Book Review: Vala: Agendas

                   Today's review is on Vala:  Agendas   by J.F. Jenkins

Vala Agendas was a delightful book to read, if at times a little bit slow.  It was easy to fall in love with the characters and the story line; which is based on a unique myth.  In fact, the school where the main and supportive character's attend works to clarify the myths from the facts of their supernatural students.

Cheyenne Loveless is out one night when she is approached by a handsome boy with emerald, green eyes.  She is instantly attracted to Denver Collins hoping that he will kiss her, but instead finds that he has bitten her.  Now her life is turned upside down.

The mother that she has known and loved for 16 years is not really her mother at all.  There are two strangers in her home; a witch and a Fallen Angel,  and she must go with them to a new school to be kept safe.  And, she's not even human.  She is the daughter of the Divine and a Nymph.

At her new school she is surprised that she is able to make friends with fellow students Anj and Zes; the gorgeous and popular twins, along with her roommate Halyn.  What's more surprising however is that Denver Collins is also a student there.

Trying to have a relationship with Zes, keeping her attraction in check around Denver, and keeping up with her grades is hard enough, but she also has to by wary of Lucian; the evil demon set on having her as his mate in accordance to some very old contract no one has actual proof of.

It's difficult to see where the story will lead, though I'm sure that Denver will be ever present in Cheyenne's life, (and hopeful that they get together).   There haven't been any real back stabbing yet in the book, but I do not totally trust everyone either.   However the story plays out, I will be more than happy to find out.

Available @ Amazon.com




3 of 5 stars

Book Review: Hunted

                                              Today's review is on Hunted by Denise Grover Swank

Hunted is the second book in Swank's The Chosen series. This continuing adventure had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next.

Now that Emma and Will have escaped from the compound of the Vinco Potentia they are once again on the run. Between trying to stay one step ahead of them and the other group that wants Emma dead, the danger's become more heated in more ways than one. Emma begins to have other powers of her own besides the ability to puke when "the bad men" are near.

In an attempt to find out more about why Emma is "special", Will and Emma travel back to her home town and meet Emma's mother and grandmother. Though they do not make much headway with her mother, grandma has the necklace that Aiden; her father, gave her motherb before he disappeared from their lives.

When Will is attacked and beaten badly Emma turns to Raphael for help. But he too has secrets of his own that he is not willing to tell her and pop's up in her dreams. Whenever he touches her she can't help but to be pulled further away from Will.

Though she knows that Will loves her mark or none, she cannot bring herself to return those three little words back to him. After all that she has gone through neither Will nor I can blame her.

It's only at the end of Hunted, when they are the closest to finding Jake that Emma is able to voice her true feelings. When she finds the truth about what has been going on and who has been the controlling force. When she must choose the winner and loose something she loves.

Hunted is another home run book by Swank if I have ever saw one. It maintains the adventure, suspense, action, and emotional drama that many second installment books lack. I just can't wait for the next book where hopefully everything works out the way I want it to.

Available @ Amazon.com

                                      


4 of 5 stars

Book Review: Great Hexpectations

                                         Today's review is on Great Hexpectations by H.P. Mallory

While waiting to read this; the third in Mallory's Dulcie O'Neil series, I have to say that I did indeed have some great expectations of my own. Thankfully those expectations were met.

Dulcie and Knight have finally given in to their mutual attraction with Knight "claiming" her as his mate in the process. When Dulcie's ex shows up on her doorstep and Knight steps in to protect her, she lets all of her insecurities come to the forefront and Knight leaves in a huff.

When he doesn't show up for work and no one can get a hold of him Dulcie not only becomes worried, she realizes that she has made a great mistake. When she finds that Knight has been taken to the High Court once again to face "his" crime, she can no longer keep her feelings hidden. It will take more than love however to save them both.

A few surprises abound in this installment that will keep you reading and wanting more.

Available @ Amazon.com




4 of 5 stars.

Book Review: A Tale of Two Goblins

Today's review is on A Tale of Two Goblins by H. P. Mallory

Wow, wow, and wow. A Tale of Two Goblins is the second installment in Mallory's Dulcie O'Neil series. The fun and excitement continues even though Dulcie has left the ANC. Mystery and continued sexual tension between the sexy Loki and Dulce make for delightful reading.

