Attack of the Vampire Snowmen by Benny Alano

Attack of the Vampire Snowmen by Benny Alano

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


With only a few days before the big night, Santa Claus is kidnapped by an army of vampire snowmen; it's up to Laidenn, Claus' only dark elf-in-training, to enlist the help of the living dead elves to defeat the snowmen and bring Claus back.

~~~~

I am more than willing to read a Christmas story that detours from the path of "normal" if it is well written. I was intrigued by the idea of vampire snowmen and was willing to read this story with my sense of humor well prepared to be assaulted. Assaulted it was and then some. Vampire elves I can deal with. Vampire snowmen okay. Dark elves no problem, but when I started reading about zombie elves and Santa Flaws it was just too much. The story was not well written, it is definitely not something that I would want any child of mine to read, and it was not even something that I would recommend to adults. The most imaginative part of the story was the fact that there were vampires and zombies, which could have been fun if it was not so stupid! The author did not use his imagination to write this story beyond the creation of the characters. Don't waste your time, even if you picked this up free like I did.



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Flamingo Fatale by Jimmie Ruth Evans

Flamingo Fatale by Jimmie Ruth Evans

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


After a full day slinging hash at Kountry Kitchen and then surviving the graveyard shift at Budget Mart, the last thing Wanda Nell Culpepper needs is to to find her no-account ex-husband, Bobby Ray, flashing cash and stirring up trouble. Things can't get much worse—until the next day when she finds her missing pink flamingo stuck in his very dead body.

~~~



This was a good start to a cozy series. The author went a little heavy on the trailer park hick of some of the characters, but overall it was an interesting read. I like the characters and look forward to reading more about them, which is always a good thing in a cozy series.



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The Santa Society by Kristine McCord

The Santa Society by Kristine McCord

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Magic. Myth. Miracles.

They say there is truth in legends.

Last Christmas, Erin came home to be with her dying mother. It's been a year, and Erin can't move on. It's a good thing a behemoth dog named Klaus and Reason-the-handsome-realtor are about to change all that.

When Reason's efforts to help Erin sell her mother's house turn into a series of fiascos, Erin finds herself falling in love with him despite the quirky chaos that follows him. But Reason is more than he seems, and soon Erin is immersed in the clandestine world of the Santa Society, a centuries old secret organization that protects the truth behind Christmas.

~~~


This book started a little slow for me but evolved into a fantastic Christmas romance. I loved the story and all of the twists. Definitely a wonderful Christmas read!!



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Bah, Humbug! (A Christmas Street, #1) by Heather Horrocks

Bah, Humbug! by Heather Horrocks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Lexi Anderson is an up-and-coming, Martha Stewart-type TV hostess whose two kids love the Jared Strong adventure novels, which happen to be written by their new neighbor, Kyle Miller.
For the first time in his writing career, Kyle has writer's block - until he sees the snowman on his lawn and realizes this is the perfect place for his villain to hide the weapon. He digs into the snowman to discover two things: the weapon fits int he body just under the head, and the snowman was supposed to be the back drop for Lexi's next show.

From this improbable beginning comes friendship. Can there be more for a woman who is afraid to get close again and a man who has shadows from his childhood?

Families join together and hearts are healed as this couple goes walking in a winter wonderland.

~~~



This was a heartwarming Christmas romance. I see that the author has a couple of cozy mysteries that I will check out as well. Quick, sweet read to put you in the Christmas mood.



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Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Pamela Fryer

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Pamela Fryer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Trey Janssen only wants to settle his late mother's affairs and get back to San Francisco, but he finds himself trapped in the town Christmas literally threw up on when he's arrested for drunk driving—right after a Dickens in the Park actor proclaims he'll be visited by three spirits.

The ghost from his past turns out to be Celia Brown, the innocent Girl Next Door he deflowered before leaving town on a football scholarship. Now he's hoping for a repeat or two of that night, because pretty Celia Brown has something all the nameless, faceless, one-night-stands of his wild pro-athlete lifestyle didn't—but it will take ghost number two and ghost number three to show him exactly what that something is.

Warning: Once Upon a Christmas Carol will make you crave eggnog, sugar cookies, and a kiss from your sweetie under the mistletoe. If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Bond and Nancy Warren, you won’t want to miss Pamela Fryer’s magical romances set in the mountain town of Welcome, California.

~~~

Very enjoyable Christmas Carol romance. Enjoyable characters and writing that kept me wanting to read. Will definitely look up more books by this author.



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Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6) by Ilona Andrews

Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

~~~



Another great read in this series. One of my favorite paranormal series. Glad that Kate and Curran are strengthening their relationship and hope that series continues to build.




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Stirred (Jack Daniels Mystery #8) by J.A. Konrath

Stirred by J.A. Konrath

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


They are the very best at what they do. Peerless. Unmatched.Only fate could bring two such extraordinary people together?or the depraved manipulations of a homicidal criminal who takes lives for the sheer pleasure of watching his victims die.Luther Kite is a monster among monsters, growing increasingly bored with his kills. So he sets his sights on the one adversary who can offer him a true challenge: Lt. Jacqueline ?Jack? Daniels, the best homicide detective to ever come out of the Chicago PD. Jack has brought the city's most notorious criminals to their knees. But now she may die on hers, in a specially crafted hell Luther Kite has been building for years. Trapped in a nightmare from which none have escaped, Jack has never been so close to death...nor had so much to live for.Fast-paced, suspenseful, and darkly comic, Stirred brings J.A. Konrath's Jack Daniels series and Blake Crouch's Luther Kite series to a riveting, heart-stopping conclusion.


~~~~



First I need to say that while the Forward in this book says that no prior knowledge of the Jack Daniels series by Konrath or the Luther Kite series by Crouch is necessary before reading this book, I personally think that it is a good idea to have already read them both. I found this to be a satisfying ending to the Jack Daniels series (though I am one of those fans who would not mind one bit if Konrath wrote another book in the series)but I would very much have liked to have already read the Crouch series before reading this book. I had them on my wishlist but now I think that I will probably not bother as I feel like I would not enjoy them as much when I already know what the conclusion is going to be.

I will however be searching high and low for any and all books/stories that contain even a glimmer of konrath's Jack Daniels characters in the future!

Konrath has definitely made me a fan!!

One aspect of this book that I loved is the ability to hyperlink characters and events to the descriptions and explanations contained at the end of the book. I think that this is a fabulous feature that ebooks are able to offer over paper/ink books.



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Shaken (Jack Daniels Mystery, #7) by J.A. Konrath

Shaken by J.A. Konrath

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Chicago cop Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels has chased, and caught, dozens of dangerous criminals over the course of her career. But she's about to meet her match.
When Jack wakes up in a storage locker, bound and gagged, she knows with chilling certainty who her abductor is.

He's called "Mr. K." More than two hundred homicides have been attributed to him. His victims have died in the most horrible ways imaginable. He's the essence of evil. Some think he's just an urban legend. But he's real. Jack has tangled with him twice in the past, and both times he managed to slip away.

Now Jack will finally have a chance to confront the maniac she's been hunting for over twenty-five years. Unfortunately, it won't be on her terms. In less than two hours, Mr. K is going to do to Jack what he's done to countless others. And Jack is going to learn that sometimes the good guys don't win...



