Commencement by Paige Cucaro

Description:

Hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn for frat guys…

Emma Jane Hellsbane knows something evil is worming its way through her college campus—she can feel it. Literally. Her freakish ability to feel other people’s emotions as though they were her own has always been monumentally awkward, and it’s easier for her to just pretend it doesn’t exist. But this time her paranormal ability just might help her save lives. 

Emma Jane’s fairly certain that whatever the hateful, egomaniacal, Godlike thing is, it’s set up shop inside her boyfriend, the frat boy/soccer star Justin. And if she doesn’t figure a way to get it out of him soon, Justin’s soul will be the appetizer to the main course—the whole student body. Problem is, the big baddy is granting sinister wishes, and with each one the risks grow higher and the phrase Be careful what you wish for becomes a real-life dire warning. Of course for Emma, what feels like it could be the end is in fact just the beginning

My Review:

Commencement by Paige Cuccaro

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the very first chapter, I was hooked!  I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed Emma Jane!

So as prequels go, this one is a quick and cute novella.  In less than 50 pages, you get a good intro and the perfect set up for Hellsbane.

Mihir:

Great little guy.  Extremely smart, highly superstious thanks to his grandmother, and just a well-rounded, normal, horny teenage guy. 

I think he gave great advice about the jinn and the other supernatural things.  This really made me want to see more of Mihir.

Emma Jane:

She still kicks ass, even not knowing about her heritage.  She trusts her instincts and because of that she is able to save her campus from the jinn. 

I love seeing her skeptisiscm about religion and the supernatural, even though she herself is telepathic. 

Justin:

Such a huge ass, and I honestly have no issue with what happened to him.  I really think he had it coming.  Actually, if there was a worse punishment he probably could have used it.  Stupid, greedy, horny man. 

Overall, this is a great novella, and I’m counting down the days to the next book:  Heaven and Hellsbane.  Highly recommend this book!

Happy Reading!

Cana

How Beauty Met the Beast by Jax Garren

Description:

The Beast

Scarred. Damaged. Living with a terrible secret. Agent of the Underlight Wesley "Hauk" Haukon has nothing left but the fight for liberty against the oppressive Order of Ananke. He's starting to lose hope…and then he sees her.

The Beauty

Despite her night job as a burlesque dancer, grad student Jolie Benoit has always played the mostly good girl. That all changes following a scorching sexual encounter with a stranger whose face she doesn't see. After she's kidnapped by thugs and rescued by a man with a very familiar voice, Jolie becomes a pawn in a struggle she never knew existed.

Hauk knows he cannot have her, and resolves to protect his heart and his secrets. But as they work together and grow closer, he finds new reason to keep fighting. Dare he risk hope in a new life, one where Jolie can see past his ravaged face and where their friendship can grow into something more?

My Review:

How Beauty Met the Beast by Jax Garren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I love the story of Beauty and the Beast.  So any version or any spin is something that I’ll read.  And this one only disappointed me because it ended!  This is just one great story!

This story is set in Texas, which is something that I like.  And in the town of Austin, there is an underground society that has been around since the 1800’s, a secret society that is trying to run the world, and a burlesque that is run by a drag Queen.  Throw in some steampunk elements, an “unexpected” romance, a bit of mystery and a good hearted &  wounded vet, and you have the recipe for a great story. 

Characters:

Jolie is an unexpected character to be “Beauty”.  A burlesque dancer, an heiress, and a potential spy… She is not your grandmother’s beauty, that is for sure.  But I still like her.  She seems open and honest, looking to better people’s lives and looking beyond circumstances.  I like that she isn’t your typical heiress, she almost seems “normal”.

Hauk is our “beast”.  He is horribly scarred on the outside, a sweet and sexy man on the inside with gifted fingers and a wicked tongue.  He is a vet who has blackouts that seem to be created by something supernatural.  I couldn’t help but love this wounded man.  He is afraid of getting rejected, but still puts himself out there.  (I also liked how the author used something uncontrollable like a fire in a war zone to “create” the beast… definitely better than being a selfish ass!).

