Black Rose by Nora Roberts

Black Rose

Book Two of In The Garden Trilogy

By Nora Roberts

Rosalind Harper married young to the love of her life, but life had other plans for her she was left widowed, years later as her children grew and moved on with their own lives she decided to get married again her second husband turned out to be a liar, a cheat, and a thief. Now at forty seven she is independent and has no intentions of every being married again but as she gets to know the man she has hired to investigate her family to find out who the Harper Bride is the more she fights the fact she is falling in love all over again.

This book is not as a good as the first one, but was great in continuing the story of the Harper Bride. It’s not bad it is more of a classic romance with touches of the ghost as the ghost becomes more aggressive I think the ghost was scarier in the first book considering it focused more around two young children. This book is a great romance Nora Roberts is a fantastic romantic author and there is no wonder why she is such a bestseller and has so many books under her belt, I can’t wait to read the next book and see what happens concerning the Harper Bride and if they can appease the ghost once and for all.

For more reviews please visit:

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

The Slither Sisters By Charles Gilman

The Slither Sisters

Tales from Lovecraft Middle School Book Two

By Charles Gilman

Once again we join the adventure of Robert a seventh grader at the new Lovecraft Middle School picking up right where Professor Gargoyle left off. There are two new monsters to fight against in this book, twin sisters who are running for student counsel. Will Robert be able to stop them before they take over the entire school?

Once again Lovecraft Middle school sucks you straight into the story, with Robert battling monsters from another dimension that appear as students from around the school. I absolutely loved this book it’s a great continuation of the story but also in this book Charles Gilman has added an unlikely ally to Robert and Glenn as they continue on in a search to stop the evil Tillinghast. Not only is this a fantastic story it also has some amazing illustrations by Eugene Smith who does a fantastic job capturing what Charles Gilman is trying to get across to his readers and bringing it to life throughout the pages of the books. This is definitely one of those “fun for all ages” books making it a perfect series to read along with your kids.  

For More Reviews Please Visit:

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Perfect Betrayal by Jade Kerrion Review

Perfect Betrayal

Double Helix Book Two

By Jade Kerrion

★★★

Danyael Sabre is an Alpha Empath combined with his medical training he is one of the best empathic healers in the world. His empathy can not only heal though it can also be used to kill, making Danyael the target of the military that will stop at nothing to extort his power for their own.

 

Jade Kerrion has certainly come up with a highly unique and fascinating world. Where people are born and even created with amazing powers. The only problem with this novel is that it does drag on in some places, though this does build the suspense in certain areas and makes the action scenes that much more powerful it can become tedious. Other than this the novel has some amazing action scenes and along with a struggle with morality it is certainly an amazing science fiction novel. I did enjoy this book even with some of the slow spots, Jade Kerrion is a fantastic story teller, creating some of the most poignant and amazing scenes. I know from Perfection Unleashed that Jade Kerrion can do so much better so I am looking forward to the next novel and hopefully we will have more of the epic plot twists I enjoyed so much in book one.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

The Jealousy Glass by Gwen Perkins Review

The Jealousy Glass

Artifacts of Empire Book two

By Gwen Perkins

Asahel and Felix barely escape a shipwreck; the two depend on each other to get back to civilization in order to survive. Once they are back they must walk a fine line as political tension is rampant in Anjdur between the Empress and those who wish her dead.

 

Ok so I missed a lot by not reading the first book, this book jumps right into the middle of the story as Asahel and Felix are on their merry way and the ship they are on is soon tossed to the bottom of the sea. The author didn’t do a very good job in “playing catch up” so if you haven’t read the first I certainly suggest it. Otherwise I liked this book, from the subtle M/M Romance (a romance that revolves around two Males) to the high octane action this is certainly a unique novel.  I truly wish I had read the first though the story seems so interesting but confusing as there are times that I have no idea what Gwen Perkins is talking about. This is definitely an amazing adventure novel with strong religious undertones as well as sexuality, if either of these topics offend you or may be a touchy subject for you skip it otherwise this is a must read!

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Vamyrnomicon by Scott M. Baker Review

Vampyrnomicon

Vampire Hunters Book Two

By Scott M. Baker

The Vampyrnomicon is a book that can be used to either destroy vampires or mankind, thus begins the race between the vampire hunters and master vampire Chiang Shih and her coven. The vampire hunters seem to be in the lead as one of their own can access the diary pages within the Smithsonian Institute that will hold the key to where the final destination is, but the vampires have a few tricks of their own up their sleeve.

