwind of decision making that will leave the reader exhausted at the end and begging for more.
If you couldn't already tell, I have become a big fan of Ms. Gideon's writing. The stories are complex, layer after layer added to keep the reader interested. Her writing style is clear which is a good thing considering how complex some of the parts can get. Also, she has a great way with descriptions that really allows the reader to visualize the story and become a part of it. Reading this book is less like reading and more like having the opportunity to hop down and partake in the story with the characters. To me, that's the sign of a true storyteller and Ms. Gideon does it wonderfully.
If you're a fan of Paranormal Romance, and love to have a little shapeshifter action in your books, I think you'll find something to love within the pages of CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT. This is a great story that will get your adrenaline pumping and will probably wear out the edge of your seat....more
If there's one thing that is guaranteed to brighten my day, it's curling up on the sofa with a soft blanket and a good book. SAND IN MY EYES by ChristIf there's one thing that is guaranteed to brighten my day, it's curling up on the sofa with a soft blanket and a good book. SAND IN MY EYES by Christine Lemmon happened to be the latest book to join me on the reading couch and I have to say that it definitely earned the honor.
In short, SAND IN MY EYES is a story of self-discovery. When struggles and pains seem momentous, sometimes it's the little things in life, either memories or actions, that change our perspective and make life just a bit brighter. For Anna, that little change comes in the form of Fedelina, an older neighbor who shares her wisdom with the struggling younger woman.
Marriage troubles and worries over her daughter plague Anna and keeps her from finding the happiness that she has been working so hard for. Fedelina, in more ways than one, brings a spark of light into Anna's life and we get to travel with Anna as she learns to understand who she is and where her life should be headed.
I have to say that I really loved Ms. Lemmon's writing. Her characters were robust and helped add to the layers of complexity within the story. Anna's story in and of itself was fantastic. Ms. Lemmon made her very easy to relate to and as a mother and wife I can understand some of the struggles that she faces.
Aside from realistic characters, the other aspect of SAND IN MY EYES that pulls the reader in is Ms. Lemmon's ability to add layer after layer to the story, hooking the reader and keeping them addicted from page one through to the end. SAND IN MY EYES is set up as a story within a story as Anna completes her manuscript. This added a depth to the story that we don't always get and left me with the feeling that there was always something to be interested in.
Story aside, I found Ms. Lemmon's actual writing style to flow smoothly; the words on the page easy to read and follow. Some stories, when they get to the level of complexity that this one went for, can get bogged down. The writing here, however, kept the feeling light and readable even when emotions were running intense.
I would recommend this to any fans of women's fiction. Anyone looking for a good book about a woman trying to make sense of her life and the lives around her will find what they're looking for within the pages of SAND IN MY EYES. Now the only question is, which of Ms. Lemmon's books do I pick up next?...more
I tend to read a lot of Fantasy and Urban Fantasy books. The more paranormal it has in it, the better. There are times, however, when I really just waI tend to read a lot of Fantasy and Urban Fantasy books. The more paranormal it has in it, the better. There are times, however, when I really just want something down to earth that brings with it a sense of hope and happiness. THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE: A NOVEL by Jennifer Ross is exactly that kind of book.
Ansley is the kind of character that you just can't help but fall in love with. Her mission has been to get married and just when it looks like everything is going to fall into place, her dreams are dashed when her fiance cancels the wedding and boots her out the door. Heartbroken, Ansley does what many would do and flees town.
THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is a story about recreating yourself and making new hopes and dreams. This story wouldn't have been complete if the aspect of family wasn't thrown in there. With nowhere to go, Ansley moves in with her grandmother and does what the women in her family do best - she bakes.
Surprisingly, there is actually quite a bit of anticipation as we watch Ansley try to open up her own cupcake shop. Ms. Ross doesn't just give us a good story - she fills it with suspense too. Something keeps happening to Ansley's shop and part of this adventure is figuring out what is going on. Will Ansley be able to successfully run her shop? Will her heart be able to find love again? Can baking cure all the evils in the world?
Aside from a great and hilarious story, we also get quite a few delicious recipes in THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. A while ago cakes became the new black and it seems that now, cupcakes are following that trend. Becoming more and more popular, strange and phenomenal cupcake flavors are popping up everywhere. If there's one thing I can say about the cupcake recipes in THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE it's this: yum!
Now I just have to figure out if I'm going to shelve this one with my cookbooks or my fiction books. The dilemma!
If you're looking for a book that is at times lighthearted and at times emotional, I would definitely take a look at THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. This is great for the beach or curling up on a rainy day. One warning though: I highly suggest having a snack nearby when reading this. If you're anything like me, Ms. Ross will definitely make you hungry!...more
If there is one thing that can brighten my day, it's getting introduced to a new book or author. I just love experiencing new stories so, although I dIf there is one thing that can brighten my day, it's getting introduced to a new book or author. I just love experiencing new stories so, although I don't buy them all that often, I love anthologies.