Other Characters of note:

Catrina is a hoot!  Nothing like a drag queen to spice things up.  PLUS, I loved Jolie’s dilemma on the “he” or “she”, especially when Catrina was dressed as Carl. 

Whitney was a great character.  Nothing like a teenager (and a smart and sarcastic one at that) to put everything into perspective. 

Other great things in this book:

I thought there was some great uses of mythology.  There was Greek & Norse, with some mentions of Celtic in passing.  Since I haven’t read a lot of books with Norse mythology, it was a refreshing change.

I enjoyed what little bits of Underlight that I got to see/read about.  Would love to see more than primarily Hauk’s bedroom ;)

Overall, this is a great little book, and I’m looking forward to the next one.  I highly recommend this book!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Audio Review: Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Description:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Review:

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Grave Mercy is not like any other book I have ever read.  It combines history, assassins, conspiracy, romance, and the God of Death.  I started reading this book with an open mind and hoping for the best.  I ended the book knowing that I had just finished my all-time favorite book.

Ismae was abused most of her life, and she only escaped thanks to an herb witch who promised Ismae’s mom she would look after the girl.  She was taken to the convent of St. Mortain, the patron saint of death.  It is here that her life takes a very different turn.  Ismae discovers gifts that Mortain has given her and trains to be a deadly assassin.  There is nothing cooler than a medieval woman becoming an assassin.  Ismae struggles with the cruelty from her past, but she doesn’t let it keep her from serving the God she loves.  I love the strength that Ismae shows when facing difficult tasks whether it is taking on 3 men at once or embroidery.  She uses all of her training and life experiences to help save her duchess.  Ismae is a fighter through and through.

She meets her match with Duval.  He is the bastard brother to the duchess.  Duval is strong, caring, loyal, and very protective of the women he loves.  He would do anything to protect his sister from a bad marriage or losing her duchy.  Duval teaches Ismae that there is more to her God then what the convent let on.  They work together to keep the duchess safe and fall in love in the process.  They do not let their feelings for each other get in the way of their duty.  Duval is that rare man who does not want a prim and proper woman.  He wants the woman who has been through hardships and never gave up.  I love how tough and strong he is around everyone, but he breaks down the barriers around his two half-sisters.  Duval is not your typical knight in shining armor.  I love that he is just a man trying to protect his little sister.

The story gets interesting with different suitors who want to marry the duchess, and of course, the mystery of who is the traitor.  Ismae and Duval stay on their toes trying to keep the duchess safe from a swarm of people trying to manipulate her.   These are two very strong characters that complement each other well.  I love how Ismae is more interested in weapons then embroidery.  She is not a planner and she knows it.  Ismae wants to take action.  Duval is her planner.  He comes up with the ideas on how to keep the duchess safe. 

I love how this book shows a battered and broken woman can come back stronger than before.  She can be as loyal and useful as any man.  She can use a variety of weapons and poisons with ease.  It makes you feel like you can do anything after reading about Ismae.  The relationship between Ismae and Duval is amazing.  It isn’t love at first sight for them, and there is no definite happily ever after.  This love story seems more real to me because it isn’t all roses and honey.

I would definitely recommend this book if you want a change from the normal historical fiction books.

Kimberly 

Harbinger by Peta Crake

Description:

As an Olympic messenger, suburban Aussie girl Ophelia Lind is used to being at the beck and call of the gods. But when gorgeous demigod Aden moves into her neighbourhood and starts taking advantage of her services, Ophelia believes life could not get any worse. She's about to be proven very wrong.

Ophelia tries to enjoy a normal, everyday life while running messages for the Greek gods – but without warning an odious creature - evil incarnate - begins to stalk her. As a messenger dealing with the all-powerful and sometimes frightening gods, Ophelia is accustomed to adventures and scrapes. But this is different. Even Aden, who is madly and deeply in love with Ophelia, finds it difficult to protect her. Suddenly Ophelia is in a battle for survival and begins to question everything – her upbringing, her identity, and her true feelings for the alluring and entirely frustrating Aden.