~~~


I was a little concerned about the three different time lines, but it really worked well. In fact I would be willing to say that it increased the suspense three fold.

I love this series and I am going to be sad to read the last book, but I am thrilled to know that there are so many short stories that include Jack, Harry, Herb and Phin. I am looking forward to reading each and every one of them!!

This book gave us a lot of background for Jack and how she has been involved with some of the killers who have been featured in these books as well as some from other books.As always the action is non-stop and I found myself holding my breath as I turned the page to see how Jack was going to survive (though I never had any doubt that she would, with the help of her friends).



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Vampires Gone Wild (Vamp City, #1.5; Love at Stake, #13.5; Diaries of an Urban Panther, #3.5) by Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Amanda Arista, Kim Falconer

Vampires Gone Wild by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks

Pamela decides to shed her prim and proper ways for spandex and a mask to help fight the Malcontents. Now if only she weren't so distracted by the sexy vampire fighting by her side . . .

A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer

Trapped in Vamp City, Lukas has been unable to return to the beauty who stole his heart. But now that she's stumbled into his world, it will take every ounce of cunning he possesses to keep her alive.

First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista

Valiance's first date in a hundred years is going great . . . until they're attacked in the parking lot and quiet, unassuming Esme turns out to be way more than she appears.

Blood and Water by Kim Falconer

Beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay lives a vampire race that wants nothing to do with the "landers" except to feed on them. But when Stellan sets eyes on Angelina, everything changes.
~~~~~~



I picked up this book at Amazon solely for the Love at Stake story. I of course enjoyed the story of Lady Pamela and Mikhail, as I do all of the Love at Stake stories.

I did not really care much for Blood and Water by Kim Falconer. There were elements of the story that were okay but overall I was not drawn into the story like the others in this book. I did however very much enjoy the other two stories in the book, A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer & First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista, and look forward to finding the other books in the series where these two worlds exist.

So overall a quite enjoyable read that introduced me to 2 new authors and two new worlds that I can not wait to explore.



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Endgame (Sirantha Jax, #6) by Ann Aguirre

Endgame by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Regret nothing.

Sirantha Jax has the J-gene, which permits her to “jump” faster-than-light ships through grimspace. She loves nothing more than that rush, but the star roads have to wait…

Her final mission takes her to La’heng, a planet subjugated during first contact. Since then, the La’hengrin homeworld has been occupied by foreign conquerors.

All that’s about to change.

Now, as part of a grassroots resistance, Jax means to liberate the La’hengrin. But political intrigue and guerrilla warfare are new to her, and this will be the most dangerous game she’s ever played—spies and conspiracies, a war of weapons and hearts, and not everyone is guaranteed to make it out alive..

~~~~~



As much as I am going to miss the world of Sirantha Jax I was pleased to see everything wrapped up and the series end the way that it did. Ann Aguirre has a very special talent for creating worlds that the reader can immerse themselves in. The world of Sirantha Jax has been an exciting one to visit.



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Turkey Day Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery, #7) by Leslie Meier

Turkey Day Murder by Leslie Meier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Tinker’s Cove has a long history of Thanksgiving festivities, from visits with TomTom Turkey to the annual Warriors high school football game and Lucy Stone’s impressive pumpkin pie. But this year, someone has added murder to the menu, and Lucy intends to discover who left Metinnicut Indian activist Curt Nolan deader than the proverbial Thanksgiving turkey—with an ancient war club next to his head.

The list of suspects isn’t exactly a brief one. Nolan had a habit of disagreeing with just about everybody he met. Between fixing dinner for twelve and keeping her four kids from tearing each other limb from limb, Lucy has a pretty full plate already. So what’s a little investigation? But if she’s not careful, she just may find herself served up as a last-minute course, stone-cold dead with all the trimmings…

~~~


Typical Lucy Stone mystery. I did not know who the killer was until they caught him, so that is a plus. I was actually going to give Bill credit for not being a neanderthal in this book, but in the end, he was. I enjoy reading these mysteries mostly because I enjoy visiting the folks of Tinker Cove and seeing how Lucy's kids are growing.





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Jack: The Tale of Frost by Tony Bertauski

Jack: The Tale of Frost by Tony Bertauski

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Sura is sixteen years old when she meets Mr. Frost. He’s very short and very fat and he likes his room very, very cold. Some might say inhumanly cold. His first name isn’t Jack, she’s told. And that’s all she needed to know.

Mr. Frost’s love for Christmas is over-the-top and slightly psychotic. And why not? He’s made billions of dollars off the holiday he invented. Or so he claims. Rumor is he’s an elven, but that’s silly. Elven aren’t real. And if they were, they wouldn’t live in South Carolina. They wouldn’t hide in a tower and go to the basement to make…things.

Nonetheless, Sura will work for this odd little recluse. Frost Plantation is where she’ll meet the love of her life. It’s where she’ll finally feel like she belongs somewhere. And it’s where she’ll meet someone fatter, balder and stranger than Mr. Frost. It’s where she’ll meet Jack.

~~~~~



This is going to be a very hard review to write. I have been eagerly anticipating this book every since I read Claus: Legend of the Fat Man earlier this year. Claus was easily one of my favorite reads of the year, so I was expecting a lot from this book. Sadly I did not quite find what I was hoping for. Where Claus had amazing world building with so much detail that I was totally immersed in the story, I felt that Jack lacked those exact things. I was able to fill in some gaps because I had read Claus (which in my opinion is a necessity before you read Jack) but I just did not feel like I was being drawn in like I had been while reading Claus. I don't feel like I really got to know any of the characters well enough to connect to them. I almost feel like I was just getting a glimpse into Mr. Frost's life, whereas I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to get to know May, Templeton, Jonah, Joe and Sura. I wanted to be a part of Frost's plan, not just see the end result of it. I wanted more! This will not deter me from reading the next installment -- Frosty: Journey of a Snowman, but I do hope that Tony gives us more of what I so loved about Claus -- all those wonderful little details that made me believe that the world that he created on the North Pole could exist and could be the basis for our modern day beliefs in Santa Claus.



