Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson Review

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Millennium Trilogy Book One

By Stieg Larsson



 Mikael Blomkvist was a respected financial journalist but after being found liable by the courts is now a pariah in his field with no idea what he will do with his future he is suprised by an offer to ghost write a memoir of the Vanger family and find out what happened to Harriet Vanger in 1966. When he hits a wall with his research he enlists the help of Lisbeth Salander to research possible connections to Harriet’s disappearance what they come across is far more sinister and intriguing than just the disappearance of one girl.
 

Let me start with the fact that I have never read this book nor seen the movie, that being said though this is an interesting read it is very predictable. From the very beginning I knew what had happened but this also gave me the chance to say “Ha! I knew it!” The story is quite enthralling though and there are several aspects that leave you guessing which make up for the fact that the main plot is so easily figured out. The romance in this novel is subtle and beautiful, I didn’t care much for Mikael’s character he seemed like a womanizer but Salandar is a remarkable character with several depths and such a strong character you cannot help but like her. The only other problem I found with this book is that it is rather slow, the first half of the book is all build up with very little action or even events taking place but if you can make it through this it turns out to be interesting and is well worth the read.  

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Abigail Deane and The Demon's Gate by L.H. Thomson Review


Abigail Deane and the Demon’s Gate
Abigail Deane Book One
By L.H. Thomson

Abigail’s life has just been turned upside down, her mother was killed and now she must adjust to living with an aunt she never even knew existed in a small town in England a far cry from her home in Chicago. But this is just the beginning of Abigail’s story she soon finds out that she is a sorceress and must learn to control her magic before she becomes the target of a more sinister plot. Shortly after she realizes what she actually is strange things begin occurring and she is pulled into a nightmare that stretches all the way back to ancient Africa and the Holy Land.

L.H. Thomson did a wonderful job bringing this story to life and considering he incorporates such places as London, Spain, and Jerusalem that is a remarkable task in and of itself but with vivid details of the landscape each one is impressive in its own way. The story itself is intriguing though Abigail is recently orphaned she is strong and does her best not to let her own life stop with that of her mother’s as she learns more about her gifts she also learns more about her mother and feels a connection with her that she had never felt before it is truly beautiful. But do not misunderstand my review this far it is not a sappy sort of novel but full of extraordinary twists and enough adventure and action to keep you coming back for more.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

One Blood by Qwantu Amaru Review


One Blood
By Qwantu Amaru

Randy Lafitte is cursed when he turned eighteen his father took his own life, then again when his son turned eighteen he was murdered; now his daughter has just turned eighteen and has been kidnapped. Not only does Randy have to pay a hefty ransom but he must also release Lincoln Baker from prison the same man responsible for killing his son.  But this is just the tip of the ice berg as Randy Lafitte will stop at nothing to get what he wants including murdering those who stand in his way dragging his family into a churning void of murder, voodoo, and terror at its finest.
 

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this novel the synopsis is vague at the best but once you read it you realize there is no way to do this novel justice in just a few short words. The author brings to life a new side of Louisiana; all while a hurricane is looming in the distance intent on destroying anything in its path.  The interlacing factors in this novel are so profound that you must thoroughly pay attention you will find yourself lost in the confines of the pages. The story is intricate and immerses you so thoroughly that it is a remarkable book to say the least, what truly makes this story great is that it is believable enough with just the right blend of murder and intrigue with paranormal factors that it comes to life on the pages. This book was definitely an interesting and scary enough story that I almost couldn’t put it down it is a shame that we all must sleep sometime.

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Sunday, May 27, 2012

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Review




Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Miss Peregrine Book One
By Ransom Riggs

Jacob’s grandfather has always told him stories of the orphanage where he had lived for a while and the peculiar children who reside there such as the levitating girl or the girl who could control fire even the boy who was completely invisible unless he wore clothes.  As Jacob grew older he began to dismiss his grandfather’s tales as fairy tales that is until the night his grandfather died and he saw something that would begin his journey to find the orphanage and some answers.