My Review:

Harbinger by Peta Crake

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ophelia is the messenger of the gods.  But not just the Olympians like you think.  No, we are talking about every form of mythos:  Greek, Celtic, Norse, etc.  Also, it shows what a great amount of traveling she does.  With that in mind, it is amazing that they haven’t killed her through exhaustion. 

I loved how she had rules against dating the gods, or pretty much having any form of relationship with them.  Except for Zeus and Hera.  Actually, those would seem to be the last gods that I’d want to have a relationship with.  Let’s be honest, and think about it.  Why in the world would you want to be friends with horny-cheat-on-his-wife King of the Olympians and his jealous-turn-you-into-some-animal wife.  Uhm, no thank you!  But it does make her really cool that she knows how to work the gods as well as have relationships with some of them.

Aden was such a yummy character.  As god of the lustful hunt, I died laughing at his multiple attempts to seduce Ophelia… Plus I did laugh a lot about his changes, because they seemed so out of character for him.  One of the only things that didn’t’ really change was the fact that he still stayed an arrogant ass, but everyone needs those moments. 

Pravus… Let me just say “eeeewwwwww!”  He was such a creepy, sadistic character, I’ll admit that I had a hard time entering my pitch-black bedroom… and when I did, I turned on the lights quickly.  So glad with what happened to him!

I loved the mix of the mythology that blended so well with the created mythology of Ms. Crake.  There was generally a good & believable flow to the myths, gods/goddesses, and the combination of both. 

Now, I did have an issue with the actual flow of the novel.  It could be just how it was formatted for the e-reader, but I swear that when there was a dividing point in the chapter I didn’t realize it until I was thoroughly confused and had to go back and re-read it to figure out what happened. 

I do want to remind readers that this book is set primarily in Australia, and since the author is from there as well, the spelling might not be the common “American” spelling of words.  Also, the wording and the slag are not going to be necessarily familiar to us Americans.  But don’t let that hold you back from reading this book!

Overall, this is a really good book, and I definitely recommend this book!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Audio Book: Grave Mercy by R. L. LaFevers

Description:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Review:

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers 
My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

“How does one serve Death?”

Let me tell you about one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.  It is about killer nuns…. No, really, the sisters of St. Mortain (the god of death turned “saint” by the people who have slightly converted to Christianity wanting to keep the old ways alive) are the daughters of Mortain who have been trained as assassins. I mean, how cool is that?  Definitely something different from your werewolves, angels, vampires, and such. 

From the beginning, I thought the premise was amazing.  This is the story about a girl that the world has abused and used poorly, who is an outcast of her village due to the circumstances of her birth.  She is rescued from a horrible fate to be brought to a convent full of others who have been abused and used.  They learn strength, gain power, and in some cases, seek out to avenge the wrongs that have happened to them.

Ismae is a handmaiden of death, and I think she is one of the most amazing women I’ve read of recently.  She is strong, she is smart, she is eager to learn.  I even love how she can’t seem to learn to flirt and seduce a man, and feels that the womanly arts classes are pointless.  She sees things and believes she is doing the will of Mortain as told to her by the sisters of Mortain.  She speaks her mind, yet keeps so many secrets. 

She is prepared to live a life as a nun, without any attachment to any man.  But there is a real turning point for her.  Ismae gets injured, and Duvall takes care of her.  It is then she truly starts to think of what is really the will of Mortain, examine the feelings she has for Duvall, and if all who say there are friends really are. 

Duvall (nicknamed by Ismae as the royal bastard :P) is an ass with a heart.  He tries to do the right thing and you can’t help but see what a good man he really is.  But he doesn’t always do the right thing in a helpful manner.  His devotion to his half-sister, his caring for best friends, his sense of humor and his gentle manners make for a man who is very desirable (ass and all).  You kind of really want him and Ismae to get together, in hopes that they can heal the other of their outcast status. 

I think what made me truly, absolutely, and devotedly love Duvall as a character is what he says about scars, specifically about Ismae’s.  It was a comment born of kindness, caring and understanding. 