Knight comes to Dulcie with a strange case. Whatever is happening, victims are winding up in dead or in a coma. What's worse is that Dulcie is somehow connected to all of them. When her BFF becomes the next victim all bets are off and Dulcie is out for blood. She will need the help of of all of her friends to solve this case.

Events from the past suddenly come up to bite Dulce in the a** when she finds that Knight is called to the High Court in the Netherword. It seems that he is not finished being Dulcie's Knight in shinning armor. Confessing that it was he who let Quill go will only make for a great third book.

Mallory's Dulcie O'Neil series is fast, fun, and fantastic.

Available @ Amazon.com




4 of 5 stars

Book Review: Sin

                                                   Today’s review is on Sin by Sean Allen

Sin is the first book that I have read by Allen and it has been by far the most thrilling; for me, as I was a Mental Health Professional.  This extraordinary tale into the life and mind of Sin Matthews had me inthralled throughout the pages.  Unlike his sister Joy; who seems to bring joy to everyone, Sin brings death.  Literally.

We have all seen it and perhaps have even done it.  Picked up that solitary penny that you see on the sidewalk or the road.  We may have even recited the cute little poem that goes along with picking it up.  You know the one.  “See a penny, pick it up.  And all the day you’ll have good luck.”  Well that’s not the case for Sin.  After he picks up that penny things go wrong and accidents where people die begin happening all around him.  He doesn’t realize it then, but it’s not just the penny causing these deaths.  It’s actually him.

So what’s a guy to do when he is the cause of so much death?  Well he voluntarily commits himself to a mental ward, straight jackets and all.  When the drugs diminish in their effectiveness however, something else must happen.  HE needs to end his own life.  But can he?  Is that truly the answer?

With the help of his dead sister, Sin discovers what’s really going on at the Psych Ward. 

A murder mystery, a dead sister, and a not so crazy crazy guy makes for good reading.

Available @ Amazon.com
                                            

4 of 5 stars

Book Review: To Kill a Warlock

                                           Today's review is on To Kill a Warlock by H. P. Mallory

I purchased this book on the recommendation of those all knowing fairy's at Amazon.com that look at what books you have purchased in the past and comes up with choices that you may also like to purchase. Of course they were right on the money. To Kill a Warlock is easy to read with a main character full of spirit and fire. Well not really, but she does use Fairy Dust.

Dulcie O'Neil is a kick-ass law enforcement agent of the A.N.C. (The Association for Netherworld Creatures), on a case to find out who killed Fabian and left him pieces scattered around his dark arts shop. Not that she felt to much remorse for his demise; he did change her into a nine eyed, slimy, booger thing, but she didn't kill him. Even though she was the last person to see him alive.

When two more victims are discovered the A.N.C. calls for reinforcements. Enter the handsome and sexy as hell Knight Vander. Tall, dark, and able to enter Dulcie's dreams, Knight swears her to secrecy in regards to working the case with him.

Harboring trust issues from her previous relationship it's no wonder she has such a hard time dealing with her attraction to both Knight and her boss. After all, they both kiss oh so well. But when her boss pulls back Knight doesn't pull any punches, or boxers!

It all comes down to a surprise ending you will not see coming. It will even take Dulce by surprise.

To Kill a Warlock is fun and full of spunk. Just like Dulcie O'Neil.

Available @ Amazon.com




4 of 5 stars

Book Review: Fangs Rule: A Girls Guide to Being a Vampire

Today's review is on Fangs Rule: A Girls Guide to Being a Vampire by Amy Mah (Vampire)

In today's world it is difficult for everyone, teenagers especially. The stresses of school, deciding who to date, and the biggie...sex are just a few. Imagine all of those things ten times worse and you might get an idea of what it's like growing up being a Vampire. Luckily there is a fangtastic book available to help us along.

Lady Amelia Mistress of the Night Mare, and Alpha Female from the Family of the Pink Bat has written an easy to read, A to Z guide to being a Vampire, just for girls. In this guide you will find invaluable information regarding things such as: claw and fang cleaning, dates and dating, mates and breeding contracts, as well as manners and rules.

