Curran (Kate Daniels) by Gordon Andrews, Ilona Andrews

Curran by Gordon Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Not short story, novella, or standalone, but collection of scenes written by Gordon Andrews as a companion to our Kate Daniels series of books. These scenes illustrate the point of view of Curran, the Beast Lord of Atlanta and are provided in gratitude to our readers for all of their support.

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Loved reading these little snippets from Curran's POV on events that happened in the first 3 books of the series. Great companion piece to the books!!



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***Kindle Edition

Secret Life of a Vampire (Love at Stake #6) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Secret Life of a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Nothing's sexier than an man who can keep a secret.

A typical bachelor party is all about beers and beautiful women. A vampire bachelor party is no different -- except the men are drinking Blissky (whiskey-flavored synthetic blood). And no one can throw a party quite like Jack, the illegitimate son of the legendary Casanova. But when the party gets out of hand and the cops show up, Jack has some explaining to do . . . if only he wasn't struck speechless by the beauty of Officer Lara Boucher.

Lara is sure there's something more than a bachelor party going on. What is Jack hiding? And why is he so interested in the recent disappearance of young women all over town? Her investigation uncovers more than she wants to know, especially about this modern-day Casanova. But if she's ever to make detective, she'll need to expose all his secrets . . . if only her heart wasn't on the line.

~~~


Another good read in the Love at Stake series. Jack is a newer character who has not been heavily featured in previous books, but it was fun getting to know him as well as speculate about who will fall in love next. lol I vote for Conner. He needs to have his own book!





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Unwrapped by Nina Bangs, Claudia Dain, Shirl Henke

Unwrapped by Nina Bangs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


For every woman who has better plans than sitting on Santa's lap, who fantasizes about washboard abs instead of a bowl full of jelly--here are hot and happy love stories for the holiday season.

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This was a great Christmas romance read. All three stories were well written with lots of fun, romance and even a little steamy action. Perfect for a last holiday read.





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Wolfsbane and Mistletoe by Charlaine Harris, Toni L.P. Kelner , Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn , Patricia Briggs , Dana Stabenow , Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Keri Arthur, Rob Thurman

Wolfsbane and Mistletoe by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The editors of "Many Bloody Returns" deliver the perfect howl-iday gift, with new tales from Patricia Briggs, Carrie Vaughn, and many more.

"New York Times" bestselling authors Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Keri Arthur, and Carrie Vaughn—along with eleven other masters of the genre—offer all-new stories on werewolves and the holidays, a fresh variation on the concept that worked so well with birthdays and vampires in "Many Bloody Returns."

The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard for lycanthropes. Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have harvested the scariest, funniest and saddest werewolf tales by an outstanding pack of authors, best read by the light of a full moon with a silver bullet close at hand.

Whether wolfing down a holiday feast (use your imagination) or craving some hair of the dog on New Year's morning, the werewolves in these frighteningly original stories will surprise, delight, amuse, and scare the pants off readers who love a little wolfsbane with their mistletoe.

~~~

Very much enjoyed this anthology of Christmas werewolf stories. Of course with the line up of authors here I am not surprised. There were some great takes on Santa -- From Santa Claws(an evil werewolf hunting monster) to Santa (the Saint of many things, including werewolves (poor Rudolph though). A few vampires and lots of different weres made these stories wonderfully entertaining!



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All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire (Love at Stake #5) by Kerrelyn Sparks

All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Toni Davis's Christmas wish list

1. Springing my best friend from the psych ward.

2. Living somewhere that doesn't have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins.

3. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and alive.

This Christmas isn't so merry for Toni. Her best friend's been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the only way for Toni to get her out is to prove that bloodsuckers really do exist. So she's taken a job as a bodyguard for the Undead, but she gets more than she bargained for, especially when she meets Ian MacPhie, a Scottish rascal looking for Ms. Right.

Although Ian's nearly five centuries old, he looks and acts like a twenty-seven-year-old hunk.

How can a dead man be so damn sexy? Could Mr. Wrong be Mr. Right? One forbidden kiss could lead to an eternity of passion—and all it takes is one moment under the mistletoe . . .

~~~


Really enjoyed this story of Ian and Toni. I enjoyed meeting the new and improved Ian and watching him fall in love with Toni. I was especially pleased that this book did not contain the usual angst of the two main characters not realizing that they were in love, or finding some annoying reason whey they could not be in love. No kidnapping of the main characters by an evil nemesis to have to be rescued. Nice romance for the holidays!!



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The Undead Next Door (Love at Stake #4) by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Three signs that something is very different with your mew man:

1. He sleeps all day...which would be annoying except he's so attentive at night.

2. He's attacked by sword-wielding assailants, yet insists he can handle it on his own.

3. He never seems to age.

Heather Westfield has always lived a quiet life, but that all changes when she helps a very handsome, very mysterious stranger. There's something not quite right about Jean-Luc, but still, she's never been with a man so charming, so attractive...so wonderful. Now if only a murderous villain wasn't after them, they might get their happily-ever-after.

~~~


It has been several years since I last read a Love at Stake book but I had not problem remembering the characters and the previous story lines. I adore a little sappy romance now and then and this book works perfectly. Jean Luc is a wonderful main character and his devotion to Heather and her daughter is wonderful. Enjoyed the story, the cast of characters from previous books and the future possibilities.





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Sugarplums and Scandal (Love at Stake #2.5) by Lori Avocato, Dana Cameron, Mary Dahiem, Suzanne Macpherson, Cait London, Kerrelyn Sparks, Mary Daheim

Sugarplums and Scandal by Lori Avocato

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


SUGARPLUMS AND SCANDAL brings together the best of romance and mystery in one delightful collection of Christmas tales. In the expert hands of six of Avon's best storytellers, the holiday season takes on an air of love and scandalous surprises Filled with Christmas miracles, romance, and suspense, this will make the perfect gift for both romance and mystery fans. Each author brings their own unique voice and characters to the collection, as well as their fan followings.