FAVORITE CHARACTER OF ALL TIME:  BEAST!!!!  He is a great minor character who I’m sure will get a chance to be a major/lead character soon *fingers crossed*.  He isn’t the best looking guy, but his manners and his willingness to be of assistance make for a great example of opposite characteristics/physical appearances combining to make a great character.

I think the duchess is an amazing girl woman. Only 12/13 years old when all of this was put before her, she was a wise woman who would not willingly stand by as a pawn.  The fact that she was an actual historical figure makes her all the more amazing.  She definitely inspires me to learn more about her, the Duchess of Brittany. 

I love how this book ended.  There was enough of a wrap up to make me, the anti-cliff hanger, happy, but left enough unresolved to give us some hope for more books (yippee!!!).

This book of intrigue, medieval customs, and assassin nuns will keep you guessing on who is friend and who is foe (kind of like a normal royal court!).  It really encouraged me to do a little free research on the subjects in this book (example: I didn’t know where Brittany was located… But I do now!). 

Overall, this is a great book.  I enjoyed it so much, and I’m dying for the next ones to come out!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Bewitching Book Tour: Goddess On The Run by Marne Ann Kirk

Goddess On The Run By Marne Ann Kirk    

Book Description:

All Fomorian Hells are about to break loose on earth, making human souls the daily special, if the Tuatha de Danaan can’t stop it.

Teagan, a Celtic demi-goddess hiding from her destiny in small-town Colorado, wants nothing to do with her mother’s forgotten realm or the drama of a battle of the gods. And Merric is forbidden fruit she’s too smart to taste.

Merric, leader of the Tuatha de Danaan warriors, has other plans. Teagan holds the key to salvation, for both him and their worlds, whether she wants to or not. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her of her duty.

But can he find the key to her heart?

Author Bio:

Marne Ann Kirk grew up wild, exploring the vast high deserts and mountains of the West with her family as a child. Marne Ann loved making up stories and, well, lied about just about everything. Thankfully, she grew out of the lying stage...now she calls it story-telling.

Her debut novel, “Love Chosen: Book One of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is available now. “Love Dared: Book Two of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is coming soon. “Goddess on the Run,” a paranormal romance, will be available September 17, 2012. You can find out more about Marne Ann through her publisher, Crescent Moon Press, or visit her at: www.marneannkirk.com  or www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com

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Excerpt:

Great. Just fan-friggen-tabulous. Not even halfway through her shift and Teagan had an ass-grabber.

Another one.

Of course, this moron's lack of respect for personal boundaries was why she'd gotten this table of five. The girls had named her The Enforcer for a reason.

She'd let him play for a moment. He wasn't hurting her, after all. But soon he'd pay, and she'd make certain it did hurt him.

Yep, a little public humiliation, and he’d never touch another lady without her permission again.

But first, money. A girl had to have her priorities.

"Can I get you boys anything else?" she asked, setting a Corona in front of each of them.

The Friday night band sang their standard classic, "Friends in Low Places," and several patrons whooped or sang along. Lively crowd tonight--at least a couple hundred cowboys, college kids, tourists, and locals were bound to mean good tips. Everyone was lookin' for love.

Blondie, the man sitting across the table from where she stood, smiled and tossed down a hundred dollar bill. "Tequila shots?"

Mr. Hands, on her left, inched his grope further up the back of her inner thigh. If he went any higher, he'd be fondling parts of her only seen by her doctor and her vibrator.

She snapped her teeth into a grin, ignoring Mr. Hands, as she pulled the Jose Gold from one holster on her costume’s gun-slinger's belt and six shot glasses from the cartridge loops on the other hip. Between the rowdy saloon atmosphere and the waitressing costumes--leather vest, gunfighter's belt over short-shorts, Stetson cowboy hat and boots--it was no surprise Tommie's Knockers drew the largest crowd in the Canyon.