 

A briefer synopsis: action, action, action, sexual encounter, action, action, action, epic ending. Oh yeah it is that intense from the beginning the novel jumps into the fighting and who doesn’t love it when the vampires are bad guys again? There is no redemption for these blood-sucking fiends, from the first page they are the monsters that used to haunt peoples nightmares not the modern day “will you save me” kind. I haven’t had the opportunity to read the first book in the trilogy, but this is ok, the author may have started right up where he left off with the first one but you barely notice all that matters is that you know vampires are bad and vampire hunters are good, from there you are golden. Although the vampires are the bad guys in this book the author encompasses their side of the story into the main plot making it hard to dislike them until they kill someone else who was completely innocent. This is definitely a fun book worth the read, but be warned it is an adult book with highly adult situations.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

The Cursed Nile by S.W. Lothian Review

The Cursed Nile

The Quest Series Book Two

By S.W. Lothian

During a festival celebrating the Nile God, Hapi, the waters from the Nile disappears and no one Hapi has inexplicably disappeared. The alliance of the Gods in Egypt is desperate to find out what has happened to Hapi so they again call on JJ, Linc, and Rani three teenagers from the future to return to Ancient Egypt and get to the bottom of what is going on.

I loved the first novel in this series, The Golden Scarab, and this book is no exception. The author does a remarkable job in not only bringing to life the present day for these kids, but also for creating Ancient Egypt so vividly and comprehensively that even if you barely know anything about the Egyptian Gods you are able to follow right along. The history behind the novel is intriguing in and of itself, by S.W. Lothian has taken it to a whole new level with this series. The storyline so far has been for the middle grade level but it is so much fun that anyone can appreciate it. I would definitely recommend this for anyone whether you are a child or just a child at heart.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Sneak by Evan Angler Review

Sneak

Book Two of the Swipe Series

By Evan Angler

Logan Langly is searching for his sister, when she was preparing to receive her mark that would make her a true citizen she was “flunked” at the last minute; she was taken from her family and everyone she knew. Logan has come across a lead in search that will take him to one of the worst places imaginable, Acheron, a prison for the markless. As Logan continues on his search he soon becomes part of an underground “river” for the markless who wish to find freedom.

Though I haven’t read the first novel in this series this book was absolutely amazing. The beginning can be a bit confusing if you don’t know what is happening but soon you are wrapped up into a story full of outstanding characters each one bringing a different aspect of this story to life. Though the main story centers around Logan and his sister it also encompasses Peck, the leader of “The Dust” a rebel group of teenagers, who is also searching for Logan’s sister as they had been very close before she went missing and also Erin a marked girl whose father is one of the men sent to track down Logan though she does everything she can to help Logan himself. Each storyline intertwines flawlessly making this an interesting and captivating read.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Review

Catching Fire

The Hunger Games Book Two

By Suzanne Collins

Katniss has inadvertently started a revolution with the way she won the Hunger Games, bringing her to the forefront of President Snow’s attention. This year when the Hunger Games are announced it is on a “special occasion” and this year’s contestants will be chosen out of the winners of the previous Games. So once again Katniss is thrown into the arena to fight for her life and hopefully protect Peeta whom she has come to care for more than she realized.

This book was interesting but not as good as the beginning, the relationships that Katniss forms in this book are not as provoking as they were in the previous one though the author does introduce a myriad of characters who become unlikely allies who compromise an interesting outlook from the previous novel. The progression of the story was exciting and necessary, but hopefully Suzanna Collins can bring the lost romance back into the third book even though the progression between Peeta and Katniss is fun it was often times too subtle. I can’t wait to read Mockingjay the third and final book of the Hunger Games Trilogy to see what will happen next.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle Review

Murder Most Frothy

Coffeehouse Mystery Series Book Two

By Cleo Coyle

Clare Cosi lives for coffee, ever since she was a child, so it is no surprise that she is a highly successful New York barista. Her millionaire friend David has asked her down to the Hamptons for the summer to train his staff at his new restaurant with all expenses paid for her and her daughter it is an offer she cannot refuse, but during a Fourth of July party she is catering she stumbles upon the dead body of one of her employees she takes it upon herself to find out who killed this man and if their attempts weren’t actually meant for someone else.

This was a great cozy, the first book I have read from the Coffeehouse Mystery Series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is witty and humorous fulfilling much of what I expect when I read a cozy mystery. The Author did a wonderful job in describing the coffee that even for someone like me, who doesn’t particularly like it; I wanted to taste the delectable creations that Cleo Coyle describes. The coffee isn’t the only thing that the author was able to create brilliantly; her scenes were able to draw you in so that you were able to fully take in what was happening, also the relationships that the author has created make you curious as to what has taken place in the past and what will become of the menagerie of characters. The mystery itself, though not intense since it is a cozy, will keep you guessing until the very last minute and the author does a remarkable job of tying up any “loose ends” that some mystery authors tend to overlook.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Crossed by Ally Condie Review

Crossed

Matched Book Two

By Ally Condie

Cassia is determined to find Ky after he has been taken by the Society into the Outer Provinces where the Society intends for him to be a casualty in the ongoing war. But after Cassia arrives she finds that Ky has already escaped into the mountainous caverns. Along the way she discovers remnants of a society that has survived until now and other startling revelations. Soon her journey is not just about finding Ky but also joining the rebellion in hopes of changing the Society itself.

