Book Review: Undead and Unstable

                                                            Today's review is on Undead and Unstable

I have read all of Davidson's Undead books, and though I was in love with the series in the beginning, it made a downward plunge that ended in a big belly flop at book #10. I wasn't sure I even wanted to read book #11, but I thought I would give MJD a chance to redeem herself and so I made the decision to dive back in.

Unfortunately, the Betsy of the books gone past is still gone and we are still left with the spineless, self absorbed, cry baby Betsy of book #10 and her now cojone-less husband Eric Sinclair. (I would really appreciate it if we could have the other ones back please MJ.) With that said though, Unstable was not a total loss.

Betsy and "family" are still trying to get over the loss of Marc, who committed suicide in book #10, and Betsy is ready to do something to bring him back. (Without of course letting everyone else know, except for Sinclair I mean.) After making a trip to the attic though she sees that she doesn't have to go through all that trouble. Marc is back, dressed in his usual hospital scrubs and he's dissecting Betsy's dead cat. He has been hiding out up there since his death. Thankfully though he's not grose looking and he's not a non-brain eating Zombie, but he is a Zombie none the less. Now Betsy just needs to find out who resurrected him, and the list of suspects isn't very long.

Future Betsy, along with Satan herself, pops in to let current Betsy know that she has in fact brought Marc back from the dead. But that's not the only reason she stopped by.

Current Betsy screwed up the timeline when she went to Hell to find out more about the Book of the Dead and now both timelines are a mess. Future Betsy knows what current Betsy has to do to make things right but she isn't very forthcoming. All we know is that she too wants to "save" herself and everyone else she has loved and lost. But can our spineless and ditzy current Betsy figure it out in time? Will she make the right decision when that time comes?

The rest of the characters, Tina, Jessica, Nick/Dick, Garrett, Antonia, Mrs. Taylor, Baby Jon, and even Laura to a point, all had miniscule importance to the story line. But, seeing that they are all part of Betsy's "family" I guess that they need to be there at least little bit. (Except for Garrett and Antonia. They were totally unnecessary in this installment.)

Though MJD was able to redeem herself somewhat, she still has a ways to go to get back to the caliber of the early books. Maybe she should go back and read a few of them. Sinclair was once a strong character and Betsy wasn't as clueless. Readers want strong characters MJ, especially with a series that has gone this far.

3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon



Book Description: via Amazon

Betsy’s heartbroken over her friend Marc’s death, but at least his sacrifice should change the future—her future­—for the better. But it’s not as if Betsy’s next few hundred years will be perfect. After all, her half-sister Laura is the AntiChrist, Laura’s mother is Satan, and family gatherings will always be more than a little awkward.

What’s really bothering Betsy is that ever since she and Laura returned from visiting her mom in Hell, Laura’s been acting increasingly peculiar. Maybe it’s Laura’s new job offer: as Satan’s replacement down under. Unfortunately, the position comes at a damnable price: killing Betsy, her own flesh-and-blood.

Over Betsy’s dead body. And for that matter Marc’s, too, since he’s not quite as buried as everyone thought. Now a war has been waged—one that’s going to take sibling rivalry to a whole new level, and a dimension where only one sister can survive.

Book Review: Destined

                 Today's review is on Destined by Aprilynne Pike

I know, I know, I'm a bit behind on reading this final installment of a series that captivated me with the first book, but I've been a little busy. I was really excited though when I was finally able to get to it. Unfortunately, that excitement didn't last very long.

Though there was plenty of action for our four friends, I thought that some of it was kind of boring and some rather cheesy. I mean really, Excalibur? Where was Merlin? Hey, why not throw Sleeping Beauty in there too? And the ending? Don't get me started. It was way to bland. It didn't truly tie up all of the loose ends. Questions still remain. Does David and Chelsea get together? And why the alternate ending for him with that letter? Does Tamani actually move in with Laurel and her family? After all, they are pretty much married according to Avalon's traditions.

As for David and Lau­rel.....come on! Laurel needs this long to figure out who she wants to be with? Tamani has been beaten up pretty bad throughout the series! He has to actually be on deaths door for her to realize that she "cannot live without" him? And I don't know about you, but I don't know of ANY male that would just sit there along with the girl he loves AND another guy that loves her all cuddled up together and be fine with it. Especially teens with those raging hormones!

I won't even leave you with a short description of Destined. It's just such a disappoinment that it's a waste of time. If you do decide to read it you'll see exactly what I mean.

A total dud to a series that started out with a bang.

2 out of 5 stars
Available at Amazon



Book Description: via Amazon

Laurel used to think she was an ordinary girl from Crescent City, California. She never would have believed she was truly a faerie from a realm called Avalon.

Now Laurel must risk her life to save Avalon from destruction by Yuki—a rare and powerful Winter faerie—and troll-hunter Klea. But Laurel won’t have to fight alone; David and Tamani, two boys she loves in different ways, will be by her side, along with her best friend, Chelsea.