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The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake, #14) by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


He's Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

~~~~~

Another enjoyable read in the Love at Stake series. Dougal finally gets his chance at love. The vamps make some headway in their war against the Malcontents and we get to revisit several of the couples that have been featured in earlier books. Love this series!!



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Slashback (Cal Leandros, #8) by Rob Thurman

Slashback by Rob Thurman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I stopped and let them circle me, first because it was intriguing and, second, because, honestly, what could they do? Only knives, but all armed, and that made them even more interesting. Interesting. Fun.

Playtime…

Taking on bloodthirsty supernatural monsters is how Caliban and Niko Leandros make a living. But years ago—before they became a force to be reckoned with—the brothers were almost victims of a very human serial killer.

Almost.

Unfortunately for them, that particular depraved killer was working as apprentice to a creature far more malevolent—the legendary Spring-heeled Jack. He’s just hit town. He hasn’t forgotten what the Leandros brothers did to his murderous protégé. He hasn’t forgotten what they owe him.

And now they are going to pay… and pay… and pay.…

~~~


I am glad that Thurman seems to be going back to the action that I enjoyed so much in the earlier books in this series. A lot of information came out in this book. Robin's tie to the Leandros brothers. Things that happened in the past that relate to who and what the brothers are today. A lot of loose ends were tied up, but at the same time a lot was left open to the possibility of new story lines. I have not seen anything about rather another book is in the works for this series but with all of the things still left open I am certainly hoping so.



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UR by Stephen King

UR by Stephen King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


As quickly as a spider spins its web, King reminds us why he's the master of the novella - a format which, up until now that is, one might have thought is fast disappearing. In his new novella, UR, King is at his unsettling best as he examines the future of the written word - for better or worse. Following a nasty break-up, lovelorn college English instructor Wesley Smith can't seem to get his ex-girlfriend's parting shot out of his head: "Why can't you just read off the computer like the rest of us?" Egged on by her question and piqued by a student's suggestion, Wesley places an order for Amazon.com's Kindle eReader. The [pink?] device that arrives in a box stamped with the smile logo -via one-day delivery that he hadn't requested - unlocks a literary world that even the most avid of book lovers could never imagine. But once the door is open, there are those things that one hopes we'll never read or live through. Firm, gripping, and deftly written by a craftsman at the top of his game, this is King at his crisp, clear, page-turning best.

~~~~

This was a good, quick read. The ending came a bit abruptly for me. I was reading along and went to turn the page and was like "what?" I was not expecting an ending right then. lol Loved the glimpse into the Dark Tower series. I always love how King manages to bring other books into each of his stories.

Definitely worth the time that it takes to read.



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Doubletake (Cal Leandros, #7) by Rob Thurman

Doubletake by Rob Thurman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Half-human/half-monster Cal Leandros knows that family is a pain. But now that pain belongs to his half-brother, Niko. Niko's shady father is in town, and he needs a big favor. Even worse is the reunion being held by the devious Puck race-including the Leandros' friend, Robin- featuring a lottery that no Puck wants to win.

As Cal tries to keep both Niko and Robin from paying the ultimate price for their kin, a horrific reminder from Cal's own past arrives to remind him that blood is thicker than water-and that's why it's so much more fun to spill.

~~~~~~



I am glad that the author has gone back to her excellent use of nonstop action to keep the novel moving along. I am glad that Cal has begun to accept what/who he is and that the author moved away from all of the philosophical waxing that was rampant in the last couple of books. I love the relationship between Cal and Niko and the fact that nothing can ever come between them. The introduction of Grimm allows us to explore the Auphe aspect of Cal from a different point of view. We can now see what Cal could have been if not for the bond with Niko while still holding on to the possibility that Cal can retain his humanity.



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Undead and Undermined (Undead #10) by MaryJanice Davidson

Undead and Undermined by MaryJanice Davidson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There’s no guarantee in life.
Or for that matter, death…

Vampire queen Betsy Taylor has awoken in a Chicago morgue, naked as a corpse. Her last memory is reconciling with her husband, Eric Sinclair, after a time-traveling field trip to hell (literally) with her sister, Laura. Now, she’s Jane Doe #291, wrapped in plastic with a toe tag. Betsy can’t help but wonder, what in hell happened?

For starters, she and Laura didn’t time-travel alone. What followed them had a wicked agenda: to kill Betsy in a time when she was young and vulnerable and end her future reign as queen. But it’s not just Betsy’s future that’s taken an unexpected detour. Everyone in her circle, alive or undead, is feeling the chill. Betsy can’t let the unthinkable happen. It would be a cold day in hell if she did.

~~~

I actually enjoyed this book more than the last one in this series. Maybe because I have had time to get over the trauma of the ending of the last book and I can see where MJD is trying to fix it. Maybe it is because I know that this is the second book in a three book arc in the midst of this series and I am hoping for some wonderful conclusion to this horrifying story line. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book so that I can see how MJD plans to redeem herself with the story of Betsy's reign of terror!



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Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse, #13) by Charlaine Harris

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart....

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…

~~~~~



This was a good ending to Sookie's story. I think that she ended up with who she should have and the loose ends were wrapped up nicely. Been a very enjoyable sojourn in Sookie's life through this series. Glad that the author wrote a nice clean ending to Sookie's story.





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Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse, #12) by Charlaine Harris

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It’s vampire politics as usual around the town of Bon Temps, but never before have they hit so close to Sookie’s heart…

Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on there were things she’d rather not know. And now that she’s an adult, she also realizes that some things she knows about, she’d rather not see—like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one.

There’s a thing or two she’d like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet—Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town. It’s the worst possible time for a human body to show up in Eric’s front yard—especially the body of the woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s set out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

~~~



This read a bit like a mystery and the pace was much calmer than recent Sookie books. Not to say that it was not enjoyable. I liked the fact that things were not so crazy and hectic. I can see where the author is cleaning up loose ends in preparation for the last book in the series and I look forward to seeing how she leaves Bon Temp and all of it's residents at the end.



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Wall-to-Wall Dead (A Do-It-Yourself Mystery #6) by Jennie Bentley

Wall-to-Wall Dead by Jennie Bentley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Avery Baker never thought she’d leave Manhattan, until she inherited her aunt’s old Maine cottage and found her true calling—home renovation. But when Avery goes to work restoring a condominium, she discovers it’s another condo owner who’s been condemned...

Avery and her partner, Derek, are fixing up a cute little condo in homey Waterfield, Maine, hoping for a quick turnaround and some extra money. It seems like a simple project—and Avery is looking forward to using her big-city experience with small spaces.

But they didn’t expect to have their every move watched by the resident busybody in the condo, Hilda Shaw, who loves snooping on everyone’s comings and goings. When the busybody becomes a dead body, Avery suspects foul play. Soon she’s doing some snooping of her own—and it seems everyone in the complex has a secret. Could one of them be worth killing for? Avery needs to work fast, before someone decides to fix her...for good.