There were some spelling and grammatical errors that interrupted the flow of the reading, but overall I feel that Fangs Rule is a decent book. If I had a tween who was interested in today's world of Vampire movies and books I would certainly recommend, or even buy this book as a gift.

This book was very much needed and welcomed as my next assignment as I has just read a psychological thriller that took a lot out of me. With the wit and sarcasm of a real teenage girl, I found myself laughing and smiling almost throughout the entire book.

Available @ Amazon.com


3 of 5 stars

Book Review: Scent

       
                                              Today's review is on Scent by K.R. Smith

There have not been many books that have affected me as much as Scent has. I found myself filled with happiness at some points as well as horrible sadness to the point of bringing me to sopping tears at others. Perhaps it is because of the culture in which I myself live in here on the island of Kauai, where everyone is considered family and anyone older than you is called Auntie or Uncle, that the story of Bianca Wisetail and the Lokoti tribe touched me so. Whatever it was, I fell more in love with this book the more I read it.

Bianca Wisetail is the last Circulator to be born as well as the first female Lokoti Werewolf. Though being the last Circulator doesn't come with many downfalls, being the only female Werewolf does.

Declan Saber is the only European Werewolf among the Lokoti. He and his family were welcomed to the Lokoti tribe when he was bitten and his father was attacked and killed by a European Werewolf. As well as being the brother of Bianca's best friend, he is in love with her.

Though the Elders mean well, they arrange for Bianca to marry one of the two available Were's among the pack. One is Declan and the other is Grant. Without knowing that Bianca and Declan have feelings for each other and that they have already been together sexually, the Elders pick Grant even though he is ten years older than Bianca. During the six years of marriage Declan retains his love for her as well as the pain he carries seeing her with another man.

Ultimately Bianca and Declan do get to be together though not due to happy events, and when they do, they face some negativity. After all, now Bianca is the first Lokoti Werewolf to take on a second mate.

During her marriage to Declan, Bianca and her family go through an extensive amount loss as those around them age and pass on. Friends and relatives alike leaving just two among the main characters in the end. And though they are now surrounded by the descendant's of those family and friends, I found myself deeply saddened.

There is action and suspense in Scent as well as a timeless love story. It is however a very long book; 716 pages, and though it has a "science fiction" element, I didn't really find it necessary. Also, I think that perhaps the marriage between Bianca and Grant was a bit to long. Six years is a terribly long time for Declan to have to wait. Perhaps Grant could have gotten out of the picture a bit sooner. Lastly, I feel that there was just to much death towards the end. To have lost so many of the supporting characters was just to much for me. I mean how much can one person take? Even if that person is supernatural.

All in all, I do really love this book. I love the closeness of the tribe and the amount of love that is evident between the characters. In fact, during and even now after I have read Scent, I have been questioning my own relationships with my family. It is those books that ultimately make us question our own lives that are the really good ones. Because Scent has made me do just that, it must be good. I look forward to more books from Smith with open arms. (Just cut back on the Circulator stuff.)

Available @ Amazon.com



4 of 5 stars

Book Review: Underdead In Denial

             
                                       Today's review is on Underdead in Denial by Liz Jasper

Underdead in Denial is the second installment in Jasper's Underdead series and is just as quirky and comical as the debut book. Packed full of murder and mystery Underdead in Denial will keep you guessing "who done it?" Even I was second guessing.

Jo Gartner hasn't seen Will in months and has been getting on with her underdead life as best she can. After all, it's not easy being "allergic" to the sun, having cravings for exceptionally rare meat, and teaching eighth-grade science. Everything is as good as it can be. That is until Will shows up on her doorstep.

Everything goes from bad to worse when someone turns up dead at the Halloween Haunted House event that Jo and Becky volunteer at. As in the first book, Jo can't help but to do some of her own sleuthing to find out the truth.

With Will continuing to swoon her and Gavin giving her the cold shoulder Jo doesn't know what to do or where to turn. Especially when she becomes the next victim on the murders list.

I really enjoyed reading the Underdead series so far. The story lines are well thought out and flow almost flawlessly from page one straight through to the last page. (In fact, I found just 5 errors in the entire book.) My only complaint is that by now I would have liked to see more happening between Jo and Gavin. It is obvious there is a love triangle between the two and Will, but all we really get is the push-pull of Jo and Will. Yes we all love a good murder mystery, but we also LOVE the love triangle.