All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth - Lori Avocato

The Lords of Misrule - Dana Cameron

The Ghost of Christmas Passed - Mary Daheim

Partners in Crime - Cait London

Holly Go Lightly - Suzanne Macpherson

A Very Vampy Christmas - Kerrelyn Sparks
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Originally I was only planning on reading Kerrelyn Sparks Love at Stake story -- A Very Vampy Christmas, but since it is December I decided to go ahead and get in the Christmas mood with a little Holiday reading.

I have to say that I was not too impressed with the first 3 stories in the book. It was very apparent that the characters in the stories were from series that I have not read and that caused the short stories hard to follow. I really felt like I had missed a lot and jumped into the stories in the middle of something.

However the book was redeemed by the last 3 stories. I quite enjoyed the stories by Cait London, Suzanne Macpherson and Kerrelyn Sparks. They all read great as stand alone stories and had interesting story lines and likable characters.



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The Seer (Truesight #2) by David Stahler Jr.

The Seer by David Stahler Jr.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Young Jacob Manford grew up in Harmony, a blind boy raised in a colony of citizens dedicated to blindness as a way of life. Stricken with sight at thirteen, he escapes to the futuristic city of Melville, only to discover he has traded one hostile community for another.

Jacob's sight introduces him to a thrilling new world--vast landscapes, glittering skyscrapers, and flying machines--but he is unsure if he has finally found a place to belong. Will Jacob ever find what he is looking for?

~~~

While I enjoyed the first book in the Truesight series immensely, I found myself having a hard to time with this sequel. It follows Jacob as he leaves Harmony in search of Delaney. We do get to see some of the world outside of Harmony which was interesting, but I felt like the book started taking a different path in plot. We went from Jacob's struggle with his new sight and the implications that it brought to his way of life, into a more supernatural type heading, that to me did not really fit with the plot of the first book.

No question that you need to read the first book in the series to get anything from this sequel, but I have to wonder where the next book is going to take us.



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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author), Dave McKean (Illustrations)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another great Gaiman read even if it is aimed at a younger audience.

The story starts out a bit dark with the murder of a family with the exception of a baby who just through a string of coincidences manages to toddle off to the local graveyard. When the killer realizes that his true target has escaped he goes looking for him only to be waylaid by the occupants of the graveyard who want to protect the baby. He is adopted by a set of ghostly parents and raised by an entire graveyard full of guardians.


After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family . . .

Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times bestselling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, The Graveyard Book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.

~~~


We get to follow along as Bod -- short for Nobody Owens -- grows up in the graveyard. Along the way he realizes that he is not quite like the other occupants. We follow him through to 'adulthood' and it is quite the adventure.

Highly recommended for all Gaiman fans as well as anyone who wants a little light, fun reading with a bit of a dark edge.



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Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles, #1) by Suzanne Collins

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats—but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Rich in suspense and brimming with adventure, Suzanne Collin's debut marked a thrilling new talent, and introduced a character no young reader will ever forget.
~~~~~~


Reading this series along with my 12 year old. Since it is by the author of 'Hunger Games' I was expecting a great read. I was not disappointed. Both my daughter and I enjoyed this first book in the series.

Keeping in mind that this is a children's book, the adventure that Greogor finds himself involved in is quite enthralling. I found that I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. What a fantastical world Collins has created in Underland. With talking roaches, spiders, bats and rats. As Gregor realizes that he is the prophesied Warrior who can save the humans from war with the rats, he also has to worry about taking care of his baby sister Boots and discovering that his father who disappeared over 2 years ago is in Underland and being help as prisoner by the rats. All in all a very emotional journey that we get to join the questors on. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series as soon as I can get it from my daughter.



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Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5) by Gail Carriger

Timeless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

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What a perfectly Alexia Tarabotti finish to an absolutely fantastic series. I love the way that the series was wrapped up in such a perfectly amusing fashion. I have really enjoyed this series of books.

The mystery of the God-Breaker Plaque is solved, Alexia and Lord Maccon's future is laid out and everything was wrapped up nicely. Loved how Biffy and Ivy were involved in the ending as Biffy was one of favorite characters.

I am definitely going to be looking for more from Gail Carriger in the future!!



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Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7) by J.R. Ward

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Rehvenge is used to living in the shadows and dealing with the roughest night walkers around—including the Black Dagger Brotherhood. As his secret identity as a sympath is threatened, he turns to the only light in his ever darkening world—a female vampire untouched by corruption, who’s the only thing standing between him and eternal damnation.

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I love the Brotherhood.

This book took me longer than usual to read. Mostly because there was so much going on. While the book's main focus was Rehvenge and his shellan Ehlena there was so much more going on in this novel of the Brotherhood. It is amazing how Ward has developed this series into such an emotional read involving the entire Brotherhood and the trials that they face daily in the war against the lessers.

I can not wait to read more. I hope that Ward never brings and end to the Brotherhood novels!!



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Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6.5) by J.R. Ward

Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Readers met and fell in love with Zsadist and Bella in J. R. Ward-s third New York Times bestselling novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Awakened. As a former blood slave, Zsadist bore the scars from a past filled with suffering and degradation until Bella came along and helped heal his emotional wounds. Now, though, with the birth of their child, the demons of his past have been resurrected, called forth by the innocent eyes of his beloved daughter, Nalla. Unless Bella and Nalla can bring him back with their love, he may be lost to them forever.

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Read this story in the BDB Insiders Guide.

What an emotional roller coaster. I always say when I finish one of Ward's books that it amazes me how she writes in such a way that connects her readers so emotionally with the story.

This story is about Z's journey to fatherhood. His acceptance of himself and his past in regards to Nalla. Touching and heartwarming.




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Envy (The Fallen Angels #3) by J.R. Ward

Envy by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A man and a woman tread the lines of danger, desire, and deliverance in the new novel of the Fallen Angels from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas "Veck" DelVecchio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father- while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers... to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation.

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I absolutely love the way that Ward writes. She manages to get me emotionally involved with the characters. I love the little peeks into the Black Dagger Brotherhood series in this book as well. I have as yet not read the book that Veck appears in but intend to soon as I am very interested in seeing the tie.

I experienced the range of emotions in this one. I felt sorry for Veck, having had the stigma of his father to live his life with and always doubting himself when he was so obviously, at least to me, a good soul. I was so pissed at Reilly. That she could be so gullible and so easily believe the worst of Veck. I was heartbroken for Adrian. I am a little concerned for Jim with this obsession over Sissy. It seems a little unnatural and to be honest a little bit creepy.

As usual with Ward's books a great read that leaves me wanting more real soon.



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Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4) by Gail Carriger

Heartless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.

Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

~~~



This fourth book in the Parasol Protectorate series was not as fast paced as previous books. So it was a bit slower of a read, but a lot of interesting things happened. We learned a lot more about Alexia and her history as well as that of several of the other characters. Lot of things happened which lead to some pretty major occurrences. To top it all off along comes Prudence. Can not wait to see how the final book ties all of this up!!



