Wolf with Benefits ~ Shelly Laurenston

Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I got this one as a Netgalley and it was great. I don't think I have read something so funny in a long time.

Summary:
Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?

Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for..

My Take:
This was not your typical romance novel. Within the first two paragraphs I actually laughed out loud. The rest of the novel went the same way with both witty and just hilarious moments. All through the laughter the author did a fantastic job building her characters into socially awkward but totally lovable. I don't usually consider myself a written comedy lover. I barely made it through that book about the Demon hunting soccer mom but this one was different. It is one of those you will stay up late at night because you just can't put it down. Now I just have to find out if Shelly Laurenston has any other books out there so I can pick them up!

The Demon Lover ~ Juliet Dark

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was one of those novels I have mixed feelings about. If I had to rate the first half of the book I'd probably give it a two but the second half was amazing (more like a four) so I decided to settle in the middle with my rating of three stars. I'm not sure it fits well in my mind as a romance, at least not to the fashion most romance novels are written.

Summary:Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of her having written the bestselling book The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she’s found herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.
 
But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: Her incubus is not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the demon, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this supernatural lover from her heart.
My Take: I'm not sure if it was the author warming up or just the story finally finding its stride but once I hit that half way mark I couldn't put it down. I actually felt like there was two different stories happening to the same woman. That was until the end, when everything ties together. I don't want to spoil the story for you so I won't go into too much detail but I'm sure if you read it you will know exctly what I'm talking about.
The author also had an interesting way to sneak some hot and heavy scenes into the mix. By adding the main character reading some Gothic erotica she was able to keep the sex scenes coming even when the main characters were at odds.
The Demon Lover was filled with an interesting cast of characters and I am going to be looking for the next book in the series.

Cover Reveal for Obsession (Masquerade 3) by Rivka Spicer

Well everyone I am happy to show you the fantastic cover to Rivka Spicer's newest novel in the Masquerade series Obsession. As you probably remember I reviewed the first two novels in the series and they were both amazing! I can't wait for this next one...

If you haven't read this first two books then what are you waiting for? 

This amazing cover was created by Luke Bailey to see more of his work check out his Facebook.

To find out more about Rivka and the rest of her novels you can check her out on  facebook or follow her on Twitter

You can find the reviews on the first two books in the series by clicking on the links below.

Masquerade

Carnevale

Time Dancer ~ Inez Kelley

Time Dancer by Inez Kelley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time Dancer was the perfect kind of fantasy. Inez Kelley has crafted a world completely different from our own without getting trapped behind countless lines of description. The author is able to bring all of the characters to life in such a subtle way that I felt instantly drawn into the story. 

Summary:
Everyone has a duty in the royal castle—everyone except Jana Haruk. Despite her promising magical bloodline, her gift is weak. As a Reminiscent Seer, she knows only what happened in the past, not what will happen in the future. When the crown prince's life is threatened, Jana vows to do everything she can to help him—including asking the queen, a powerful sorceress, to lend her some magic.

The queen summons Darach, a spell in human form. The arrogant and mysterious man soon discovers there's more to Jana than meets the eye: she's a time dancer, someone with the ability to move backward through time in her dreams. With Darach as her anchor, Jana can explore the past and try to figure out who is behind the attacks on the prince.

Despite her attraction to him, Jana knows little about the handsome warrior. The past is tying them closer to each other with every trip, but Darach is bound to return to his homeland when his mission is complete…and their time together is running out.

My Take: 

Jana is a young woman who is coming into herself during a time of great turmoil in her kingdom. It is only with the help of the magical Queen that she is able to both find herself and her hearts desire. It is not often that I feel such an emotional connection with the characters. There were even some tear jerker moments. I loved this one. A fantasy world seemed in myth and magic, time travel and a love story to boot. Don't let this one pass you by!

City of Dark Magic ~ Magnus Flyte

City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow how to describe City of Dark Magic? This one was fun and mysterious with a little sex thrown in and of course a ton of history.

Summary:Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as it’s whispered, hell portals. When music student Sarah Weston lands a summer job at Prague Castle cataloging Beethoven’s manuscripts, she has no idea how dangerous her life is about to become. Prague is a threshold, Sarah is warned, and it is steeped in blood.
     Soon after Sarah arrives, strange things begin to happen. She learns that her mentor, who was working at the castle, may not have committed suicide after all. Could his cryptic notes be warnings? As Sarah parses his clues about Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved,” she manages to get arrested, to have tantric sex in a public fountain, and to discover a time-warping drug. She also catches the attention of a four-hundred-year-old dwarf, the handsome Prince Max, and a powerful U.S. senator with secrets she will do anything to hide.
     City of Dark Magic could be called a rom-com paranormal suspense novel—or it could simply be called one of the most entertaining novels of the year
My Take:
This is actually the second novel that I have read that makes reference to Alchemy but the first which was also equally focused on Beethoven. I always enjoy these twisted historical explanations stories. I think there is enough true fact in there hidden behind a great story that the reader actually comes out learning something.