Someone cursed a stream of words his mama would’ve washed his mouth out for, on the other side of the main stage. Chaos exploded in the far section of the bar as a chair shattered and a beer bottle exploded--probably on some poor fool’s head.  A girl screamed and Teagan straightened up, glancing over. The bouncers didn’t need her help, though. Six were already hustling over and stepping in, pulling two men apart and bringing things back to order. It was under control.

So why did she feel on edge tonight? Like all hells were about to break loose.

"If you're buying one for me too, sugar," she said, shaking it off and bringing her attention back to Blondie.

When he nodded, she twisted the cap off the bottle, pouring tequila into each glass before sliding them around. The shot glass she slid to Mr. Hands barely stayed on the table. Damn. She'd hoped to distract him from his blind-man's examination of her butt--no such luck.

Nope. Yesteryear’s Quarterback just kept on going with one hand, like her backside was his winning season’s playbook.

She lifted her shot, saluted the men, and tossed it back. Oh, it burned good. Too bad her kind couldn't get drunk on human alcohol. She could use a little something right now. Something to dull the sudden itch along her spine, urging her to run without motive. She wasn't fooled. Whenever she had that itch, there was a reason.

She forced herself to smile at Blondie as she set her shooter back on the table, then tipped her head so she could surreptitiously study the bar through the shield of her bangs.

Several men milled about the dance floor, looking uncomfortable and awkward, while couples danced the two-step around them. Nothing out of place about that in a bar.

Blondie slid the Franklin across the table and tapped her hand. "Keep the change."

"Why thanks, baby. If you need anything at all, raise your hand. See the brunette, Kelly, over by the bar? She'll see to your every need." Teagan slipped the bill into a pocket inside her vest.

Time to play enforcer, and just in time. She needed to clean this mess up and go on break, if for no other reason than to unwind and figure out why she felt this strung out. If she were human, she’d worry she’d been slipped something, she was so twitchy.

Was it a full moon tonight?

She turned to face Mr. Hands, leaning down slow and low, until his eyes were level with her cleavage.

He grabbed the sides of his chair, leaning closer to her.

Right where she wanted his hands--off her body.

She let her hair fall over one shoulder. "Sweetie, sometimes a little naughty is nice, but every so often, naughty goes, well, too far. Then it’s time for a little lesson in manners. Are you up for a--” She licked her upper lip, sliding her hand up his thigh until she almost brushed the bulge in his jeans. “Lesson?”

He flushed, throwing a victorious grin at his friends. "With a body as hot as you? Hell, you can teach me manners any time."

She brought her mouth to his ear as the band finished their song. Perfect timing.

"Then here's lesson one, hon," she said in a stage whisper all his buddies would hear. She wrapped his package in her palm and squeezed her hand into a fist around it--hard.

"Touch me or one of the other girls again--," she tightened her grip even more.

His eyes bulged in pain, but he sat frozen in place. Men tended to do that when you had them by the baby brains.

"One more time, and I’ll tear your nut sack from your body and feed it to an alley cat."

Such language, but some jerks were also stupid and only understood crass.

Keeping him firmly in hand, she looked at his friends and tilted her head. "I'd feed it to the dog, but she'd barely notice the swallow."

My Review:

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Welcome to one of the best books I’ve read to date this year.  It is still in the top twenty out of all the books I’ve read. Actually, I loved this book so much, that I am planning on stealing a time-turner, a TARDIS, or any other form of time travel to move forward in time to get the other books... Yes, I know, so sad, but it is true!

Can I just say that I LOVE Teagan.  I knew I loved her personality from the first chapter.  Her snarkiness, her innocence mixed with her wordly knowledge, her knowledge (or lack of knowledge) about her people as well as the Formorians and humans.  I love all of it!  I think she is just a great character, both strong and vulnerable, perfectly blended to make her a realistic character. 

Hmmm…. Merric is one yummy warrior Fairy.  I personally wouldn’t mind if he was my amoredella.  Nothing like a strong, stubborn, morally-up tight fairy warrior with washboard abs and magical powers to make you want to forget your sparkly vampires, angsty werewolves, steampunk zombies, and any other supernatural creature you thought was worth your drool. :)

OMGoodness, the Formorians gave me nightmares!  I think that if there was a scarier creature in a novel, I haven’t read about them recently.  The descriptions of what they looked like, what they smell like, and what they could do to people were scarier than anything that I could come up with in my imagination. 