~~~

Another okay read in the series. I guessed who done it fairly early on, just did not know why. This is kind of a ho hum series for me. I can live with or without it.



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Undead and Unfinished (Undead #9) by MaryJanice Davidson

Undead and Unfinished by MaryJanice Davidson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Vampire queen Betsy Taylor makes a deal with the devil in order to discover the secrets of the Book of the Dead. Just one catch: she and her sister must go to hell to do it. Just long enough to make nice with her mother, aka Lucifer, and take a detour through time...


~~~~~


The first half of the book was mindless Betsy babble. She is getting more annoying with each book. Plus I found MJD's writing style to be so immature and well stupid. To be honest I was ready to give this book one or two stars all the way through the first half. But the saving grace for the book allowing me to give it 3 stars is the second half where Betsy and Laura time travel. That at least was interesting and a little more readable. But of course it was all ruined with the ending which was awful!!!

I honestly don't know why I continue to read this series. I think that it is because I go so long between books that I allow myself to forget just how awful the previous book was. This book actually took me a long time to read because I just was not that interested in getting back to it.

I won't actively seek out the next book, but if I happen across it I am sure that I will end up reading it in the hopes that maybe, just maybe, MJD will save this series.



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Aftermath (Sirantha Jax, #5) by Ann Aguirre

Aftermath by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


So much happened in this book and I can sadly see the final installment in the works.


DEAD HEROES GET MONUMENTS. LIVE ONES GET TRIALS.

Sirantha Jax has the right genes—ones that enable her to “jump” faster-than-light ships through grimspace. But it’s also in her genetic makeup to go it alone. It’s a character trait that has gotten her into—and out of—hot water time and time again, but now she’s caused one of the most horrific events in military history…

During the war against murderous, flesh-eating aliens, Sirantha went AWOL and shifted grimspace beacons to keep the enemy from invading humanity’s homeworld. The cost of her actions: the destruction of modern interstellar travel—and the lives of six hundred Conglomerate soldiers.

Accused of dereliction of duty, desertion, mass murder, and high treason, Sirantha is on trial for her life. And only time will tell if she’s one of the Conglomerate’s greatest heroes—or most infamous criminals…


~~~~~~~~~~


Sirantha is imprisoned and put on trial for her decision to change the beacons to stop the Morgut from destroying the galaxy. She and Vel have quite the adventure on Marakeg and finally she and March have to make some decisions about their relationship.

Really this was quite a heartbreaking read in so many ways. While Sirantha is definitely evolving into a better person, it is quite tragic at the sacrifice and personal pain that she has to endure to get there.

I very much look forward to seeing how Aguirre ends this fabulous series. I am going to be sad to say goodbye to this wonderful cast of characters, but I do want to read their end story.



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Doomsday (2099, #1) by John Peel

Doomsday by John Peel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


At the threshold of the next century, Tristan Connor lives in a completely computerized America, a mix of virtual and actual realities. Tristan's clone, a dark-minded genius named Devon, has programmed a computer virus that is about to blow the entire system apart. With the electronic clock ticking down to doomsday, Tristan must stop his evil clone before it's too late -- for everyone.

~~~~


This was an interesting start to a teen dystopian series that takes place in 2099. A time in our future when the world relies so completely on the Net that its destruction causes world ending catastrophe.

This first book introduces us to the main characters as well as leads up to the release of the Doomsday virus that starts to destroy the Net.

Looking forward to the rest of the series.



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Killbox (Sirantha Jax, #4) by Ann Aguirre

Killbox by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Talk is cheap when lives are in jeopardy

Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. With no tolerance for political diplomacy, she quits her ambassador post so she can get back to saving the universe the way she does best—by mouthing off and kicking butt.

And her tactics are needed more than ever. Flesh-eating aliens are attacking stations on the outskirts of space, and for many people, the Conglomerate’s forces are arriving too late to serve and protect them.

Now, Jax must take matters into her own hands by recruiting a militia to defend the frontiers—out of the worst criminals, mercenaries, and raiders that ever traveled through grimspace…

~~~~



Another fantastic book in the Sirantha Jax series. Even though it has been a while since I read the last book it was easy to fall right back into the world that Ann Aguirre has created for this series. The characters are like old friends.

This time Sirantha, March and crew are out to save the human race from the Morgut, a battle that started in earlier books and reaches a furious pitch in this book. Sirantha has to deal with a lot of loss in this book and we are left with the ultimate cliff hanger as Sirantha selflessly attempts to save her race and those that she loves by sacrificing herself.

Looking forward to seeing how the war goes in the next novel.




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Claus: Legend of the Fat Man by Tony Bertauski

Claus: Legend of the Fat Man by Tony Bertauski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Christmas story you never heard.

In the early 1800s, Nicholas, Jessica and Jon Santa attempt the first human trek to the North Pole and stumble upon an ancient race of people left over from the Ice Age. They are short, fat and hairy. They slide across the ice on scaly soles and carve their homes in the ice that floats on the Arctic Ocean. The elven are adapted to life in the extreme cold. They are as wise as they are ancient.

Their scientific advancements have yielded great inventions -- time-stopping devices and gravitational spheres that build living snowmen and genetically-modified reindeer that leap great distances. They’ve even unlocked the secrets to aging. For 40,000 years, they have lived in peace.

Until now.

An elven known as The Cold One has divided his people. He’s tired of their seclusion and wants to conquer the world. Only one elven stands between The Cold
One and total chaos. He’s white-bearded and red-coated. The Santa family will help him stop The Cold One. They will come to the aid of a legendary elven
known as...Claus.

~~~~~

Absolutely loved this story of the origins of Santa Claus. What a unique story that was fun to read. Loved all of the little details that eventually lead to explaining all of the 'magic' of Santa Claus. Really looking forward to the author's next foray to the North Pole.



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***Kindle edition

The Santa Exclusive by Brent Boswell

The Santa Exclusive by Brent Boswell

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Ran Anderson is a self-destructive, thirty-something journalist who believes gift giving at Christmas is a massive waste of resources. He loathes Santa for spearheading such widespread fiscal irresponsibility, especially considering the dismal state of the world’s economy. So when invited to conduct an exclusive, face-to-face interview with Claus just before the Holidays, Ran is eager to stump Santa by asking some very hard-hitting and even unpopular questions—but it turns out—Santa is eager to respond.
~~~~~


The description of the book is very misleading. I was looking for a Scrooge type book about a Christmas miracle, but ending up getting a Public Service Announcement with a lot of preaching.