I also enjoyed that the main character was a gifted girl from Boston. Its nice to see someone from my neck of the wood be included into such an original story. If you enjoyed A Discovery of Witches and the Da Vinci Code I think you'll love this one!

Movie Review ~ Beautiful Creatures

Movie Review *some spoilers*

Beautiful Creatures

4 stars

Opening Dat Feb 14, 2013

Now let me start by saying I have not yet read the book this movie was based on. (Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia) For those of you that have I unfortunately can not compare the two. That being said I found this movie to be a lot of fun. I was actually able to convince my husband to take me for Valentines day.. Anyways for those of you who don't know the story follows a small town southern boy who falls for the mysterious new girl with a questionable past and even more questionable family ties.

What Ethan finds out is that sometimes the real world is even stranger than it seems! I found the romance between Ethan and Lena to be seemingly heartfelt. I enjoyed the whole PG-13 aspect of the movie, since Lena is supposed to be 15 and counting down the days to her 16th birthday. 

Emma Thompson did an exceptional job as Lena's evil mother and the annoying religious nutcase (Mrs. Lincoln/Sarafine)

I will say the dinner scene where Lena makes the room spin around seems less like an intense scene and more like the makings of a Disney ride. Other than that though I really enjoyed this one and may even pick up the book down the road, just so I can compare the two.

House Rules ~ Chloe Neill

House Rules by Chloe Neill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always look forward to the next Chicagoland Vampires novel. Chloe Neill always manages to create a fun, fast paced story. Even when there are multiple different, and equally important, things going on the reader never feels lost or left behind. She also manages to leave enough unanswered questions at the end to keep us coming back for more.

Summary:
In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

My Take: 

We have really seen Merit grow since the first novel in the series. No longer is she fighting her vampire lifestyle. Instead she is throwing herself into it full force. Lucky for her she is good at her job. She has also moved into a positive relationship with Ethan. Now anyone who has read the series knows they have had some major up and downs (including his death) so it was nice to see them happy. Well as happy as they can be with everything else they have going on.

Very rarely does an author take me by surprise but I was totally shocked by who turns out to be the "bad guy" this time around. I won't spoil it for you but I can tell you you'll probably be surprised too. I do also have to say it was cool to see a Delia in the story. Even if she only had a minor role. 

If your looking for a kick ass Vampire heroine than check out the Chicagoland Vampire series. You will be glad you did !

Chinese Horoscopes ~ Gerry Maguire Thompson

The Guide to Chinese Horoscopes: The Twelve Animal Signs*Personality and Aptitude*Relationships and Compatibility*Work, Money and Health*Horoscopes Over Time by Gerry Maguire Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary:
This simple yet comprehensive guide to using the ancient Chinese system of horoscopes has a classic beauty of design yet is supple enough to embrace the multiplicity of modern human experience. Gerry Maguire Thompson shows how the animal-year sign cycle is enmeshed with a repeating cycle of the five elements, and how this in turn is modified by the hour-of-birth cycle

My Take:

I've always enjoyed the Chinese Horoscope. I can remember sitting at the Golden Dragon with my family looking at a chart on the place mat and trying to figure out who got along with who. For anyone who enjoys Horoscopes this was a fun book. The chapters make it easy to get to exactly what you want to know about. This was a fun way to pass some time with friends, laughing about the things that seem right and the ones that are way off.

View all my reviews

Wicked Kiss ~ Michelle Rowen

Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Release Dat Feb 26, 2013

Every once in a while I happen upon a netgalley that is fantastic. This one was just as good as the first one in the series. Considering that I'm not usually a huge fan of the whole Angels and Demons genre that is saying a whole bunch. 

Summary: MY KISS CAN KILL. 

I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that's changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone's soul...or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don't...I hurt myself. 

Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I'll kill him. Then there's another boy, one I can't hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They're both part of a team of angels and demons that's joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I'll be able to help Bishop-or if I'm just another part of the darkness he's sworn to destroy.... 

My Take:

Wicked Kiss picks up shortly after the first book ( Dark Kiss ). Sam still finds herself a soul sucking teenager trapped in the city of Trinity by a Heavenly force field.

Her attraction to the shadowy fallen angel is as powerful as ever. Together along with a band of otherworldly creatures they must try to get her soul back. If not Heaven may just decided she is too dangerous to hang around.

This one was fast paced and upbeat (considering the end of the world angle). It never slips into the annoying teen drama bit that a fair amount of YA books do. This one is the type that will appeal to any adult who loves the supernatural. There are even some tear jerker moments.

I do think you should read the first navel first, just because its got such a great storyline I think you will not appreciate it as much if you spend the first three chapters trying to catch up.