I think personally, I want to visit this wonderful little Colorado town, and really wish that Tommie Knockers was a real place.  

I love this take on Celtic mythology.  As a good old ¾ Irish girl (and a very proud ¼ Polish girl), I thought this version of Danu and the Tuathe de Danaan to be marvelously well devised.  If you have any background with Celtic mythology, you can definitely see how this could be possible. 

I think that Ms. Kirk does a wonderful job of setting up a story.  This story in particular was just great, because she was able to have you thinking one thing, and then surprises you by proving that there was an alternative to your assumption (just remember, even in a book, assuming makes an ass out of you and me :P).  It is definitely a great way to lead a story in my opinion.  It definitely keeps you guessing what is going on, and what is going to happen. 

Overall, I think this is a must read for everyone.  Absolutely amazing!  Highly recommend. 

And now for a giveaway!  
5 signed copies of Goddess on The Run (US Shipping)  
$20 Gift to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner's choice)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading!

Cana

A Touch of Greek by Tina Folsom

Description:


Selfish and gorgeous Greek God Triton is cast out of Olympus after seducing Zeus’ mistress and can only gain reentry if he finds a woman who loves him for his kindness and selflessness, not his beauty. When the mortal Sophia – recovering from an eye operation and virtually blind – needs a home healthcare worker, he takes on the role, hoping she will be his ticket home. 

While defending Sophia from an unknown adversary, Triton’s protective instinct emerges. At the same time rival Gods do everything to doom him to failure. And even if Triton can win Sophia’s love, will he throw it away to return home, or will he lose his own heart to the only woman who truly sees him? 

A Touch of Greek is the first book in the humorous and sexy paranormal romance series Out of Olympus following the romantic adventures of four Gods: Triton, Dionysus, Eros, and Hermes.

My Review

A Touch of Greek by Tina Folsom

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This very sexy trashy-romance combines the best of two worlds:  Hot romance and Greek Mythology.  Better yet, it was attention grabbing, and was attention keeping!  You can’t help but love a book that will do that. 

So, at first I didn’t like Triton, but then again, I don’t think you were supposed to.  Triton was such an ass, but I love the changes that happened over time of the book.  He went from being asshole playboy to actually caring for Sophia.  The hoops he jumped through at first was because of his selfishness, but later the hoops he created for himself to jump through were amazingly sweet. 

Sophia is a self-confident woman, who has had a hard time since she was a child.  She has seen the gods, and mystical creatures since she was a small child, and has thought that she was going crazy for years.  The fact that she didn’t like Triton at first was great, but it was fun to see what did once she realized that he was the one wooing her. 

To add to the greatness of the book is the mystery on what is actually going on in Sophia’s house turning B & B.  All the accidents, and changes in supplies.  You know what is going on, but you just aren’t sure what it is. 

High point:  Seeing Eros, Dionysius, Zeus, and Neptune in all their Greek god glory, and what potential asses they can be/ are.  I think it makes Greek mythology come to life :P!

Another high point was the location:  Charleston, SC.  As a South Carolina Girl, I love that this book has a wonderful combination of reality and mythology.

Final high point I’m going to hit on:  Steamy Romance Scenes.  OMGoodness, Triton and Sophia’s whirlwind romance does give readers an eyeful.  J  Very nice way to end a day of work!

Overall, I thought this was a great book, and I recommend it.  But this is for Adults only, as it explores some very adult subjects. 

Happy Reading!


Cana

ARC Review: Silver by Talia Vance

Description:


An Irish heritage, Celtic myth, and deadly beauty

In eighth grade, Brianna did something so dreadful she was suspended and homeschooled. No one could explain what happened that night . . . except Brianna's Irish grandmother, who gave her a silver charm bracelet and told her to wear it until she turned seventeen. Ever since she slipped it on, Brianna has felt like she's invisible. People stare right past her as if she doesn't exist. And that includes Blake Williams, the one boy she can't resist.