The book starts out introducing us to a Scrooge like character -- an alcoholic reporter. After a visit from a mysterious janitor the reporter dies, begs God for another chance and ends up at the North Pole talking to Santa Clause. He then proceeds to 'interview' Santa which ends up being a combination of a PSA and a lot of preaching about what God wants us to be.

While I did find a few points made by the author to be relevant to society's current state -- a call for people to respect the President regardless of rather they voted for him or not and a call for reform to begin at home with better parenting, overall I found the tone of the book to be too preachy for my interest.

I found the whole mix of God and Santa to be odd and felt that the purpose of the book was to allow the author to preach and try to convert his readers to his way of thinking about religion. Not what I am looking for in a Christmas story.



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**Kindle Edition

The Quiet Little Woman: Tilly's Christmas, Rosa's Tale : Three Enchanting Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott, C. Michael Dudash (Illustrator), Stephen W. Hines (Introduction)

The Quiet Little Woman: Tilly's Christmas, Rosa's Tale : Three Enchanting Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Introducing a newly discovered original Christmas story from Louisa May Alcott -- the beloved author who has entertained generations of readers with Little Women, Little Men, and other enchanting tales.The Quiet Little Woman is about a lonely orphan girl named Patty, whose only desire is for a family to love her. Her tender story will warm the hearts of readers young and old alike. Two bonus stories -- Tilly's Christmas and Rosa's Tale -- are included in this exquisite edition. The message of hope and love makes this book an ideal Christmas gift, sure to become a family tradition and treasured keepsake.

~~~

This is a lovely short book with 3 stories written by Louisa May Alcott. The first 2 stories were very touching stories about the lives and hardships of 2 different girls and how their own Christmas miracles affected their lives. Both quite enjoyable stories which will bring a tear to your eyes.

The third story I did not really enjoy. It is about a chance encounter between a girl, and a horse who is endowed with the power of speech for one hour at midnight on Christmas Eve. We hear the story of the horses life.

I enjoyed reading the editor's notes and about the author sections in the back of the book almost as much as the stories.

Overall a wonderful, sweet read well worth the couple of hours it took to read.



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A Midnight Clear by Katherine Paterson

A Midnight Clear by Katherine Paterson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Each Christmas, Katherine Paterson wrote a story for her pastor husband's congregation to illuminate the true meaning of the holiday season. The twelve included here present a vision of hope and peace harking back to that first Christmas over two thousand years ago. A Midnight Clear is the perfect holiday gift for friends, families, and church congregations to read aloud and share through the Christmas season and beyond.

~~~

Some sweet Christmas stories. My favorite was probably Exultate Jubilate, a story about a Scroogie father who encounters a poor soul on Christmas Eve.

Quick read with nothing too memorable but an okay read.



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Naughty or Nice? by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Carly Phillips, Kathryn Smith, Patricia Ryan

Naughty or Nice? by Sherrilyn Kenyon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Sometimes being naughty is far more satisfying than being nice--and the best lovers know that desire is a gift to enjoy together. Four of today's hottest romance authors are gathered here with stories designed to arouse your imagination, titillate your senses--and leave you breathless . . .

Naughty or Nice?

Sherrilyn Kenyon heats up an office where two coworkers decide to spend the holidays together--only to find themselves surrendering completely to forbidden passion . . .

Carly Phillips explores a "mistletoe moment" when a no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss meets his twin instead--and gives him a scintillating kiss that leaves him begging for more . . .

Patricia Ryan surprises a cynical P.I., who meets the kind of woman he never wanted--until she takes him on a journey of rapturous pleasure . . .

Kathryn Smith teases a pair of Regency lovers who once shared a night of white-hot passion with the temptation to forgo propriety for something scandalous and irresistible . . .

~~~


Read for the BookObsessed Christmas in July Readathon.

I always forget how much I love romances as I don't read pure romance very often. I enjoy all 4 stories in this anthology.

My favorite was Love Bytes by Sherrilyn Kenyon --- It was a really cute romance about two people who work together and have a crush on each other without the other knowing it.

My last favorite was Santa, Baby by Patricia Ryan simply because it was unlikely. The author does a good job describing Kat's past and personality both of which would make it very improbable that she would declare her love for Jack the day after meeting him. Other than that it was a fun romance.

Overall a fun day of Christmas romance in July!!



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Supernatural Born Killers (Pepper Martin #9) by Casey Daniels

Supernatural Born Killers by Casey Daniels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Former cemetery tour guide and reluctant medium Pepper Martin is thrilled when she gets her job back—with a promotion. But her new position is turning out to be more than she can handle, especially with the dead clamoring for her attention…

As Garden View Cemetery’s new community relations manager, Pepper is feeling overwhelmed with planning the annual party to attract new sponsors. Luckily, some of the cemetery’s permanent residents have volunteered to give Pepper a ghostly hand, and she’s not about to turn away the help. But when a murdered ghost starts leaving puddles everywhere, Pepper quickly finds her newly acquired free time occupied.

The dead man is her ex-boyfriend Quinn’s former partner Jack Haggarty—and he isn’t going away until Pepper figures out the real reason behind his murder. And while Quinn recently had a brush with the afterlife, he still isn’t ready to accept Pepper’s abilities—or offer his skills as a detective. Now, Pepper has to convince Quinn she’s the real deal and investigate Jack’s death—before someone else meets their end in a watery grave...


~~~~~

So now that Pepper had grown on me and I can honestly say that I am loving this series I come to an end.

Pepper is back in Cleveland and has been hired back at Garden View. She renews her romance with Quinn (sigh) and her parents move to town. Needless to say Pepper's life is in an uproar (as usual). Add to all of this an infatuated millionaire, Superman, and several ghosts and you have the makings for an interesting read.

I saw that Casey Daniels is currently working on a novella starring Pepper and I look forward to reading it as soon as it is published to see where things go from here.




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Wild Wild Death (Pepper Martin #8) by Casey Daniels

Wild Wild Death by Casey Daniels

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Her job has been cut, she's low on cash, and her detective sometime- boyfriend refuses to even talk about her ability to see the dead and solve their murders. So Pepper is most certainly down for a vacation to get her spirits up. But when her cute scientist friend Dan is kidnapped, Pepper soon stumbles upon another deadly mystery that brings her to New Mexico. And she's after a clever murderer-one whose idea of Boot Hill has nothing to do with Jimmy Choo.