A nice one day read. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Underdead series and you should too.

Available @ Amazon.com

3.5 of 4 stars
                                              

Book Review: Underdead

                                 Today's review is on Underdead by Liz Jasper

I'll be the first to admit that I often like to take a break from my normal paranormal flavor of books to enjoy one a little less serious and with a little more snark. Underdead fits that bill.

When Jo Gartner; an eighth-grade science teacher; is bitten by the stunningly, handsome Will, she thinks that she may have contracted AIDS or some other disease only to be assured by the ER that all is as it should be. When she suddenly becomes allergic to the sun and the garlic on shrimp scampi sends her running to the bathroom, she's not so sure.

Detective Gavin Raines, is the only person that knows what has happened to Jo and promises her that the police will protect her. When a teacher is murdered in her classroom however, Jo is more scared than ever. Did Will kill the other teacher? She doesn't know, but she intends to find out by doing her own sleuthing.

In between trying to solve the mystery surrounding her friends death and coming to terms with being one of the undead, Jo realizes that though she is not a full vampire she may slowly be becoming one.

She is also trying to get a firm grasp on how she really feels about Will. She is fighting against the blood bond between the two of them and hating him for turning her into a "monster". (Though personally I would rather she get together with Gavin.)

Though not quite a bestseller, Underdead is a good first book. It just needs a little more of this and a little less of that, given a good spit and polish and who knows. I'll just have to read the second book to see how the author has grown.

Available @ Amazon.com

3 of 5 stars

Today's review is on Deceived by Stephanie Nelson

Deceived is the second book in Nelson's Gwen Sparks series and all I have to say is OMG!  Sex, Lies, and danger await the reader in this FANGTASTIC book.  Nelson doesn't hold anything back, and continues to write a story that has me on the edge of my seat, neglecting my household chores, and keeping me up all night as I just could NOT put this book down.

Even though Aiden's addiction to Brew is gone, and he and Gwen are able to begin to get their relationship back to normal, witches are still being murdered.   The magical powers that the vampires gain through drinking their blood is the ultimate high.  Something has to be done.  The killing has to stop.

Being summoned to Moon by Holly; Gwen's "friend" and council member of the North American Witches Council, informs her of "the plan".  A plan that she will play a critical role in.  The NAWC has vengeance on their mind and a war between the witches and vampires is on the horizon.  However, it seems Holly is a little off base.  She wants to kill ALL vampires, not just the Brew users, and that doesn't bode well with Gwen.

Fear of being shunned by her kind, Gwen agrees to begin her training in all matters of Spirit Walkers, and keeps her visits with Aiden on the down low.

After practicing with Kye a few times, she is surprised to find that he has been replaced by Dorian, the perfect specimen of a man.  Tall, dark, brooding, and those eyes!  Who knew the a Reaper could be so yummy!  Adding her almost instant attraction to him into the mix of the other problems she's facing, and the continued invasion of Ian into her dreams; which get a little steamy, is almost to much.  Have no fear however, Gwen and Aiden find a way to end the war before it stars, and sever the bond between her and Ian to boot.  All it will take is a little blood, Gwen's blood to be exact.

When the time comes though, Gwen finds the truth and not only will her heart be broken by those she trusted, but her very fragile life is at stake.  Can Dorian give her the confidence she needs?  Read it and find out. 

There were a significant amount of mistakes in the manuscript I received, but after contacting the author I was informed that an edited version will become available very soon.  If that is the case, I cannot help but to continue to give this amazing series the highest rating.

BTW Stephanie, I am totally ready for some Gwen and Dorian romance.  I'm just saying.

Available @ Amazon.com

5 of 5 stars

Book Review: Cornerstone Deep

                                     
                                            Today's review is on Cornerstone Deep by Charlene Wilson

Everyone is looking for that one true love, that one that completes us. In short, our soul mate. Using the belief of reincarnation and a paranormal aspect, Wilson brings us this beautiful love story in Cornerstone Deep.