But everything changes in one frozen, silver moment when Blake sees her--and recognizes what she's been hiding. Brianna is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth. Yet before she can fully understand who or what she is, Brianna accidentally binds her soul to Blake--whose tribe has spent the last thousand years hunting Danu's descendants to protect humanity.


My Review:

Silver by Talia Vance

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OH MY GOODNESS!  (yep, this book is so good I have to spell it out!)  So when I started Silver, I was like, this sounds interesting.  The characters, the events, and the history behind it all, blend together perfectly together to create an amazing book.

So, I think that Brianna is a great character.  After years of being ignored, she is finally “seen” by the one that she wants to see her.  Unfortunately, she is also seen by many others that she should really avoid.  On top of this, she has almost no background about what she is becoming, what she could do and if anything about her is safe and normal.  She is learning on the run and in the process discovers what kind of person she is and how strong she is.

Blake is at once an ass and a prince.  After years of not being able to see Brianna, he finally sees her and is immediately lost.  Unfortunately, he withholds information from her, purposely starts ignoring her, and blames her for a lot of stuff.  At times he seems to act like a spoiled child because he isn’t getting what he wants from Brianna, but other times… He is amazing.  He wants her to learn how to defend herself against his kind, to fight for her life. 

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Celtic mythology used in this novel!  As someone who is proud of my Irish heritage, I loved how Ms. Vance used Celtic mythology as something other than fairies.  Plus, I do wonder who Austin is in the Celtic mythology.  I do have my own theory on that, but I’m curious!

I would love to get more information on the Killian/Danu story, which I’m hoping will come in a second book.  I also want to see what decisions will be made for Brianna and Blake, plus if they both can stand against the storm that is coming for them.  Actually, I just hope there is a second book because I just really enjoyed this book. 

I think that Ms. Vance did a great job on the ending of this novel.  There was no cliff hanger (kudos on avoid that cliché), but not everything was resolved (perfect ending to begin a new book with).  Plus, the actions that take place shows how the characters have grown.

The only thing I had a problem with: the synopsis.  Now, don’t get me wrong, the synopsis is “technically” correct, but it sets you up on your expectations on how things are going to occur in the book.  DO NOT BELIEVE IT!  I liked the actual ARC cover synopsis.  I get the info that I need, and don’t feel set up for certain events to occur in certain order. Again, do not take this as a “bad” thing about the book.  This book was absolutely amazing!

I highly recommend this book and look forward from this author!

Happy Reading!


Cana

Happy Reading!


Cana

ARC Review: Redemption by Veronique Launier

Description:

Guillaume: For five hundred years I’ve existed as a gargoyle. Perched atop an old Montreal church, I’ve watched idly as humanity wanders by. With the witch Marguerite gone, there is no one left to protect, nothing to care about. I never planned to feel again. But then a girl released me from my stone restraints, allowing me to return as a seventeen-year-old human boy. I must find out all I can about this girl’s power...

Aude: Getting attacked twice in as many days is strange in itself, but even stranger is the intriguing guy I keep running into. There’s something so familiar about him, like a primal drum rhythm from my dreams. But spending time together only raises more questions—about my heritage, a native Mohawk prophecy... and an unearthly magic threatening our city.

My Review:

Redemption by Veronique Launier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is lovely little story is about Aude (pronounce like “Ode”) and Guilliame.  Set in Montreal, Canada and mixed in with French and Native Indian magic, this story keeps you going as you try to figure out who Aude is, what Guilliame is actually thinking, and who is in need of actual redemption. 

Told in Aude’s and Guilliame’s points of view, it was clearly labled (YAY!) to help prevent confusion about whose POV I was reading.  I learned that I like Guilliame’s POV better than Aude’s, probably because Guilliame’s is only guilt ridden (and a bit angst-y) while Aude’s is a bit more “Am I going crazy like my mom?  I must, I must!”  Not a big fan of Am I/Aren’t I going crazy club. 