So this is the first book in the series that I can actually say that I loved. Maybe because Pepper is in a new environment. Or because I actually like her new love interest (unlike Quinn who I can not stand). Or because Pepper is not quite so shallow in this book (or I was just able to overlook the shallowness). I was heartbroken when Pepper lost her ability to see the ghosts and I teared up with she, without hesitation, accepted her Gift back. My only unhappy moment in the book was when she left everything behind and returned to Cleveland. Not sure that I am happy about that. I was kind of looking for the fairy tale ending. Guess we will see what happens in the next installment.



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A Hard Day's Fright (Pepper Martin #7) by Casey Daniels

A Hard Day's Fright by Casey Daniels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



What happened to a teenager named Lucy one night in 1966 after a Beatles concert? She rushed the stage, kissed Paul, started home with her friends, and was never seen again-until cemetery guide and unintentional PI to the dead Pepper Martin sees her as a ghost. Lucy's spirit can't rest in peace until her body is found and buried. But how will Pepper track down a missing corpse after forty-five years?

~~~~~



This was definitely my favorite of the series so far. Granted I figured out the mystery way early on in the book. But I loved Pepper's involvement with Ella and her family. Surprisingly enough I did not find Pepper any where near as annoying as usual. The last 3 chapters blew me away emotionally and the cliff hanger is great! Can not wait to read the next one............. You are growing on me Pepper!!



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Tomb with a View (Pepper Martin #6) by Casey Daniels

Tomb with a View by Casey Daniels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Cemeteries come alive for amateur sleuth/reluctant medium Pepper Martin.

Cleveland's Garden View Cemetery is hosting a James A. Garfield commemoration. For tour guide and reluctant medium Pepper Martin this means that's he'll surely be hearing from the dead president himself. And when she's assigned to help plan the event with know-it-all volunteer and Garfield fanatic Marjorie Klinker, she'll wish Marjorie were dead...too bad someone beats Pepper to it.

~~~~~~



I hate writing a review for this series. I am so wishy-washy about it. I really don't like Pepper at times. She is very shallow and annoying. Then she does something to redeem herself in my eyes, for a little while. I am enjoying the mysteries in this series more and more. The characters still need some work. I don't like most of the main characters, like Pepper and Quinn. lol But I will keep reading and ultimately that is what the author wants, I would guess.



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Dead Man Talking (Pepper Martin #5) by Casey Daniels

Dead Man Talking by Casey Daniels

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Move over American Idol. Reality TV has come to Cleveland and Pepper Martin is a part of it!

When Pepper arrives at a down-on-its-luck cemetery to help with a restoration project she learns, to her dismay, that there’s going to be a contest to restore the cemetery grounds. Even worse—it’s going to be the basis of a local reality TV show, Cemetery Survivor. One team will be made up of genteel Historical Society ladies and the other—Pepper’s group—will be convicts on probation. Pepper Martin in day-glo? Now that’s a fashion don’t!.

There’s also a ghost waiting for Pepper. He claims he was wrongly convicted of killing a young woman. But it seems there’s quite a bit he’s not revealing. Pepper agrees to try to clear his name, but digging for the truth could put her in grave danger....

~~~~~



I just can't decide if I like this series or not. I find Pepper annoying and irritating, but then, she has moments where I think that I might actually be starting to like her. Then something happens to make me change my mind. I enjoyed the mystery of the book. I enjoyed Pepper's interaction with her 'team'. I was even happy about her finally resolving some of the issues in her love life. But then it all blew apart at the end.
I will read the next book, because I just can't stop now. Definitely a love/hate feeling with this series though.



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Learning To Swim by Ann Turner

Learning To Swim by Ann Turner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A powerful true poetry memoir for anyone who has navigated the troubled waters of childhood and adolescence searching for a way to stay afloat, now in the new POINT.

Unfolding in a series of exquisite narrative poems, this is the haunting true story of a tragic summer in a young girl's life. Annie is supposed to be having a carefree summer -- but instead she must face the unwanted advances of an older boy in the neighborhood, who threatens her if she tells. It isn't until Annie's mother pries out the secret that Annie is released from her horror and isolation and can slowly begin to heal.

~~~

This is a very powerful book. It takes only a few minutes to read but it will stay with you for a long time.

The poems lead us through the struggle of a young girl who has been molested as she tries to deal with what is happening to her. Her struggle to let others know and eventually her attempt to heal. Beautifully written and a true testament to the authors bravery.




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Night of the Loving Dead (Pepper Martin #4) by Casey Daniels

Night of the Loving Dead by Casey Daniels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Pepper Martin, heiress-turned-cemetery-tour-guide, has her hands full with work, two hotties, and the ghosts who won't let her rest --- or work, or shop --- in peace ...

The last thing Pepper wants during her Chicago business trip is more ghosts seeking her help, as they've been doing ever since she hit her head on a tombstone. Then again, being bored stiff during a seminar might actually be worse than being with bored stiffs.

The specter of Madeline --- a young woman in a lab coat --- wants Pepper's help. Before she died, Madeline worked with Dan Callahan, the sexy, mysterious doctor who once saved Pepper's life. According to Madeline, Dan's in danger. But, little does Pepper know, there's more to the story, including a devious doctor --- and an obsessive, crazy love ...

~~~~



I was just about ready to give up on this series. I really don't like Pepper and her relationships are ridiculous. Something about the books just seem so fake. But then, about one third of the way through the book, things started getting interesting.

I actually enjoyed this book. The mystery was interesting, maybe because it was about Pepper and her Gift. But I found myself actually finding excuses to keep reading. Hopefully the next book continues this trend and I can continue on with this series.



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Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin #3) by Casey Daniels

Tombs of Endearment by Casey Daniels

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Cemetery tour guide Pepper Martin never imagined she'd get to meet rock legend Damon Curtis, the bad boy poet who made millions of teenage girls scream. After all, he kicked the bucket years before she was born. But thanks to her newfound ability to chat up the dead, Pepper's got a front row seat perfect for swooning over the still-sexy Damon's latest lyrics. He's convinced that his former bandmate Vinnie Pallucci murdered him back in ‘71, and he's promised Pepper she won't get any rest or peace until she helps him prove it.

But when Pepper goes behind the music, she finds Vinnie with a knife in his heart and the rest of the band members running for their lives. And if Pepper doesn't snare the killer soon, Damon's next hit from the great beyond might be her swan song.


~~~~~

Well Pepper is just as ditzy as I remember her from previous books and on top of that she now has an out of control libido. She seems to have the hots for every guy she meets, including the dead ones. Sigh.