Cole Shilo and his two brothers James and Vincent are wizards that come from another dimension. They, unlike the people of Cornerstone Deep, live for hundreds of years. In this dimension, they work under the Lords maintaining the laws and using their powers to clear the minds of the lower class, making them compliant to "work" for those of the higher classes.

While obtaining one such individual for Kyle Dressen; one of the Lords, who has had his eye on Anna for a long time and has gone to great lengths to make her his. Cole realizes that the woman they have just procured; Anna Sinclair, is the reincarnation of his beloved wife Mianna.

Now it is up to Cole and his brothers to get Anna back and reverse the magic that made her compliant to Kyle. Doing this comes with great cost though. Is true love worth that cost? What would you do for your one true love? What lengths would you go to for your soul mate?

A delightful fantasy world with a beautiful love story. Who wouldn't like to read that?

3 of 5 stars

Book Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

 

                                     Today's review is on The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer  by Michelle Hodkin
This first book in Hodkin's Mara Dyer series is off to a great start. Mystery and romance are abundant with twists and turns to keep readers engaged and excited to keep reading. Even the books cover screams "READ ME!"

Mara wakes up in a hospital not knowing how or why she is there. The last thing she remembers is being with her friends. When her mother tells her that she was in a horrible accident and that she is the only survivor Mara's world is shattered. She has lost her best friend, and she can't remember what happened.

In order to help Mara move on with her life, the family moves to Florida to start over. Moving away however doesn't stop Mara's nightmares, and she only feels safe around Noah, the hot guy every girl wants.

Strangeness continues to haunt Mara. She begins to see her dead friends reflections in the mirror. She looses track of time. She burns her arm in the tub. And more people die around her. Thinking that she is in fact going crazy, she decides to begin taking the antipsychotic medication the doctor gave her. Still, things do not change.
She swears she has seen Jude, her "dead" ex-boyfriend in the flesh.

She finally regains all of her memory from that horrible night of the accident and realizes that she is the cause. She also finds that she is not alone, Noah also has a "gift", and together they can figure it out, or can they? How can Mara go on knowing that she could possibly kill anyone at any time? How could she live if something happened to Noah or someone in her family? You'll just have to read the book to find out.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is a really good book. I love how the author brings Noah and Mara together. It's true that not everything you hear in high school is true, in fact that can be said for life in general. And you never really know a person until you try to get to know them. Noah is a prime example of that and I'm glad that Mara is the one to really get to know him.

Well written an engaging. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is worth all of the hype.

4 of 5 stars

Book Review: Blood of Anteros

 
 
                                                Today's review is on Blood of Anteros by Georgia Cates

Sometimes the best things come in the smallest; or in this case, inexpensive packages. The for small cost of just $.99, the Blood of Anteros takes the reader on a fantastic journey.

Curry Brennan was turned into a vampire against his will over 160 years ago. The woman/vampire responsible; Marsala, turned him, claimed him, and as far as he is concerned took everything away from him. When she decides to take him and the two other vampires she claims to watch the solar eclipse he decides to take things into his own hands. He decides to face the "true death" by remaining in the sun when the eclipse ends. Saying a brief prayer just before the sun comes back out he is shocked to find that not only is he still "alive", but he is able to withstand the suns rays.

Twenty-One years later he finds himself back at the home that he had built in his human youth. Though it is now home to an elderly human couple, he does not fear that he will want their blood. After all, he has had the help of his mentor to "train" him. It's only when he is informed that the couples granddaughter will also be living in the house does he have cause for alarm. That is until he meets her.

Chansey captures Curry's heart from the moment he first meets her. Just her scent is enough to excite him, and it's not the scent of her blood. Unknown to either of them, they are meant to be together.

Chansey was born on the same day of the solar eclipse, and though she has her human parents' DNA she also has the blood of the god Anteros running through her veins. After finding out that she is his Agape, Curry decides that the only way to keep her safe from Marsala is to end their growing love affair and protect her from the shadows. There are other dangers out there though which prevent him from maintaining that distance. When things finally seem to be coming together in their favor however, Curry's younger brother shows up and throws a huge monkey wrench into the mix.

Finding new and inventive ways to tell a vampire love story is not an easy task. Cates has been able to do just that in spades. Being told from the point of view of Curry is just one of those ways. You'll have to read the book to find the others.

4 of 5 stars