Readers of the Need and Graceling series will want to follow Laurel’s story from its beginning in Wings to its heart-stopping end in Destined.

Book Review: Learning to Soar

          *** NOT INTENDED FOR THOSE UNDER 18***

         Today's review is on Learning to Soar by Bebe Balocca

I have read a lot of books by Balocca and none of them have left me unsatisfied. Short, neat, and titillatingly sweet, Learning to Soar is a great lunch break read that will provide more stimulation than the cup of coffee you drink along with it.

A beautifully written short about the unfortunate hangups that plague our lives after unsuccessful relationships and the freedom we gain when we get over them. Learning to Soar is filled with wonderful characters, sexual tension & bantering as well as sex itself.

When Chloe's relationship with Mark ends she is utterly crushed. His unnecessary and hurtful comments have cut deep and has left a deep scar. I mean, who likes being told that they looks like a "troll doll" when they climax? Since then; three years to be exact, Chloe has not been able to have an orgasm. Luckily for her, her BFF knows a good therapist.

Damien Walters, who has his own hangups after the death of his parents and his failed marriage, runs a sex therapy business out of his busy night club Volare. Because the club is an invitation only establishment, it is frequented by Damien's previous clients and their friends. So far, Damien has helped 299 other clients before Chloe.

Neither Chloe nor Damien are prepared for the magnetic attraction they feel for each other, and while Damien is able to help Chloe overcome her issues, he is hesitant to allow her to return the favor.

I always try to read Balocca's books on my husbands days off. You know, to relieve some of the raging hormones. But it's not the only way to get rid of the tingles her books provide.

Where can I find a club like Volare?

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon



Book Description: via Amazon


What happens at Volare STAYS at Volare…

Ever since her relationship with Mark crashed and burned, Chloe's been unable to take off and reach the big O. Enter Damien Walters, a deliciously unconventional sex therapist. Damien's therapy sessions take place at his nightclub, and Chloe quickly sees why admittance to Volare is by-invitation-only. Volare's patrons, who are Damien's satisfied and discreet former clients, leave their inhibitions at the door when they walk past the bouncer. Anything goes on Volare's dance floor…

Using a few key accessories and some hands-on help from Volare's regulars, Damien enables Chloe to reach her full sexual potential once more. And he has a special proposal just for her: Chloe can join him on the Volare crew as his accountant and therapy assistant. It's an offer Chloe can hardly refuse, especially given the fact that Damien's the man with his hand on the throttle.

With the pulsing beat of Volare's dance floor, the seductively suave Damien bent on pleasing her, and her newly restored sexual prowess, Chloe's position at Volare seems like a dream come true. However, she's going to have to help Damien get over some of his own issues in order for the two of them to soar together.

Book Review: Magic's Daughter

                                 ****Sexy Spicy Romance, Physical or Sexual Assault***


Today's review is on Magic's Daughter by Ann Gimpel

You know how sometimes you read so many of one author's books that they tend to get stale or monotonous? They sometimes make you question why you keep reading more? Well, you wont find any of that with Gimpel's work. Yes, they all have romance and a bit of paranormal flair, but there is always something more, and Magic's Daughter is no different.

Cassionetta Ceobbin is the daughter of Eleanora Ceobbin, a "well-known psychic", and Francis Braxbury, a "British seer". Sadly however, she herself has absolutely no magical abilities, or many friends.

Wanting to be desired and loved, Cassie falls head over heels for Tyler MacKenzie. His full and sensual lips, his beautiful red-golden hair, and his all around Nordic good looks; not to mention his amazing "equipment", fills Cassie's mind and body so much so that she ignores just about everything else. She even brushes off her one friend, Jeremy's, warning about him.

Shortly after Tyler's arrival into Cassie's life something terrible happens to her mother. Cassie finds her face down in one of the rooms of their home. Even though she does regain consciousness, she doesn't speak and hasn't spoken in about a years time.

It was during that years time that Cassie and Tyler's relationship deteriorate to less than that of amicable roommates. All love lost between the two. He was no longer the man she had fallen for. He began taking over her mother's clients along with everything else in the house. But Cassie has finally had enough and now wants nothing more than to save her mother and be rid of Tyler once and for all.

Jeremy has been in love with Cassie for years but hasn't been able to court her because of his Druid ties. Though her mother was a part of their Council, because Cassie has no magic of her own, she isn't. He's tired of just being friends with Cassie and can't wait for her to be between lovers any longer. He can't sit by and watch the woman he loves be hurt further by Tyler's magic.

There is real danger ahead for Cassie and her mother. Danger so strong that even Jeremy will need a little help to keep them all safe.