Overall this was an okay mystery. I am not a fan of Pepper Martin, but I am going to continue with the series in the hopes that maybe she grows on me.



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Wild About You (Love at Stake, #13) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...

It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

~~~~~


Love to read some cheesy romance every now and then and this one was cheesy through and through. Not quite as much action and involvement in the back story with this book, as with previous books in the series, but still a wonderful romance.

We learn more about Howard, the were-bear, and have a new paranormal aspect added with the Guardians. Overall a nice addition to the series.



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Let Them Eat Stake (A Vampire Chef Mystery, #2) by Sarah Zettel

Let Them Eat Stake by Sarah Zettel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It's a dream for a "Vampire Chef"-cater the high-profile wedding of a 200-year-old vampire and a wealthy witch. So why did celebrity chef Oscar Simmons walk away from this gig? Charlotte agrees to take his place, even though she knows this event, thrown by power-hungry vampires and witches, could make (or break) her career, her restaurant, and her life. But when Simmons turns up dead, the groom's family starts vanishing, and the police start asking pointed questions, Charlotte fears she may have picked the wrong wedding to stake her reputation on..


~~~~~


This was another good read in the Vampire Chef series. I would love to give this series more than 3 stars but for some reason the books just seem a little one dimensional to me. There is not the depth needed to make me really love the books. The story line is always interesting but often a little convoluted. Things don't tie together as smoothly as they should. The characters are interesting, but again don't have enough depth to make them really memorable.

I will gladly continue with this series if there are more. But I hope that they author is able to add that something more that seems to be lacking to make it a really great series instead of just a good one.



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A Taste of the Nightlife (A Vampire Chef Mystery, #1) by Sarah Zettel

A Taste of the Nightlife by Sarah Zettel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Charlotte Caine isn't called "the Vampire Chef" because she's a member of New York's undead community-she just cooks for them. Her restaurant, Nightlife, is poised to take the top slot in the world of "haute noir" cuisine.

But when a drunk customer causes a scene, a glowing review from the city's top food critic doesn't seem likely-especially when that customer winds up dead on Nightlife's doorstep. Now, with her brother under suspicion for the murder, Charlotte has to re-open her restaurant and clear her brother's name-before they both become dinner.

~~~~~



This was an interesting start to what I think will be a good new series.

The start of the book was a bit choppy. The world building could have been stronger and the character development was a little 1 dimensional, but the mystery itself and the premise for the book was a good one. The story started coming together a bit by mid way through the book and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series to see where the author goes.



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The Crocodile's Last Embrace (Jade del Cameron Mysteries, #6) by Suzanne Arruda

The Crocodile's Last Embrace by Suzanne Arruda

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Returning from Europe, intrepid explorer Jade del Cameron arrives in Kenya with bittersweet memories-and the certainty that Africa is her home and Sam Featherstone the man she wants to share her life with. When a letter arrives from America, Jade hopes it's Sam sending word of his return. Instead, it's a message written in the hand of her long- dead fiancé, asking "Why did you let me die?"

When two men die under mysterious circumstances and Jade discovers that her old nemesis, Lilith Worthy, has escaped from prison, the deaths and the letter form the most dangerous case Jade has ever faced, pitting her against a ferocious crocodile-and an even more deadly human killer.

~~~~~~~~~~~

This book took me back to what I loved about the first few books in this series. It centered on the mystery and less on the descriptions of the flora and fauna of Africa. The final showdown between Jade and Lilith as well as decisions about her relationships with Sam and Harry are all neatly wrapped up in this book.

From what I can gather from the author's website this book was not intended to be the final book of the series, but it did end in a good way if it does end up being the final one. I would gladly pick up more if the author finds a new publisher for this series in the future.



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Treasure of the Golden Cheetah (Jade del Cameron Mysteries, #5) by Suzanne Arruda

Treasure of the Golden Cheetah by Suzanne Arruda

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Intrepid photojournalist Jade del Cameron is about to embark on safari for a Hollywood film shoot inspired by the ancient legend of King Solomon's lost treasure, under the leadership of adventurer Harry Hascombe and with the companionship of the young healer Jelani and her pet cheetah Biscuit. But when the film's financial backer is stabbed to death by a native man who then commits suicide, the trip is cast by a sinister pall. And as the expedition moves higher onto Kilimanjaro's rugged slopes, a series of dastardly hoaxes and a fatal native curse convince Jade that a killer is at work.

Now, Jade will be tested as never before-by mysterious forces...and by a murderer who may prove too much for even Jade's strength and determination.

~~~~~~



Like the last book in the series I had a harder time getting into this book. The descriptions of Africa are breathtaking, but the action is a bit slow.

Jade makes some decisions about her life, but she may have made them too late. I look forward to reading the next book to see how that plays out for her. I am hoping that the action picks up a little in this next book.



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The Leopard's Prey (Jade del Cameron Mysteries, #4) by Suzanne Arruda

The Leopard's Prey by Suzanne Arruda

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Fourth in the series starring a larger than- life heroine far ahead of her time. (Denver Post).

American adventuress Jade del Cameron has returned home to British East Africa to help the Perkins and Daley Zoological Company collect wild animals for zoos in the States. But the real danger begins when the body of a local merchant is found on a coffee-growing plantation. Authorities determine the cause of death to be murder,and their prime suspect is Jade's beau, movie-maker and ace World War I flyer Sam Featherstone. To clear Sam's name, Jade launches her own investigation, but nothing prepares her for the journey that lies ahead, during which she'll have to confront more than one kind of brutal killer, face-to-face.

This book in the Jade del Cameron series took me a little longer to get into. The author is very descriptive in writing about Africa and the animals, but the action in the book tends to be drawn out.

Still an enjoyable read and a mystery that I did not figure out.



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23 Hours: A Vengeful Vampire Tale by David Wellington

23 Hours: A Vengeful Vampire Tale by David Wellington

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In the next 23 hours, there will be no reprieve,
no mercy, and no time off for good behavior.

When vampire hunter Laura Caxton is locked up in a maximum-security prison, the cop-turned-con finds herself surrounded by countless murderers and death-row inmates with nothing to lose . . . and plenty of time to kill.

Caxton’s always been able to watch her own back–even when it’s against a cell-block wall–but soon she learns that an even greater threat has slithered behind the bars to join her. Justinia Malvern, the world’s oldest living vampire, has taken up residence, and her strength grows by the moment as she raids the inmate population like an open bar with an all-you-can-drink supply of fresh blood. The crafty old vampire knows just how to pull Caxton’s strings, too, and she's issued an ultimatum that Laura can’t refuse.

Now Laura has just 23 hours to fight her way through a gauntlet of vampires, cons, and killers . . . 23 hours to make one last, desperate attempt at protecting the world from Justinia’s evil.