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Blameless (Parasol Protectorate, #3) by Gail Carriger

Blameless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.

Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.

While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto.

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I can not say how much I love this series. Such a fun read. The characters are wonderful and so much happened in this book. I love Biffy and Lord Akeldama. Can not wait to read more about them in the next book. Alexia is such a wonderful character and her relationship with Lord Maccon is so much fun.

Looking forward to the next adventure that this wonderful group blunders into!



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Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2) by Gail Carriger

Changeless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.

But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.

She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

~~~~



Loving this series. While this book was not quite as entrancing as 'Soulless' it still had it's moments. I enjoyed the mystery, the introduction of new characters and the opportunity to learn a bit more about Alexis's new husband. Definitely a lot of world building in this book that hopefully leads to several more great reads.

The ending is without doubt a huge and unexpected cliffhanger that makes me want to immediately start in on the next book in the series (which I have right here fortunately).



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Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger

Soulless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire—and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

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I am not really sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but it was not what I got. What a wonderfully refreshing read! I have been reading so many books lately with strong main characters, enmeshed in life and death battles with supernatural creatures, that I was totally blown away when I started reading this book. At first the writing style made me do a double take. So many intelligent words! Then we have a main character who is witty and naive? A love interest who is gruff and somewhat clueless at times.

I absolutely fell in love with this book. This is my first foray into what I believe is a form of steampunk fiction and I am hooked. My brain woke up and took notice and I want more!!



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On the Edge (The Edge, #1) by Ilona Andrews

On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.

Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).

But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it.

~~~




Excellent start to a new series by an author(s) who has moved up to the top of my favorite's list.

It took me a little bit to get into the book, but that was only because I had just finished reading several books in the Kate Daniels series and I had to adjust to a new world in this book. This world is nothing like Kate's world and took me a while to adjust to. But once I did I could not stop reading. I love the way that all of the books that I have read by Ilona Andrews have a wonderful touch of humor written into them.

The main characters are fabulous and the rest of the characters are just as interesting. The story line is exciting and I can not wait to read more about the Weird, the Edge and the Broken.



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The Twelve Quickies of Christmas - Volume 1 by Ashleigh Raine, Lora Leigh, Shiloh Walker, Kate Douglas, Rachel Bo, R. Casteel

The Twelve Quickies of Christmas - Volume 1 by Ashleigh Raine

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


These novellas are love stories with very explicit sex scenes.

Angel in Moonlight by Ashleigh Raine
Lita is a Polgaran Pleasure Godess and she’s been given the privilege of living among humans to learn and exerience strong human emotion. She mets Ben, a man deeply retreated within himself. Lita’s love gives Ben healing, but she must leave him or she will be forced to remain earthbound forever.

Make Me Believe by Shiloh Walker
Chelly’s worst nightmare arrived with the court notice that her ex-husband wanted custody of their son. Chelly so desperately wanted the man she had dreamed of since she was a child to become real and to protect her and her son. To her shock, Nikolai is real and he’s the supreme elf of a very northern region.

Just a Little Magic by Kate Douglas
On Christmas Eve, Beth is shocked to find a man dressed in red velvet stumbling off her roof. Seems Dominc Claus has received his pink-slip and is his cousin Nick has relieved him of all Santa duties. Dom owns Rudolph Toys and is happy that he can devote his time to making toys. But it’s not just toys for children that Dom makes, as Beth is about to learn.

Ringing in the Season by Rachel Bo
Feeling disenchanted with her marriage of 17 years, Traci is happily surprised by the unusual treasure hunt her husband Rick has prepared for her. One that takes her on an erotic journey down memory lane, and to her ultimate treasure.

The Toymaker by R. Casteel
Samantha, widowed with two small children on the Missouri frontier, struggles to survive through the harsh winter. When she gives the small toymaker named, Claudius, shelter from a storm, little miracles begin to happen.

August Heat (Men of August) by Lora Leigh
Marly, Sarah and Heather want something very special for Christmas. Since they married Cade, Brock and Sam, they’ve noticed that the brothers have been healing and the nightmares have stopped. It’s time that each brother learns that they can make their own families now

~~~



I did not read the first story in this book 'August Heat' because I have not read any of the previous August brothers books so felt no need to read the conclusion to their story.

I did read the rest of the stories and have a couple of favorites.

'Make Me Believe' was probably my favorite. A wonderfully sweet Christmas story about love and acceptance.

'Just a Little Magic' was such a fun read. Loved the characters.








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Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4) by Ilona Andrews

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Kate Daniels keeps the peace in Atlanta for the Order, humans caught between the vampire controlling People led by her biological father and best kept secret, Roland, and the shape-shifter Pack, led by her mate-to-be Curran, the Lord of the Beasts. But her look-alike aunt Erra, Babylon's god of chaos and terror, has come to town controlling seven naked warriors: Deluge (flood water), Tremor (earth quake), Gale (hurricane wind), Torch (fire inferno), Venom (disease poison), Beast (animal monster), and Darkness (overpowering dread).

~~~

Wow!! Without question the best in the series so far. I just fell in love with these authors and am looking to get my hands on everything that they write.

Loved this book as we learn a lot about Kate's background, get to see her in action, and have some resolution on her and Curran's relationship. Overall a can't put down read.