I think the story is ok, but it becomes a better story once you reach the halfway point.  Partly because the whole “I’m crazy” is off the table, but also because you finally are starting to see some deeper development in the main characters.  They are no longer just focused in, but are now focusing outside of themselves towards each other. 

I loved the whole mythology of gargoyles being used in this book.  I know, it is cliché, but it could have just been as easily vampires, werewolves or fairies.  But instead, to give a little shakeup for the YA category, Ms. Launier goes left field and gives us a YA book about gargoyles.  I loved it!  It definitely was a refreshing break to prior said supernaturals. 

I also really enjoyed how Ms. Launier included Native Indian mythology and the blending of two cultures. 

The only thing I really had a problem with was how the story kept going after it could have ended.  One big climax is always good.  When you get closer to 3, it is a bit of overkill.  Maybe it could have ended with “Terra Cotta”, and left the extra stuff for the next books.  Oh well, it still wasn’t bad. 

Overall, this is a good story, and I do recommend this book.  I do look forward to reading more by Ms. Launier.

Happy Reading!


Cana

Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

Description:

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist whose work leaves her neck-deep in other people’s problems. Thanks to her compassion, her gut instinct, and her magnetic charm, Sophie really knows how to attract little black clouds.

Marek Thurzo is no little black cloud; he’s a maelstrom. Marek is Demivampire, a race with the potential to evolve into vampire. A warrior who’s taken his share of spiritual damage, he hovers dangerously close to destruction.

He seeks salvation. She’s driven to save him. But what if he can’t be saved?

Sympathy for his plight becomes true empathy as Sophie’s hidden nature is revealed. Marek suspects she may be one of the Sophia, oracle and redemption of the damned Demivampire. She alone can turn back the evolutionary clock.

All she needs is the courage to face her fears. Can she save him from Falling?

My Review:

Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a wonderfully new spin on the vampire myth, than this is a book that you need to read.

So when I started reading this book, I was like, “Ok, another vampire book… Let’s see if there is anything new under the sun for this line of vampire mythology.”  And let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised.  Not only are there humans and vampires (and werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night), but there are an in-between species known as demivamps (DV), which is the precursor to becoming a vampire.  They are the missing link between humans and vampires so to speak. 

I generally love Sophie as a character.  Her sarcasm is great, and it is nice to see it consistently used throughout the book.  I find her perky/sunshine on a cloudy day personality to be a bit overboard sometimes, but since I actually know people like that, it is still very believable.  Also, Sophie is really one big bleeding heart that attracts a lot of strays.  This aspect of her personality makes her both likeable and frustrating.  It also gives an opportunity for conflict in the book.  The only thing that slightly bothered me was how many nicknames Sophie comes up for herself.  Talk about “Overkill Sophie” (yep, even that one is in there!).

Let me tell you, I’d love to get a Marek and Rodrian of my own.  What a manly sandwich I could make with them ;).  And with them, you got the best of both worlds:  Dark and brooding (Marek) and fun and sexy (Rodrian).  And I can honestly not pick one or the other.  For me, they are a package deal.

I loved Jared and his speech about faith, God, and infinity.  Nothing like a godly man for me… Too bad he is a priest.  Otherwise, we could add him to the Marek/Rodrian sandwich.  *Sigh*

This book is split into 3 parts, literally and figuratively.  Part 1 is the Good and the Romantic.  Part 2 is the Revealing and the Setup.  And Part 3 is the Heartbreaking and the Frustrating.  Each part has its high and low points.  Personally, I liked everything up until the last few chapters of part 3.  I had my heart breaking, and before the author could mended it back up with her story, it ended!  I do not like I-got-no-resolution endings!  It is like story interuptus, which makes me a cranky and unhappy reader, as I now have to wait patiently for the next book to come out (Please let it be soon, I’m begging you!).

I loved the play on words with the title, the flower, Sophie, and the situations that occur in this book.  You can take it so many ways!  I mean, I’d tell you more, but then I would be giving spoilers. 

Overall, this is a very good book, and I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Krafton. 

I highly recommend it. 

Happy Reading!


Cana