I love the original characters in Gimpel's books. Their quirks and abilities always peak my interests and keeps me coming back for more. It's one thing to write a full-length novel that leaves the reader feeling good about what he/she has just read. It's a whole different ballgame when you try to do the same with a novella. Gimpel is able to do both.

A great quick read that will leave you satiated as well as anxiously awaiting for the next one.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon



Book Description: via Amazon

Re-release

Magic, danger, and intrigue abound in Ann Gimpel’s newest romance novel Magic’s Daughter. Dark forces are at work to destroy Cassie’s world, her death the ultimate goal. Drawn to a man from her past, the battle becomes more than a fight for survival, it becomes a fight for a love she never could have anticipated.

Destined to be surrounded by magic yet have none of her own, Cassie walks a thin line between love and danger. Her mother is dying and her boyfriend has turned into something which terrifies her. By the time she wakes up to the danger she’s in, it’s nearly too late.

Cassie’s friend Jeremy warns her about her scumbag boyfriend, but she’s not listening until deeply disturbing events unfold and her life hangs in the balance. With few choices left, she and Jeremy join forces to battle the darkness threatening them. Meanwhile, Cassie warms to Jeremy in ways she never could have anticipated. Love was there all along, if she’d just opened her eyes and looked.

Book Review: Escape From Obsession

               **Erotic Ménage a Quatre Romance, M/F/M/M, HEA**

Today's review is on Escape From Obsession by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

The pages of this book were so H-O-T that my fingers were left burning at the end. Though the odds that three, gorgeous, ex-commando, brothers would fall for the same woman are pretty slim, would you deny yourself such magnificent, glorious, and superb men? I certainly wouldn't! And sure, as a therapist, I feel that there wasn't enough attention placed on the trauma that the Heroine had suffered but hey, it's fiction.

Gia Clarke's boyfriend Antonio Pelloni was a real piece of work. Not only did he get off on controlling her, he wants to share her with his friend Valdere. Cornered between the two men, Antonio played on her fears of being alone and her declining self-confidence. Fortunately the police arrived before she was forced to have sex with either one of them, but not before she witnessed Antonio beating a man to death.

Six months later, with a new name, Gia Marie Giselli is trying to get her life back on track in Huston, Texas. One evening after work she agrees to go to Casper's, a local bar/restaurant where "the guys are so damn hot." Once there she catches the eye of Garrett McCallister, one of the owner's three sons, and the attraction is instant. But Gia isn't ready to date anyone. Not with the fear she still has of being in the same situation as with Antonio.

Later she finds herself face to face with Wes McCallister when she picks up her cousin from football practice, and he is just as hot as his brother. And when she later meets Gunner "Gunny" McCallister her head begins to swim. She's helplessly attracted to all three brothers.

With Gia never really being into the Ménage scene, the McCallister men have their work cut out for them and they will do everything in their power to make Gia theirs.

We all know that most men have the fantasy of having multiple women in their bed at the same time. So are women any different? Name any heterosexual woman who wouldn't want just one loving, compassionate, and attentive man who loves her? Now times that by three. If truth be told, if given the opportunity, I would totally be willing.

If I were to sum up this book in just three words they would be HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon



Book Description: via Amazon

[Siren Menage Everlasting: Erotic Menage a Quatre Romance, M/F/M/M, HEA] Gia Marie Giselli's boyfriend wanted to share her with his business partner, and she refused. She leaves New York the moment she gets a chance and heads to Houston, Texas. With the help of her cousin Teddy, a detective there, she finds a new home and tries to put her past behind her. In Texas she meets Garrett, Wes, and Gunny McCallister. Her world and impression of menage relationships are turned upside down. They want her, and as they try to convince her that this relationship is serious, some jerk from work attempts to assault her, making all her fears of men resurface. When they finally get through that incident, Gia's past reemerges. Can the McCallisters keep her safe and convince her that true love and compassion don't come in the form of fists, control, and fear? Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Excerpt:

• She relished in the moment of their first kiss. Smooth, deep, and

  sexy, he explored her mouth while his hands roamed her body.
  She was hesitant to reciprocate as he deepened the kiss then turned her so that he was pressed against the wall. She wondered if he
  
  

  sensed her hesitation and was giving her the power to control how far this went, but then his arm wrapped around her waist tightly as he held her head, devouring her moans. She ran her hands up along his muscular arms then down to his trim waist. She felt his large hand slide across her ass then squeeze her cheek as he pulled her closer. Then she felt the second set of hands and she gasped.

  “It’s me, Gia. Don’t be scared.” Wes massaged her shoulders as Garrett eased up his hold to allow Wes to explore her body, too. She felt the heat of Wes’s chest against her shoulder blades and his firm, hard thighs against her ass. He was tall. They both were. But when he moved the palm of his hand under her camisole and touched her skin, she pulled from Garrett’s mouth.

  “Oh God, Wes, please, this is too much.”