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Working Stiff (Revivalist, #1) by Rachel Caine

Working Stiff by Rachel Caine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Bryn Davis was killed on the job after discovering her bosses were selling a drug designed to resurrect the dead. Now, revived by that same drug, she becomes an undead soldier in a corporate war to take down the very pharmaceutical company responsible for her new condition...

~~~

Very different type of book from the other series that I have read by Rachel Caine. Not bad different, just a little unexpected.

First I have to say that this book should in no way be classified as either Paranormal or Urban Fantasy. I would say it is more of a techno-thriller than anything. While there are 'zombies' in the book, this term is used very loosely. What we really have is science making it possible for nanites to revive and keep alive a human body. While the body will decay if injections are withheld the results are about as far as you can get from your typical storybook zombies. The person who is revived is in complete control of themselves (well most of the time)and has no strange cravings whatsoever.

This is the story of unsuspecting heroine getting caught up in something that she has nothing to do with. Wrong place, wrong time, basically. The story comes complete with corporate espionage, James Bond type good guys and enough futuristic science fiction to make you go hmmmmmmmm.

Overall an enjoyable read, though I was a little disappointed in the ending. Of course there are more books to follow in the series. I will continue to read, but not with the enthusiasm that I have consumed some of Ms. Caine's other books.



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Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3) by Ilona Andrews

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Without question the best book in the series so far. So much happened in this book that really brought this series together. The writing is phenomenal, the characters are a fabulous blend of traits that make them unforgettable. The story line is evolving at a pace that makes you keep wanting more and more.


Investigator for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Kate Daniels keeps humans safe in Atlanta. But when her werewolf friend Derek is dying in human form, from attack by the mysterious Reaper team at the Midnight Games, she and Curran, the Beast Lord, must fight together to win the Wolf Diamond topaz and save his Pack and her friends.
~~~

We learned a lot in this book about several of the characters histories and it all plays into the plot of the series. Kate's background, which comes out in this book, adds so much depth to her character. It is a wonderful mix of mystery, strength and humor. While Curran is the perfect alpha male, who can be ruthless and ferocious when those he cares about are in danger. I absolutely love the twists and turns of the relationship between the two of these characters.

Not only has the author developed these two strong main characters, but the other characters in the book have just as much depth. I found myself drawn into the emotions of the characters to the point that I did not want to stop reading. I can not wait to start reading the next book in this series.

The world that Ilona Andrews is developing through this series is breathtaking. I can not wait to go back.



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Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2) by Ilona Andrews

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, Celtic god Morfran supersedes goddess Morrigan for witch coven worshippers of the Crow, and sea monsters from the Underworld enter via the Cauldron of Plenty. Kate starts looking for Pack maps and 13-year old Julia's witch mother, and ends up uniting shapeshifters and vampire zombie controllers to save the world.

~~~



I read the first book in this series back in 2008 so I was a little concerned that it would be hard to get back into the series. Fortunately it was not. I was able to jump right in and did not feel like I had missed anything.

I love the main character, Kate. She is definitely a kick-ass heroine with a witty, quirky personality. There are plenty of other interesting characters and the story line keeps you reading. Looking forward to moving on to the next book in this series. Can not wait to see how Kate and Curran's relationship evolve.



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Rebel Ice (Stardoc, #6) by S.L. Viehl

Rebel Ice by S.L. Viehl

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Dr. Cherijo Torin crash-lands on an ice planet whose population is on the verge of civil war. With no knowledge of her past-or even her identity-she becomes entangled in the encroaching conflict, unaware that her husband is moving heaven and earth to find her.

~~~~



I have to say that I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as the previous books in this series. The beginning of the book was very confusing as we are plopped down on a whole new world and it was somewhat difficult to understand the politics/dynamics of the various groups involved in the story.

The book got better about half way through when some of the bits and pieces started coming together, but overall I did not really like the guessing game of who Resa and Jarn really were. I did not like the 'new' Cherijo and I did not like the way that the book ended.

But I do love the series and I am very much looking forward to continuing it with the hopes that Ms. Viehl will redeem herself with the next installment.



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Eternity Row (Stardoc, #5) by S.L. Viehl

Eternity Row by S.L. Viehl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Cherijo and her husband have found safety aboard the star vessel Sunlace. But they have promises to keep-promises that will endanger everything she ever fought for-including her solemn oath to protect life.

~~~

And another great book in the Stardoc series. I really enjoyed riding along with Cherijo as she discovered more about herself and her origins. I am glad that I was able to read this book immediately after the previous one. Looking forward to much more in this series.



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Shockball (Stardoc, #4) by S.L. Viehl

Shockball by S.L. Viehl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Cherijo Grey Veil is searching for a place where she'll be safe from the demented man who created her. But she soon finds that she can't just run from her past-she must destroy it...

~~~~

It has been quite a while since I last read a book in the Stardoc series. Maybe that was a good thing because I totally enjoyed this one. Wrapped up a lot concerning Cherijo's creation and ongoing problems with her 'father' as well as solidifying her relationship with Duncan. Love the new characters that were introduced as well as some old ones who returned. Looking forward to the next book as the group heads out into space. I really enjoy Viehl's writing and look forward to more adventures with the Sunlace crew.



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Hell Fire (Corine Solomon #2) by Ann Aguirre

Hell Fire by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book reminded me why I like Ann Aguirre's writing so much. She draws you into the story and then makes sure that you never want to leave.


As a handler, Corine Solomon can touch any object and know its history. It's too bad she can't seem to forget her own. With her ex-boyfriend Chance in tow-lending his own supernatural brand of luck-Corine journeys back home to Kilmer, Georgia, in order to discover the truth behind her mother's death and the origins of "gift".