 


This book is the young adult version of a picture book, and the pictures that tie into the story are amazing and bring an altogether new depth into the reading experience. Ransom Riggs did an extraordinary job bringing to life a broad set of characters each one with their own remarkable gift. The story itself is captivating as Jacob comes to terms with what he has seen and learns that he is not a coward inside after all, nor is he going insane. This is a great book I think this would be a good book to use for a young adult who is having a hard time getting into reading as the visual aids would entice them to keep going. I can’t wait to read the next book and find out more about the peculiar children.

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Saturday, May 26, 2012

When, At Last, He Found Me by Adrianna Stepiano Review


When, At Last, He Found Me
Memoir of a Mermaid Book One
By Adrianna Stepiano

All Seraphin wants to do is make it through graduation and get the keys to her family home, after the death of her father Seraphin has been troubled by visions and randomly blacks which has led her to become an outcast. But after graduation she realizes that the black outs are only the tip of the ice berg where her life is concerned and when a mysterious man comes into her life she realizes she has been lied to her entire life. As she is tossed into an unexpected world she must come to terms with who she really is and find out who she can and cannot trust.

Adrianna Stepiano did a wonderful job in bringing to life the mythical world of mermaids, she managed to take a classic tale and bring it into a whole new dimension. Seraphin is a strong willed character unlike a lot of the young adult female characters who are coming to terms with themselves and growing up within the pages of a book and her love interest is arrogant and stubborn but when you combine the two they blend perfectly. In this story Seraphin turns out to be a guardian amongst mermaids and if this is not enough of a plot for you the author throws in one of the best fight scenes imaginable, as I read this book I kept thinking there is no way the author will be able to top this novel until she drops a bomb at the end that is sure to bring you back for more. This was definitely a great book and I look forward to reading more of the series.

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Friday, May 25, 2012

+One by Brian Baleno Review


+ One
By Brian Baleno

Jake is a workaholic investment banker who tries to juggle the work he loves and the woman he loves. Each one is important but as time progresses one of them must come first or he will lose something he cherishes. But what do you do when you love your career and the sense of pride it gives you means more to you than anyone can imagine?

This is not your happily ever after kind of book it is a look into the mind of a man who has hard choices to make where love is concerned. Though this is a well written novel and the story is interesting the woman he is in love with, Kara, drove me crazy. She whined constantly of how much he worked, but this is a personal issue I have considering my husband works twelve plus hours a day and is on call twenty four seven and leaves anywhere from a month to fifteen months at a time I kept wanting to tell Kara to suck it up if you truly love someone you make it work no matter what. In the end the book did turn around for me with an emotional scene and once the main character made his own pivotal breakthrough I did enjoy the book but the first half of the book drove me so crazy it ruined it for me.

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Mine by John Heldt Review


The Mine
By John Heldt

Joel Smith, a geology major, is on a road trip with his best friend when they are detoured in Helena Montana decided to make use of their time in the small town Joel finds an abandoned mine and with his adventurous nature combined with his love of geology he has to explore it. But somehow he is transported back to 1941 and to an America that is on the brink of war, what he doesn’t expect on this adventure is that he will fall in love with the most captivating woman.

The Mine is an interesting historical novel; the author did a wonderful job in bringing to life a time in America when war is in the near future leading to a time of apprehension of things that have yet to come. A lot of authors have written about World War II but none have brought to the public a novel of what it must have been like right before Pearl Harbor was attacked. John Heldt did a wonderful job, the story is written so beautifully that the story takes on a life of its own with breathtaking scenery and heartfelt romance all against the backdrop of uncertainty and conflict. This story brings the question “Can love conquer all?” to the forefront in a most unusual way. If you are a fan of time travel romances I would definitely give this one a try.

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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

the Next Always by Nora Roberts Review


The Next Always
Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy Book One
By Nora Roberts

Beckett Montgomery has been infatuated with Clare since he was in high school but when Clare came back home widowed and with three children to raise, he couldn’t bring himself to make her life any more complicated. As Beckett and his two brothers work on restoring the historic and haunted inn things also begin to change between Clare and Beckett. Everything seems to be going perfectly until Clare finds herself with unwanted attention from Sam and arrogant and conceited man who won’t take no for an answer.