There's something about an anthology that typically makes it a quick read. Perhaps it's the shorter length of the stories or perhaps it the treasure chest of fun that I just can't wait to sort through. Whatever the reason, I usually try and ready my anthologies slowly, savoring every little bit.
That didn't happen with MASKED, edited by Lou Anders.
Why? The stories were just too stinking good.
MASKED originally caught my eye because I saw that it contained a story by Marjorie M. Liu, one of my favorite authors. Her Hunter Kiss series is fantastic. She writes great characters and always has a great plot with a mix of light and dark elements. True to form, her contribution to MASKED was excellent. What I didn't expect, however, was how great the other stories would be having had no acquaintance with the other authors.
MASKED is a wonderful assortment of stories surrounding some fabulous superheroes and written by some great masterminds. The characters all have their own layers of complexity and I don't believe there is a single story in there that gave me the feeling that it was just quickly thrown together. Each story felt well thought out and the stories actually seemed to flow well together.
What I found interesting about MASKED was the various viewpoints different authors had on superheroes. Some superheroes were totally super, others were...well, let's just say that there's a fine line between superhero and villain. I found that this mix had me flipping to the next story even after I said, "Okay, this is the last one."
If you're looking for a good superhero book, this is it. The stories aren't long, but they are full of complexity with great character development and well thought out plots. The writing is great, serving to bring the reader in rather than make him or her try to navigate through complex writing. I suggest this to Paranormal and Fantasy fans or just anyone looking for an entertaining read. I don't think you'll be disappointed....more
One of the scariest things to me would be waking up and not remembering something. Maybe it's not remembering where I put my keys, or not remembering One of the scariest things to me would be waking up and not remembering something. Maybe it's not remembering where I put my keys, or not remembering that I had an appointment that day.
What if you woke up and couldn't remember an entire evening?
In FORGET YOU by Jennifer Echols, Zoey knows that something happened the night before, but she doesn't know what. There was an accident and luckily she survived, but her memory of the rest of the evening wasn't as lucky. Now she has two guys in her life, one who seems to have a weird closeness to her and the other who seems to be drifting away.
In true Ms. Echols fashion, the reader is left sitting on the edge of their seat wondering where the story is going from page one through to the end. In that aspect, FORGET YOU was a great read. It wasn't entirely predictable and it was really anybody's guess how Zoey's life would be effected.
Now, on the other hand, there are some readers that may have a hard time with FORGET YOU. I'll admit that there were a few moments when I got a little cranky with Zoey. Ever have one of those characters you just want to smack upside the head and say, "Hey! What are you thinking?" Yep, Zoey is one of those. If you can get past those moments and a few others where you just stare dumbfounded and wonder if perhaps Zoey has a strange twin sister that nobody told us about, you'll be fine.
This feeling of irritation toward the main character does not hold true for our hero of the story. I have to say that I absolutely loved Doug. Can I have one? A Doug I mean. Okay, make him a smidge older, but besides that leave everything intact. Doug is an excellent character and balances Zoey nicely. Where Zoey has some punkish moments, Doug is sweet and kind. He's the good boy that leaves hearts crushing wherever he goes although if the reader looks deeper you'll see that he has some "interesting" personality traits as well.
If you're looking for a good YA romance that's going to keep you entertained for hours, I highly suggest FORGET YOU. The concept was great and fresh enough to keep it light and energetic. Ms. Echol's writing style is hard to argue with as it is clear, concise and does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the story. This is a book that I feel both adults and young adults will be able to dive into, which in this day and age is a major plus. ...more
Nothing gets me into a book like a cute cover and the cover of AND ONE LAST THING... by Molly Harper is a super cute one. The hilarious image on the fNothing gets me into a book like a cute cover and the cover of AND ONE LAST THING... by Molly Harper is a super cute one. The hilarious image on the front, from the undies hanging on a tree to a woman about to go skinny dipping, really conveys the feel of the book well. AND ONE LAST THING... is funny, cute, and one of those books where you just can't help but smile.
Lacey had the perfect life until she discovered one critical problem: her husband was cheating. Eager to get back at him and make him pay for her embarrassment, she sends a newsletter out to pretty much everyone he knows, detailing the relationship he's been having with his receptionist. Unfortunately, as these things tend to go, this blows up in our heroine's face and not only is she scorned, but called in for the defamation lawsuit of her now ex-husband.
I can't blame Lacey for moving away. She takes solace in her cabin at the lake, with the hopes that nature can help sort out some of the problems in her life. Unfortunately she's greeted by a grumpy neighbor who isn't afraid to tell her exactly what he's thinking.