But while trying to uncover the secrets in her past, Corine and Chance find that something is rotten in the state of Georgia. Inside Kilmer's borders there are signs of a dark curse affecting the town and all its residents-and it can only be satisfied with death...

~~~


This story was a little dark. Corine returns to her hometown where 13 years earlier her mother had been killed. She is determined to find out the truth about what happened and in the process ends up discovering a secret that affects the entire town.

I only gave the book 4 stars because the inner dialogue that Corine always has going on concerning Chance and Jesse tends to get bothersome. The constant back and forth of her feelings for both men is annoying. For me, that was the only drawback of the book.



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Trick or Treat Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery #3) by Leslie Meier

Trick or Treat Murder by Leslie Meier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Haunted-house parties and ghostly galas…grinning pumpkins, mayhem and murder. It’s going to be one heck of a Halloween for Lucy Stone and Tinker’s Cove…

It’s October in Maine, and everyone in Tinker’s Cove is preparing for the annual Halloween festival. While Lucy Stone is whipping up orange-frosted cupcakes, recycling tutus for her daughters’ Halloween costumes, helping her son with his pre-teen rebellion, and breast-feeding her brand-new bay, an arsonist is loose in Tinker’s Cove. When the latest fire claims the life of the owner of the town’s oldest house, arson turns into murder…

While the townsfolk work to transform a dilapidated mansion into a haunted house for the All-Ghouls festival, the hunt for the culprit heats up. Trick-or-treat turns deadly as a little digging in all the wrong places puts Lucy too close to a shocking discovery that could send all her best-laid plans up in smoke…

~~~

Another good read in the Lucy Stone Mystery series. I like Lucy probably because she is just a regular housewife with 4 kids and all the typical problems those of us in her situation have. I did not know who done it till the end, but I had my suspicions. Looking forward to more in the Lucy Stone cozy series.



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Tippy Toe Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery #2) by Leslie Meier

Tippy Toe Murder by Leslie Meier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


With three kids underfoot, a fourth on the way, and an oppressive heat wave bearing down, homemaker Lucy Stone is hardly enjoying an idyllic summer. But her preoccupation with swelling ankles, Bavarian creme doughnut cravings, and sewing endless sequins on ballet recital tutus gives way to dread when Lucy learns that her waistline isn’t the only thing that’s recently vanished from Tinker’s Cove…

The strange disappearance of a retired dance instructor has the tiny coastal town in a tizzy that turns to terror when a notoriously cantankerous shopkeeper is slain right on Main Street. Now Lucy’s up to her bulging belly in local suspects and red herrings. Eluded by a cold-blooded killer, with her due-date looming and the thermometer soaring, Lucy figures something has to break soon. With any luck, it won’t be her water…

~~~

I enjoyed this second book in the Lucy Stone mystery series. Lucy Stone is a likable chatterer. The story was a bit dark as it deals with domestic abuse. The mystery itself kept me guessing to the end.



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Winter's Storm: Retribution (Winter's Saga #2) by Karen Luellen

Winter's Storm: Retribution by Karen Luellen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Born into evil.
Raised for violence.
Searching for truth.

~~~~

In the second book of Winter’s Saga we meet Creed Young. He’s a metahuman, like Meg, Alik and Evan Winter, but unlike the Winter children, Creed wasn’t rescued by a goodhearted doctor from the experiments and traumas at the hands of the evil Dr. Williams. No, Creed wasn’t that lucky. Instead, he was raised along with hundreds of other metasoldiers in a militant compound to be a lethal, bloodthirsty assassin. His first assignment: To kill the thief, Margo Winter, who stole three children from Dr. Williams’ institute twelve years ago, and return those stolen assets.

~~~



A great continuation of the Winter family saga. I would have to say that I enjoyed this one as much, if not a little more, than the first in the series. The plot is smooth and the characters are likable. I am glad that we got to know the other characters in the book besides Meg and the introduction of Creed was a great addition to the story.

Still a couple problems with the editing that takes away from the reading of the story. Wrong usage of homonyms, awkward switch of POV and one very obvious mistake in character name which prevents me from giving the book 5 stars, but overall a very enjoyable read and one that will have me buying the next book in the series.



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**Kindle Edition

Child of the May (Forestwife Saga #2) by Theresa Tomlinson

Child of the May by Theresa Tomlinson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When Magda was just a baby, her mother was murdered, and her father John brought her to live in the woods with the Forestwife. Here she learned to heal sick people and became skillful in archery and fighting. Now Magda wants a life of adventure beyond the forest. When word comes that Lady Matilda and her daughter Isabelle are being held captive by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Magda is ready. This is the chance of a lifetime to join forces with her father John, and the mysterious Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. Little does Magda know that this is also a chance to come face to face with the scoundrel who murdered her mother.

~~~



While this book started out very slowly and the main character, Magda, is very unlikable (selfish and whinny), about mid way through the book we get back into what made Forestwife so enjoyable. The struggle of the forest folk against the king. Definitely picked up the pace and regained the emotional connection that the beginning of the book had not supplied for me. I am looking forward to finding and reading the last book in this trilogy.



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12|21|12 by Larry Enright

12|21|12 by Larry Enright

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The world ends for someone every day. One day it will end for everyone.



I am a huge fan of post-apocalyptic books so relished the idea of reading this one. Overall I was drawn into the book. I enjoyed the fact that the author introduced us to the survivors one at a time as they came together. I was intrigued as the Survivors attempted to figure out what was happening. I was interested in the theories that Loeb was putting together, and then the end came along and I was left feeling shell struck and wondering, "What just happened?". I understand what the author was doing, but I was left a little disappointed that so many things were being left to my imagination. I almost felt like I was left to write the ending myself and decide what had happened and I am not sure that I like that. Overall a good read and I would recommend it as a quick, somewhat thought provoking read.



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**Kindle Edition

The Trouble With Magic (A Bewitching Mystery #1) by Madelyn Alt

The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Antiques-shop clerk Maggie O'Neill was a little weirded out when she discovered her new boss Felicity was a witch. But when Felicity becomes the suspect in a local murder, Maggie must enlist Felicity's wiccan friends for help--and discover her own spellbinding talent.~~~



This book was really slow for me. I had a hard time staying interested. I liked the characters and the premise of the book, but the execution was not great for me. The author's writing style was a bit too wordy for me. Overly descriptive in some areas and repetitive in others. I was expecting a paranormal cozy mystery but ended up feeling like I got an intro course in New Age/Mysticism instead. The mystery itself seemed to be a background for Maggie's discovery of 'magic'. (I use the word magic loosely as I feel like it is more about religion than magic in some ways.) I did however like the characters and am hoping that future books in the series get better. I like the mysterious Marcus and the stormy beginning for Maggie and Tom. The intro to the NIGHTS left a lot of possibilities for future characters. So while I may not jump right on the next book in the series, I will eventually get back to it.