In this book we find out more about Ky and his past as he relives lost memories that have resurfaced due to being in close proximity to where he has once lived, the life Ky once had is so captivating but we also learn more about Xander and Cassia creating a more diverse love triangle between the three and the reader dying to know who Cassia will chose. This entire novel may not have been as great as the first one, sequels rarely are, but the more the story progresses the more enthralling it becomes. Ally Condie did a remarkable job in expanding the story into so much more, creating two other civilizations to coincide with the Society and adding new dimensions to an already fascinating story.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich Review

Wicked Business

Lizzy and Diesel Book Two

By Janet Evanovich

Pastry Chef Lizzy Tucker has been pulled into a world of magic and mischief when she finds out that she is someone who can find magic objects. Diesel comes into her life to protect her from his cousin and so that she can help him find the seven stones that hold the seven deadly sins. When an English professor is thrown off his fourth floor balcony Lizzy and Diesel begin a scavenger hunt that will lead them all over Boston in search for the stone that represents Lust.

Janet Evanovich did a wonderful job with this novel; she manages to encompass fantasy, romance, mystery, and fantastic comedy. Though this one may not be as funny as the first one in the series, the author did add new characters into this one that adds an interesting take into the magical world that Janet Evanovich is creating. What is interesting is the series of events towards the end of the book when we find out what happens when two magically tuned people consummate, it is interesting and adds to the fact that Lizzy and Diesel cannot be together physically in a much more potent way. This was a fantastic novel and I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series will take us. The only problem I have with the book is reading it makes me hungry, they talk about and consume food constantly and the author describes the pastries so well I almost drool for a cup cake!

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Fire with Fire by Penelope King Review

Fire with Fire

Book Two of the Demonblood Series

By Penelope King

Lucky by night and Liora by day the two fell madly in love with Kieron each for their own reasons.  It has been two weeks since Lucky and Liora let him take the ones responsible for their half selves, Kieron was supposed to deliver them for his freedom and return to Lucky and Liora so why hasn’t he come back yet? As time continues to pass and Kieron still has not returned Liora finds herself becoming closer to Tristan, a new student who makes her feel happy and safe which is what she needs right now. Lucky however, finds herself growing closer to her oldest and dearest friend Bones. What will happen when they find out the real reason behind Kieron’s disappearance?

Once again Penelope King writes a fantastic book this one is a bit mature yet still young adult based. The author managed to bring to life a beautiful story, I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Bones and Lucky it was sweet which is unexpected between two demons. Then you have the story progression which was interesting and immensely moving as the author manages to write not one but two heart wrenching love stories. If you have read her other novels you may find it fun that Penelope King also intertwines her other series with this one subtlety yet in an interesting manner. I can’t wait to see what Penelope King comes up with next she definitely ended this book with an unexpected twist making sure that you will want more from this series.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

Kiss the Crystal Sun by Penelope King Review

Kiss the Crystal Sun

Book Two of the Spellbound Trilogy

By Penelope King

Calista isn’t an ordinary girl she recently found out that the special powers she has always exhibited have come from a long line of witches, but when she was a baby her mother placed a spell on her that made her all but invisible to the rest of her maternal family and when her mother died she grew up thinking she was the only one of her kind. Soon after she moved to California and met her maternal grandmother she also met the boy of her dreams literally, Nicholas he too has special abilities and grew up without the guidance of a family but unlike Callista he was able to explore many different facets of the magical world. Now Nicholas is trying to save Callista’s friend Justin and purge him of an ancient gypsy curse that causes him to kill witches making him a witch hunter.

This book is full of twists and turns not only is Callista trying to save her best friend but she also finds out that her grandmother has been hiding devastating secrets from her. We also find out more about Callista’s mother and Callista’s life before she moved from Louisiana, with all that has happened in this book I don’t know how Penelope King will be able to top it but I look forward to find out what she will come up with next.

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/

The Gatekeeper by Jason D. Morrow Review

The Gatekeeper

Book Two of The Marenon Chronicles

By Jason D. Morrow

We return to Marenon in the midst of the war between the Stuhocs and the citizens of Marenon. Silas Ainsley is searching for the gatekeeper in hopes of finding out more of the prophecy that has led to him being the chosen one and find out what exactly he is supposed to be the deliverer of. While this is happening Nalani, a member of the Dunarians, is trying to retrieve the orange pendant from the Nestorians and newly appointed King Jullian Hobbes investigates the corruption within the Dunarians. With all that is happening each character goes through their own individual struggles some more so than others but in the end will what they face bring them any closer to being able to defeat the Stuhocs once and for all?

So much happened in this book I don’t think I did it justice in my brief synopsis. In this book we travel to new places within Marenon and we watch as Silas falls in love, insert girly sigh here. This was definitely a great continuation of the previous book but if you haven’t read the first one you may want to go back and familiarize yourself with the players thus far, the story is very intricate and so far has been a fantastic fantasy series. I loved the progression of Jullian after the death of his brother in the last book I honestly didn’t expect what happened to him and I found it quite entertaining to read, of course I can’t tell you more than that otherwise it would spoil it so I suggest you read it and find out!

For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:

http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpress.com/

http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/