~~~~~



Very good read in this series.It has been a while since I read the last book in this series, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of this book!
The ongoing battle between Laura and Justinia is reaching it's climax and I can not wait to read more.



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Cherry Bomb (Jack Daniels Mystery, #6) by J.A. Konrath

Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


At the end of Fuzzy Navel, J. A. Konrath surprised readers with an agonizing cliff-hanger: One of Lieutenant Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels's loved ones is dead. But who Readers were left clamoring to know more.Cherry Bomb, the sixth Jack Daniels mystery, opens at the funeral. While Jack stands graveside, tears in her eyes, her cell phone rings. It's the killer, escaped maniac Alex Kork, taunting Jack, drawing her ever further into a twisted game of cat and mouse. Because while Alex is more than willing to kill random victims, Jack is her true prey. But which woman wants revenge more

Cherry Bomb is J. A. Konrath's most gripping novel of suspense yet--filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

~~~~~



A lot of resolution in this book. Jack and Alex finally have their showdown. We learn rather Harry is Jack's brother and Jack comes to a decision about her relationship with Phin. Curious where the series is going to go from here. Great read!!



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Fuzzy Navel (Jack Daniels Mystery, #5) by J.A. Konrath

Fuzzy Navel by J.A. Konrath

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Anthony and Macavity Award finalist J.A. Konrath returns with the latest gripping--and hilarious--Jack Daniels mystery.Things are going well for Lieutenant Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels of the Chicago Police Department. She has solved some of the city's toughest and most high-profile homicides. Her personal life is finally in order. Her friends and family are safe and happy. And she just got a call that eased her mind like nothing else could: Alex Kork, one of the most dangerous criminals Jack ever arrested, killed herself while in jail.

But things sour quickly when a group of vigilantes on a murderous spree decide to take down a cop and the people she cares about ... and they turn downright awful when Jack discovers that Kork may not be dead after all.

The next eight hours will be the worst of Jack's life. And that's saying something.

Fuzzy Navel is perfect for readers who like their mysteries with a shot of humor.

~~~~~



This was a non-stop, action packed read. I was unable to put it down and finished it in one day. Alex escapes prison and comes after Jack. The story takes place over an 8 hour stretch and is mind blowing. Thank goodness I had the next book in the series as I was able to immediately see what the answer to the cliff hanger was. Excellent series!!!



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Dirty Martini (Jack Daniels Mystery #4) by J.A. Konrath

Dirty Martini by J.A. Konrath

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The latest "entertaining," "tangy," and "hilarious" Jack Daniels mystery from Anthony, Macavity, and Gumshoe Award finalist J.A. KonrathIn Whiskey Sour, Chicago police Lieutenant Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels hunted down a killer dubbed "The Gingerbread Man." In Bloody Mary, she busted a psychopath with a penchant for dismemberment. In Rusty Nail, it was a serial killer with a doozy of a family tree. And now, in Dirty Martini, Jack faces her toughest adversary yet: a sicko who's poisoning the city's food supply. Can she catch him -- and decide whether to accept boyfriend Latham's surprise proposal -- without destroying both her reputation and her sanity



Loving this series!! While I have no problem with the disturbing nature of the serial killers in the previous books, I found that I enjoyed this book even more than the previous three. Maybe because this one takes the series from several stand alone books to a true continuing story line. I love the characters and I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this one. I thought I had it figured out, but was surprised. I have to admit that I am already half way through the next book which I started as soon as I woke up this morning and am enjoying it even more!!



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Rusty Nail (Jack Daniels Mystery #3) by J.A. Konrath

Rusty Nail by J.A. Konrath

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels of the Chicago Police Department is back, and once again she's up to her Armani in murder. Someone is sending Jack snuff videos. The victims are people she knows, and they share a common trait -- each was involved in one of Jack's previous cases. With her stalwart partner hospitalized and unable to help, Jack follows a trail of death throughout the Midwest, on a collision course with the smartest and deadliest adversary she's ever known. During the chase, Jack jeopardizes her career, her love life, and her closest friends. She also comes to a startling realization -- serial killers have families, and blood runs thick. Rusty Nail features more of the laugh-out-loud humor and crazy characters that saturated Whiskey Sour and Bloody Mary, without sacrificing the nail-biting thrills. This is Jack Daniels' third, and most exciting, adventure yet!

~~~~~



Totally enjoyed this third book in the Jack Daniels series. Love the characters, love the action and enjoy the mystery. I figured out the whodunit pretty early on but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.



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The List by J.A. Konrath

The List by J.A. Konrath

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


JA Konrath is the author of six novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series, the latest of which is Cherry Bomb.

THE LIST is a bit of a departure for Konrath. It's a technothriller about a group of ten people who all have tattoos of numbers on the bottoms their feet, and don't know why.

One of them, a Chicago Homicide cop named Tom Mankowski, has had one of these strange tattoos since birth. When he investigates a violent murder and discovers the victim also has a tattooed number, it sets the ball rolling for an adventure of historic proportions.

To say more would give away too much.

Like the Jack Daniels series, The List combines laugh out loud humor with serious suspense and thrills.

If the Kindle had back jacket copy, it would read:

A billionaire Senator with money to burn...
A thirty year old science experiment, about to be revealed...
Seven people, marked for death, not for what they know, but for what they are...

THE LIST by JA Konrath
History is about to repeat itself

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Action packed and enjoyable. I would have liked a little more character building and background but overall a good read. I read this because I am in the midst of the 'Jack Daniels' series and knew that this was loosely tied to that series. In hindsight this book is so loosely tied that it is practically nonexistent, but I am glad that I went ahead and read it. Seems that the author may have left an opening for another book. I really enjoyed the characters and would not mind seeing them again.



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***Kindle Edition

Christmas Cookie Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery #6) by Leslie Meier

Christmas Cookie Murder by Leslie Meier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


For Lucy Stone, the best thing about Christmas in Tinker's Cove has always been the annual Cookie Exchange. But this year, she's busy counting suspects instead of calories, when one of the guests is found strangled.

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I really enjoy the Lucy Stone mysteries. Probably more for the small town atmosphere and insight that we get into real life through Lucy's problems with her children and town. The actual mystery in this one was more of a backdrop of the story. This book focused more on small town life, problems faced with growing children, etc. I really enjoyed it, but worry about Lucy. She came closer this time to becoming a part of the murder mystery instead of just solving it.



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