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Crave (The Fallen Angels #2) by J.R. Ward

Crave by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds- barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose.

Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble-and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil.
~~~

Before I get into how much I enjoyed this book I have to give kudos to Ms. Ward for her wonderful ability to create a world and draw her readers into it. In both this series and her Black Dagger Brotherhood series she creates an intricate world where the reader becomes immersed in the lives of the characters in such a way as to create emotional ties between the reader and the characters in the books.

I loved this 2nd book in the Fallen Angel series. I went into this book wondering to myself how in the world was Ms. Ward going to be able to write a book in this series where the good guys lose one. We fall in love with the main characters and how would she ever be able to write a believable story where these much loved characters end up turning away from good and joining the evil team. I mean good can not always triumph, as much as we would all love for that to be the case. So somewhere along the line the demon has to win a soul or two. Well my question was answered and with a twist that just seemed so fitting, but still leaves us breathless to see what happens next!

Love this series and this author!!



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The Reapers Are the Angels by Alden Bell

The Reapers Are the Angels by Alden Bell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Zombies have infested a fallen America. A young girl named Temple is on the run. Haunted by her past and pursued by a killer, Temple is surrounded by death and danger, hoping to be set free.

For twenty-five years, civilization has survived in meager enclaves, guarded against a plague of the dead. Temple wanders this blighted landscape, keeping to herself and keeping her demons inside her heart. She can't remember a time before the zombies, but she does remember an old man who took her in and the younger brother she cared for until the tragedy that set her on a personal journey toward redemption. Moving back and forth between the insulated remnants of society and the brutal frontier beyond, Temple must decide where ultimately to make a home and find the salvation she seeks.

~~~

Maybe I was expecting too much going in because of the rave reviews that I have read but I was a bit disappointed with this book. The prose was bit too much. The author seemed to be trying too hard to make this a deep book, but it is about the end of the world as we know it and it did not fit for me. Another thing that bugged me was that the main character was a 15 year old girl, born 10 years after the beginning of the zombie apocalypse, who is not educated, in fact does not know how to read, but has a very extensive vocabulary. Overall it was an okay read, but not the best zombie novel I have read.



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Black and White (The Icarus Project #1) by Jackie Kessler, Caitlin Kittredge

Black and White by Jackie Kessler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It's the ultimate battle of good versus good.

They were best friends at an elite academy for superheroes in training, but now Callie Bradford, code name Iridium, and Joannie Greene, code name Jet, are mortal enemies. Jet is a by-the-book hero, using her Shadow power to protect the citizens of New Chicago. Iridium, with her mastery of light, runs the city’s underworld. For the past five years the two have played an elaborate, and frustrating, game of cat and mouse.

But now playtime’s over. Separately Jet and Iridium uncover clues that point to a looming evil, one that is entwined within the Academy. As Jet works with Bruce Hunter—a normal man with an extraordinary ability to make her weak in the knees—she becomes convinced that Iridium is involved in a scheme that will level the power structure of America itself. And Iridium, teaming with the mysterious vigilante called Taser, uncovers an insidious plot that’s been a decade in the making…a plot in which Jet is key.

They’re both right. And they’re both wrong. Because nothing is as simple as Black and White.

~~~~



Excellent read. I was not sure going in how I was going to like this book as I am not a big superhero or comic book fan. But I absolutely loved this book. The story of 2 best friends who are in training to be hero's jumps back and forth between present day and the past as well as between the two main characters POV. It makes for a very interesting story and one that I absolutely became immersed in. Can not wait to get my hands on the next book to see what the next chapter in the lives of Jet and Iridium is like.



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Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls (Ghost Hunter Mystery #5) by Victoria Laurie

Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls by Victoria Laurie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When M.J. Holliday and the crew of her cable TV show, Ghoul Getters, venture to the haunted ruins of Dunlow Castle in Ireland, drawn by the legend of hidden treasure, they hope the road will rise up to meet them, that the wind will always be at their backs-and that the resident phantom won't push them off a cliff. If they treasure their lives, M.J. and her ghost busters need to get the drop on the menacing phantom...

~~~

Another great book in the Ghost Hunter series. With each book the spirit/phantom/demon that the team has to go up against seems to get a little worse and the story line seems to get a little darker. That is just fine with me. I love all of the characters although some of MJ's qualities are beginning to worry me. Her selfishness is showing a bit and her constant honey and buddies are annoying. She also acts very impulsively and somewhat stupidly at times. The fact that I feel like her character is a real flawed person is probably a good point for the authors ability to make her characters real. Very much looking forward to the next in the series after reading the sneak peek in the back of this book.



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Ghouls Gone Wild (Ghost Hunter Mystery #4) by Victoria Laurie

Ghouls Gone Wild by Victoria Laurie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Psychic M.J. Holliday finds herself in a witchy situation...

When M.J. and her friends travel to a small town near Edinburgh, Scotland, to film the first installment of their new cable TV show Ghoul Getters, they find plenty of spooky action in a series of supposedly haunted caverns. But when they discover the body of a maintenance worker, the cause of death is reminiscent of an old legend involving a witch's wrath...

~~~

Loved this latest installment of the Ghost Hunter series. This book gets quite a bit darker, but I like that. Enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the story line. Looking forward to reading more.



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Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link

Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Contents:
The Faery Handbag (2004)
The Hortlak (2003)
The Cannon (2003)
Stone Animals (2004)
Catskin (2003)
Some Zombie Contingency Plans (2005)
The Great Divorce (2005)
Magic for Beginners (2005)
Lull (2002)

~~~

This book was not for me. I read it, and kept at it, because I kept expecting this sudden understanding to hit me. All of the reviews I read had raved about how wonderful this book was, so obviously I was missing something. Whatever it was that everyone else loved so much managed to evade me because I just did not get it. There were a couple of stories that were okay but even those for me were not worth the read. Obviously this book takes a special kind of reader and I am not ashamed to admit that I am not it.