The relationship between Lacey and her new neighbor, Monroe, is what really makes this book a winner. Burned by her last relationship, we full expect Lacey to have some relationship problems. The kink that really makes the atmosphere between these two interesting is the major personality clashes. Lacey isn't used to be told that she's being an idiot and she certainly isn't used to not having the last word.
Ms. Harper gives us a story full of humor and romance, with just enough drama to make us actually feel something for the characters. She develops each character well, giving each depth and layers of personality. Her characters are actually fun to read - which I can't say for every story I've read. There are some book with good plots but drab characters. In the case of AND ONE LAST THING..., Ms. Harper gives us a book with an interesting plot - How will Lacey make sense of her life? - and adds in some robust characters to carry it along.
Fans of Chick Lit will love AND ONE LAST THING.... This is a book that many women can relate to and Lacey is a character that I would love to read about time and time again....more
Wow. Looking for a book with tension, jam-packed with emotions, and enough passion to knock your socks off? I think I found it! BLACK MAGIC by Cherry Wow. Looking for a book with tension, jam-packed with emotions, and enough passion to knock your socks off? I think I found it! BLACK MAGIC by Cherry Adair is a fantastic story full of magic and mayhem, and that's just the two main characters!
Sara and Jackson are the stars of BLACK MAGIC and truly what make this book such a great read. Their history and the passion between them create some great sparks that leave the reader intrigued and wanting to know more.
Our two lovers were, at one point, engaged to be married. Life got in the way and now both, heartbroken, try to stay as far from each other as they can. Unfortunately the mysterious deaths of some great wizards draw them together and for whatever reason, the Wizard Council makes the pair work together to figure out what is going on. So what if their powers are multiplied when they work together? Doesn't anyone understand the pain that still drifts between them?
It was this pain, this issue that neither party had ever really healed from, that made the story so addicting. The first part of the book was spent begging and pleading with the characters to put their differences aside and finally hook up. The second part of the book was spent wondering why they ever listened to our advice in the first place and if this was going to be the straw that finally broke the camel's back and destroyed them.
Oh the drama! I love it.
The actual storyline of the book is good and intriguing, but in my opinion, figuring out the mystery is just the icing on the cupcake. Or perhaps it's the cupcake, because we all know that the icing in the best part. The story carries us along, giving us something to hold on to and follow, but it's Ms. Adair's characters that keep us hooked on the book. The sparks between them and the personal demons each has to deal with adds layer upon layer for us to dig through and discover.
If you're looking for a passionate romance, full of heat and magic, then I highly suggest BLACK MAGIC. The fantasy in the book was superb and we all know what I already think about the characters. Ms. Adair's writing style was clear and quite deftly pulled us in.
My only recommendation here is to make sure you have a large glass nearby of whatever iced beverage you prefer. Things are going to get hot!...more
Diary entries and passages from poems in TUESDAY TELLS IT SLANT by Holly Christine tell the story of Tuesday, a young woman with a desperate desire toDiary entries and passages from poems in TUESDAY TELLS IT SLANT by Holly Christine tell the story of Tuesday, a young woman with a desperate desire to change her past. Bullied throughout her childhood by ex-friends and plagued by poor self-esteem, Tuesday had to fight to find happiness while growing up. When trauma hits, Tuesday has to find a way to regain control of her life and create happiness where none existed before.
In the movie 13 Going On 30, our heroine made a wish as a young girl to become a popular and successful woman with everything she ever wanted. In the end, she discovered who she really was and wanted nothing more than to undo her wish. In TUESDAY TELLS IT SLANT, Tuesday takes her diary and rewrites it, erasing the bad and writing in the good. I've seen this method before with those needing to come to terms with bad memories and embrace good ones. In Tuesday's case, rewriting her diary changes her life. She now is the person she always dreamed of becoming; the only question is, will it make her happy?
Ms. Christine gives us a story about discovering your true self and embracing everything that makes up who you are. I loved the message that she instills the book with and found that Tuesday was a fantastic character to deliver this message. There are many aspects to Tuesday's life that we get to witness and this provides an extra layer of complexity to the story, making it a robust and compelling read.
Every book has to have a quirk and in the case of TUESDAY TELLS IT SLANT, the quirk is that the book jumps around chronologically quite a bit. Some readers may be turned off by this. In the beginning of the book, the different writing style was like a shock to my system, but after I got over it and was able to find the flow of the story, TUESDAY TELLS IT SLANT became quite an enjoyable read. Take this in mind when picking up the story. Just as I said The Host by Stephenie Meyer dragged through the first 100 pages, TUESDAY TELLS IT SLANT takes some getting used to. If you can get into it, I feel that readers will find that this is a pretty good read.
Fans who like some drama in their stories and fans of women's fiction will most likely find something to love within the pages of TUESDAY TELLS IT SLANT. This was a great story with good characters and a fantastic message. I highly recommend it....more
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