  Wes took her mouth with his and devoured her words. Being wedged between them like this was overwhelming and then came the flashbacks. Antonio and Valdere. Both men pressing against her, trying to remove her clothing.

  She pulled from Wes’s lips and pressed her hands hard against Garrett. She managed to part from them and stepped back, nearly tripping as she covered her mouth.

  “Gia, what’s wrong?” Garrett asked and it was Wes who pulled her into his arms. He held her and she tried to steady her breathing.

  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I totally panicked.”

  “Why, baby? Did you think we would go too far or hurt you?” Wes asked.

  She pulled back and tried to hide the fear and tears in her eyes, but by both men’s facial expressions, they could tell she was scared.

  “I need to go. I told you that I needed things to go slow. It’s my fault. I thought I was ready.” She bolted for the door just as it opened. There stood Gunny. He was wearing his uniform and he looked concerned as he absorbed her expression then looked at his brothers.

  “What’s wrong?” He stepped forward and closed the door. “What the hell happened? What did you two do?”
  She placed her hand against Gunny’s chest.

  “They didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just me. I thought I was okay. I just need to go. Bye,” she said then exited the room.

  She said good-bye to Sammy and her friends and headed out. As the night air hit her skin, she felt how truly hot and turned-on she still was. She was enjoying their embrace, their kisses, and oh Lord, their touch. She wanted their hands everywhere, yet the flashback ruined it all. Fucking Antonio. Even now, he rules my world and maintains the power to control me and keep me from happiness.

**HEAR WHAT DIXIE LYNN DWYER HAS TO SAY BY CLICKING THE INTERVIEW TAB ABOVE **

Book Review: When Smiles Fade

                                                           Today's review is on When Smiles Fade by Paige Dearth

Because I enjoyed Dearth's first book so much; Believe Like a Child, I jumped at the chance to read this next one. The first day I picked it up I could only get through the first 50 pages before I just had to put it down. The next time I picked it up I read until 1:00 am and hated to stop but my eyes would no longer stay open and I couldn't cry any longer. The third day I finished it in four hours.

Why did I cry? Because Dearth's writing voice instantly catches your attention with the raw emotions of her characters and the next thing you know, you've become vested in their welfare. You desperately want the protagonist to get a break in life. You want him/her to find love. You want them to find happiness. In short, because their life has been so horribly bad, you want them to get the "happily ever after". But like I said to myself when I closed the book; and incidentally what Dearth's real live Remo said, if it ended with a "happily ever after", it wouldn't be a Paige Dearth book.

Emma Murphy's life has been filled with one abusive man after another. She was beaten both physically, mentally, and repeatedly by her father Pepper while her mother just sat by and let it happen. At the tender age of eight, her father raped her. Then he began beating Emma's sister Gracie and that was something Emma just couldn't let continue.

When Pepper Murphy dies so does the abuse. That is until her mother brings home Jake, and he's just as bad as Pepper was if not worse. A true sexual predator, Jake has eyes for both Emma and Gracie. The last straw was drawn however when Emma found Gracie close to death buried in the basement of their home. That was it, Jake had to go.

After a short time Emma finally found someone that showed her love, and along with Gracie she moved in with Ethan. He was sweet and kind, and Emma couldn't believe her luck. Finally, she and her sister were loved and above all safe. That was until the other shoe dropped. Ethan was not who he pretended to be. She had to get away from him.

Starting over, Emma finds an old street friend and moves in with her and a bunch of other kids only to be found by Ethan and thrown back into the abuse she has suffered.

Drama. Hate. Passion. Along with Believe Like a Child, When Smiles Fade is a must read!

5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon



Book Description: via Amazon

Emma was unloved from the moment she was born. Her earliest memory is being severely beaten by her father, Pepper Murphy, when she was just eight-yearsold. Seething with resentment over the sacrifice of his dreams for a woman he cares little about and children he never wanted, Pepper chooses to blame his older daughter. Her mother, Valerie, makes matters worse with her verbal abuse, leaving Emma isolated with a man that had no boundaries in punishing his daughter, taking his abuse to unimaginable levels. Emma’s father’s coldblooded beatings and the ultimate abuse to which he subjects her, lays the foundation of the person she becomes. As she matures into a resourceful teenager, she is unwilling and unable to stifle her desire for revenge. Reaching her breaking point she can no longer control the impulse to fight back and finally takes matters into her own hands. Having learned the art of hatred from her father and the mastery of manipulation from her mother, young Emma now sets out to make a better life for herself, leaving the memory of the abused child she had once been behind her. Hardened by the heartless brutality she encounters and the dangerous situations she must overcome in the course of her journey, she faces every challenge that comes her way in her quest for a normal life for herself and for those she loves. Finally a person emerges from within that guides her toward a better life until she learns of a secret that sets her on the path of ultimate redemption.