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Mistletoe Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery #1) by Leslie Meier

Mistletoe Murder by Leslie Meier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


As if baking holiday cookies, knitting a sweater for her husband’s gift, and making her daughter’s angel costume for the church pageant weren’t enough things for Lucy Stone’s busy Christmas schedule, she’s also working nights at the famous mail-order company Country Cousins. But when she discovers Sam Miller, its very wealthy founder, dead in his car from an apparent suicide, the sleuth in her knows something just doesn’t smell right.

Taking time out from her hectic holiday life to find out what really happened, her investigation leads to a backlog of secrets as long as Santa’s Christmas Eve route. Lucy is convinced that someone murdered Sam Miller. But who and why? With each harrowing twist she uncovers in this bizarre case, another shocking revelation is exposed. Now, as Christmas draws near and Lucy gets dangerously closer to the truth, she’s about to receive a present from Santa she didn’t ask for–a killer who won’t be satisfied until everyone on his shopping list is dead, including Lucy herself…

~~~

Very much enjoyed this cute cozy mystery. Love that it is set in a small town as I can relate to a lot of the descriptions and happenings living in a rural area. I like the characters and the mystery itself was interesting enough to keep me reading. Will definitely be continuing with this series.



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Jingle Bell Rock by Lori Foster and other various authors

Jingle Bell Rock by Lori Foster

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


They're big, they're bad, and they're everywhere -- Brava's national bestselling anthologies continue to delight devoted fans across the country, and the franchise that began with All Through the Night now brings a whole new meaning to the idea of Christmas ecstasy. Featuring a six-pack of top-notch, bestselling romance writers, Jingle Bell Rock will be the next best thing to eggnog to celebrate Christmas cheer.

Skip the mistletoe -- you won't need it after you indulge in these six tempting tales of romance filled with the sort of naughty-but-oh-so-nice men who make the season so bright it's downright hot...


He Sees You When You're Sleeping
Lori Foster
What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn't under the tree, it's right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires...and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping...


All She Wants for Christmas
Janelle Denison
When sexy pediatrician Matthew Carlton plays Santa, pulling Faith Roberts onto his lap, he has no idea what's on her Christmas wish list...or how much he'll enjoy fulfilling every bit of it...


Turning Up the Heat
Susan Donovan
Being stood up on Christmas Eve is bad enough, but now Valerie's furnace is broken, too. Good thing that sexy repairman is available to raise the temperature dramatically...


Baby, It's Cold Outside
Donna Kauffman
It's been ten years since Susanna York left Jace Morgan. Now, as fate reunites them during a holiday snowstorm, they'll have plenty of time to discover that distance only sharperns certain hungers...


A Blue Christmas
Alison Kent
Thomas "Blue" Miller never expected to see Jessie Buchanan on his Christmas tree farm again. But now that she's here, he's ready to show her exactly what she's been missing...


The Nutcracker Sweet
Nancy Warren
Co-workers Daniel and Tara couldn't hate each other more. So when they end up as Secret Santa partners, it's a perfect chance for revenge and a dare that just may ignite the steamiest night of their lives...

Very enjoyable anthology of Christmas romance. Definitely a bit steamy, sometimes a bit unrealistic, often a bit of fun. I always enjoy a good anthology and even though I always say that I don't read 'romance', I really seem to enjoy it when I do.

~~~~



While some of the stories seem to be parts of series they all seem to be able to stand alone as well. Normally I am anal about reading series in order, but it did not bother me to read these particular stories.



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The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson

The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


A killing virus has swept the earth, sparing only children through the age of twelve. There is chaos everywhere, even in formely prosperous mid-America. Gangs and fierce armies of children begin to form almost immediately. It would be the same for the children on Grand Avenue but for Lisa, a ten-year-old girl who becomes their leader. Because of Lisa, they have food, even toys, in abundance. And now they can protect themselves from the fierce gangs that roam the neighborhoods. But for how long? Then Lisa conceives the idea of a fortress, a city in which the children could live safely and happily always, and she intends to lead them there.
~~~

Interesting idea and has some good points but overall just a so-so read. It is written in a very juvenile manner which can be explained somewhat by the fact that the characters are all between the ages of 5 and 12 though even a constant reminder of this fact does not override the difficulty of reading something that is so jumbled.

There seems to be a hidden message that the author is trying to get across but it is really hard to decipher what it is in the jumbled ramblings of the main character.

The idea was good but the execution of the novel was not. Not sure if it was worth the time that it took to read or not.



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Bride of the Fat White Vampire (Fat White Vampire #2) by Andrew Fox

Bride of the Fat White Vampire by Andrew Fox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



After morphing into 187 very large white rats in the name of self-preservation, Jules Duchon is back to his portly self, a member of that secret class of New Orleans citizens known as the undead. Though he would like nothing better than to spend his nights raising hell and biting flesh in his beloved French Quarter, duty calls when an exclusive club of blue blood vampires demands that the 450-pound cabbie find out who is attacking its young and beautiful members. Adding insult to injury, he has to enlist the help of a former foe: a black vampire named Preston.

What’s a vampire to do? Without the love of a woman to ease his pain, Jules isn’t convinced that his undead life is worth living. He doesn’t desire Doodlebug (she may be a woman now but Jules knew her back when she was just a boy) any more than he longs for Daphne, a rat catcher who nourishes a crush the size of Jules. No, only Maureen will do. Once a beautiful stripper with nothing but curve after curve to her bodacious body, now she is mere dust in a jar. But Jules will move heaven and earth to get her back . . . even if it means pulling her back from the dead.~~~~



I really enjoyed this sequel to the Fat White Vampire Blues. Jules is back and forced to investigate and solve a mystery involving both of the local clans of vampires. We are taken on a roller coaster ride as Jules and friends try to solve they mystery before it is too late. Loved the finale and hope that we see more of these characters in the future.



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Fat White Vampire Blues (Fat White Vampire #1) by Andrew Fox

Fat White Vampire Blues by Andrew Fox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Vampire, nosferatu, creature of the night–whatever you call him–Jules Duchon has lived (so to speak) in New Orleans far longer than there have been drunk coeds on Bourbon Street. Weighing in at a whopping four hundred and fifty pounds, swelled up on the sweet, rich blood of people who consume the fattiest diet in the world, Jules is thankful he can’t see his reflection in a mirror. When he turns into a bat, he can’t get his big ol’ butt off the ground.

What’s worse, after more than a century of being undead, he’s watched his neighborhood truly go to hell–and now, a new vampire is looking to drive him out altogether. See, Jules had always been an equal opportunity kind of vampire. And while he would admit that the blood of a black woman is sweeter than the blood of a white man, Jules never drank more than his fair share of either. Enter Malice X . Young, cocky, and black, Malice warns Jules that his days of feasting on sisters and brothers are over. He tells Jules he’d better confine himself to white victims–or else face the consequences. And then, just to prove he isn’t kidding, Malice burns Jules’s house to the ground.

With the help of Maureen, the morbidly obese, stripper-vampire who made him, and Doodlebug, an undead cross-dresser who (literally) flies in from the coast– Jules must find a way to contend with the hurdles that life throws at him . . . without getting a stake through the heart. It’s enough to give a man the blues.