Paper Airplane ~ Kersten L Kelly

paper airplane by Kersten L. Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun and interesting change of pace for me. Even when I read my change of pace book it is usually still a book of fiction. This one is more a work of semi-fiction. It contains a great collection of stories picked up through a lifetime of observant flying. Setup in chapters by each individual story its the type of book you can pick up and read hear and there or sit down and read the whole thing at once.

Summary: 
In this tumultuous, distinctive memoir, Kersten L. Kelly looks back on the most influential individuals that she encountered while flying through the clouds. Confined in a small vestibule for hours, Kelly identified an opportunity for learning and growth by chatting with the fellow passengers around her. After a few life changing conversations and unforgettable emergencies, she put the in-flight magazines to rest and never looked back. She recalls life lessons from perfect strangers about love, family, perseverance of dreams, and humility through a series of brief anecdotes all taking place on airplanes. Selfless philanthropy was discovered, long-term friendships bonded, and talents unveiled. The book proves the phrase “you never know what you will learn on an airplane” over and over again. Every chapter will capture the mind and sometimes the heart of anyone who jumps into this collection of humanity at its best. The personalities present in this book assimilate with the intrinsic characteristics all readers can relate to. With a raw authenticity stemming from old notes in a ragged journal, Kelly delivers a personal reflection of unique tales from a mile high

My Take:
I enjoyed the lighthearted stories in the novel but it was much more than that.  One chapter towards the beginning of the novel struck a particular cord. In chapter 3 labeled Ira, The hungry watchdog, we find our narrator struggling with the nerves of an American who is flying post September 11. No longer is she a carefree flyer, instead she finds herself more aware of the potential danger. In the end her situation ended alright but I think the chapter is one that sums up us as a nation. No longer are we carefree flyers. The long lines at security no longer make us feel safe. Instead we find ourselves on the lookout for potential dangers. Hopefully this new awareness will help keep us safe in the future but also not interfere with anyone else's liberties. After all being more aware does not give us a right at discrimination.
I also enjoyed the authors reflection on her early school days, having been the constant teachers pet myself. I luckily did not have all that many bullies to worry about but I still was able to make a connection with the author because of this chapter. I found this novel fun and enjoyable.

Don't Forget House Rules comes out today!!

Well for all of you Chloe Neill fans I just figured I'd give you a quick reminder that the next Chicago Land Vampires installment comes out today Feb 5, 2013

check out the info...

In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal—tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

The Vows Tour ~ Catherine Bybee

Today I am posting a promo stop for the very talented Catherine Bybee. Unfortunately I was unable to review these books but as I have read books by Catherine before I'm sure they are filled with strong characters and heart felt romance. If you are interested I did review a book of Catherine's a few months ago and I loved it! Not Quite dating

Now on to these books...

The Vows Trilogy by Catherine Bybee- Amazon Bestsellers in Time Travel and Historical Romance

Binding Vows 

Duncan MacCoinnich’s task… Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister.

Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both.

Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them.

When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century?

And is it love they feel? Or something else?

$2.99 (limited time at this e-book price) - Print Amount TBA

Silent Vows

Myra, a medieval virgin druidess, flees five hundred years into the future to escape death at the hands of a cursed witch and lands in the arms of a handsome but cynical twenty-first century cop.

Officer Todd Blakely knows Myra is hiding something , but can't resist her innocent charms. Destiny throws them both into a world of intrigue and mysticism. Can Todd be the true white knight she needs? Or will magic and the winds of time tear them apart?

$3.99 e-book - Print TBA

Redeeming Vows 

For her own safety, modern day, single mom, Lizzy McAllister is forced to bow to the medieval men who surround her when she's thrust back in time to the sixteenth century against her will. When Lizzy finds herself trapped in time with Fin, the one man she finds both irresistible and maddening, she agrees to combine forces with him to rid Scotland of the evil witch, Grainna. Finlay MacCoinnich's attraction to Lizzy sizzles the very air they breathe.

Tearing down the solid walls the woman has built around her won't be easy, but he's willing to do anything to keep her by his side. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws them forward in time, will they manage to find their way back in time to save their family from peril?

And will Lizzy willingly stay in his time, or abandon him altogether?

$3.99 e-book - Print TBA

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the novels Wife by Wednesday and Married by Monday. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

2013 Paranormal Reading challenge

Hi Everyone! I've decided to take part in the 2013 Paranormal Reading challenge Hosted by
  Megan Likes Books and Auntie Spinelli Reads !

The goal is to read at least one book featuring each of the following paranormal creatures:

• Vampires
• Werewolves/Shifters
• Fey
• Angels/Nephilim
• Mermaids
• Dragons
• Zombies
• Demons
• Witches/Wizards
• Ghosts
• Aliens
• Other (ie: sirens, unicorns, centaurs, timetravel etc.)

Since I read mostly Paranormal books I'm hoping this one will be an easy one to complete :)

The Challenge runs from January 1st 2013 to December 31 2013 so there is still plenty of time to sign up.