~~~

Interesting read. Slow to start and while it is not action packed, it does move at a steady pace throughout the story. The story itself is interesting and the characters are different than your typical vampire novel characters. I enjoyed it as something a bit different from the typical vampire books. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in the life of Jules, Fat White Vampire.



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Goblin War (Jig the Goblin #3) by Jim C. Hines

Goblin War by Jim C. Hines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you think it’s hard being a hobgoblin or a human, try living a goblin’s life for a while. In fact, try imagining what it’s like to be the runtiest goblin in the caves, the lone worshiper of a god who’s been forgotten for a good reason, and the target everyone points to at the first hint of trouble. Try picturing yourself as Jig Dragonslayer, and see how you like it… Despite impossible odds, Jig was still alive. He’d survived an adventurer’s quest against a dragon and a necromancer, a pixie invasion that had ogres and trolls dropping like flies, and, most frightening of all, the threat of being made chief of the goblins. He wasn’t sure how much more he could stand. Naturally, he was about to find out. War was brewing in the world outside the Mountain, and when the goblin’s lair was invaded by human warriors in search of the Rod of Creation, Jig knew it was just the start of another really bad day…

~~~

Very much enjoyed this third novel in the Jig the Dragonslayer series. We got to learn about Tymalous Shadowstar and who he is, how he got involved with Jig, and what becomes of him (maybe?). Jig saves the day again and finally brings peace to the mountain (as much peace as possible with a mountain full of monsters). Plus I see potential for a new Jig novel in the future!!! Overall a great series of books and I would happily read more.



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Wicked Wildfire Read-A-Thon

Hosted by: Rebecca @ Kindle Fever, April @ My Shelf Confessions




I have participated in Readathons on a book site that I frequent but this will be my first time venturing away from the comfort of a site that I know. The weekend of this readathon will be a tough one for me personally. My oldest daughter will be leaving on the 20th to travel by herself to Texas so that she can set up house before her husband returns from a 10 month deployment to Afghanistan. This will be her first trip by herself and it is a long one. Not to mention that she will need to get into their new home (which thankfully is on base). On top of that my youngest daughter will be leaving on the 22nd for her first weekend trip away from home, without any family. Needless to say I am going to have a very nerve-wracking few days and I can not think of a better way to occupy myself than to read................. and read a lot. So the timing for this readathon will be perfect.

Thanks to a great book buddy,Shaunesay, for the heads up on this one!

Goblin Tales (Jig the Goblin short stories) by Jim C. Hines

Goblin Tales by Jim C. Hines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A vengeful ghost trapped in a goblin's ear ... a flaming spider who must help stop a goddess from conquering a science fiction convention ... a goblin nursery worker who finds herself trapped in the middle of a war. This collection features five humorous short stories that explore the fantasy realm from the perspective of the lowest of the low, the unlikeliest of unheroes: the goblins.

Includes the following stories from the author of the GOBLIN QUEST trilogy:

Goblin Lullaby
The Haunting of Jig's Ear
Goblin Hunter
School Spirit
Mightier than the Sword

Each story includes an afterward by the author.

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I loved this book of short stories. I am in the midst of reading the Jig the Goblin series and this was a wonderful jaunt to take. I don't think that I can pick a favorite out of the stories. I really enjoyed them all. From baby Jig, to finding out what Veka does after her part in Goblin Hero to Smudge being a hero at a modern day fantasy can. All great fun reads and I especially enjoyed the author's afterwords with each story. Well worth the 2.99 spend to purchase the eBook.



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**Kindle Edition

Goblin Hero (Jig the Goblin #2) by Jim C. Hines

Goblin Hero by Jim C. Hines

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



After barely surviving an adventure he never wanted, the scrawny little nearsighted goblin called Jig is now known as Jig Dragonslayer, and has the power of healing, thanks to the forgotten god he worships. But being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be. Not when the goblin leader wants him dead, and everyone else actually expects him to keep doing heroic-and incredibly dangerous-things.

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Another fun read in the Adventures of Jig the Goblin, Reluctant Hero. lol I loved the new characters -- Grell, Veka, Braf and Slash. As the somehow managed to stop the Pixie invasion and survive enchanted Ogres. I am very much looking forward to Jig's next adventure since we all know that they come in threes.



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Goblin Quest (Jig the Goblin #1) by Jim C. Hines

Goblin Quest by Jim C. Hines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Jig is a scrawny little nearsighted goblin-a runt even among his puny species. Captured by a party of adventurers searching for a magical artifact, and forced to guide them, Jig encounters every peril ever faced on a fantasy quest.

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This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed reading about poor Jig's adventure. I also want to mention how much I love the cover illustrations on this series of books. Kudos to the artist who gave us a perfect visual of Jig to relate to as we read about his adventures. Moving on to his next reluctant adventure............



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