Nora Roberts introduces us to her newest trilogy surrounding the inn in BoonsBoro, I have read a few of her trilogies before and so far this one is as promising as her others. Nora Roberts did a wonderful job in pulling you in with a wonderful romance then by adding a ghost and a stalker she adds to the fun, leaving you dying to know what happens next. This book was a bit sad for me I am not sure if others will find it this way but as a military wife when Clare goes into details about her husband and how he was killed in the Iraq war while she was pregnant, it is my worst nightmare but in the end it makes the story so beautiful and touching I couldn’t put it down. If you are a military wife you may want to have tissues on hand just in case but this is definitely worth the read.  

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Free Book!



Don't you just LOVE Free Stuff?



The author of one of my favorite series has decided to give away free copies of her book  Between The Land and The Sea. If you would like a copy just go to Smashwords via the link posted and enter in this coupon code:
FM28V
This Coupon is good until January 2013 Enjoy! 


Click here for my Review


If you do not know how to use a Smashwords Coupon just add the book to your cart, after that visit your cart and paste in the box above where it says Coupon Code then update your cart and checkout. Simple! I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I have but be warned it is quite addictive!! 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Interview with Michael Lorde Author of Blind Veil


Interview with Author Michael Lorde! 


Q: Can you tell us what made you want to combine science fiction with a seemingly normal detective novel?

A: Blind Veil came in book form to me all at once.  There were very few gaps to fill in.   My stories generally find me rather than the opposite.  I don’t sit down trying to think of a story line, and then before I can finish one book, two others pop into my head.   It feels like a gift when I get them, and I feel I was born to write.  I don’t really change the plots form, though I do add fill ins and of course details, but the main plots always stay.  This book came with those elements, which I think is what makes it so creepy.  Without the sci-fi elements in the ‘real world’, this book wouldn’t have the same affect on me, and likely wouldn't have the same affect on those reading it. 

To me, Blind Veil is a psychological thriller.  This guy is going nuts… or is he?  That’s what he’s trying to figure out, so to me psychological thriller better suits the mood. 

I do enjoy reading thrillers, fantasy and science fiction; however, I tend to like novels that aren’t drowning in science fiction elements which require me to learn a new world entirely.  I like to read ones where the world in the novel is our world or at least something parallel to it. 

I don’t really think of Blind Veil as a science fiction book because as you said, it is a seemingly normal novel, and then suddenly it isn't.  Who knew? To me it will always be a psychological thriller. 

As every reader has seen, this book lags a bit in the first several chapters, which run at a different pace than the rest of the story (strange as it sounds, this was done deliberately)  The sci-fi elements aren't introduced until around the middle of the book, and even then they are slight. 

This book has been classified by readers as being a number of genres including but not limited to: murder mystery, paranormal police procedural, fantasy, sci-fi thriller, crime story, conspiracy etc.   It somewhat defies standard genre categorization.  In fact its affect is real enough that people have written to me specifically to tell me how believable it is.  I take that as a tremendous compliment. That makes me feel like I did it right and hit the target.  I love getting those messages.  The only readers that I feel may want to veer away from reading this book are avid romance readers, and YA.  This is an adult book and the romance in it is slight.  There is a couple of slightly risque' chapters in the novel, but nothing at all heavy and definitely not erotica.  It is a harsh read and not meant for delicate hearted readers.   

Q: When you were a police officer was there any particular moment that lead to creating this book or a specific scene in the book?

A: Well, there’s definitely carry over knowledge from my days in law enforcement.  That information has contributed to a number of things in the book… interviews, descriptions, policy and procedure, etc.  I can even visualize what Simms muster room looks like, without ever having been there (and it looks nothing at all like the muster room at my precinct).  So there are those elements. 

I can say the only memory that actually led me to write a particular chapter, was my experience when, prior to becoming a cop and later a detective, I worked in the local jail.  We would occasionally get folks in there who belonged in the state hospital, rather than the jail(thought their criminal act was what brought them to the jail, they truly had no control over themselves); but for a number of different reasons (doctor’s paperwork-transport- availability, etc) we sometimes had to wait to get them moved to the state facility which was hours away.  Those individuals would be put in isolation cells and on camera and watched for their own protection until we could get them moved.  More than once, our facility housed individuals who thought that the walls were commodes.  I won’t take the explanation further, but my readers know exactly what I’m talking about in the book.  That’s the only thing that I specifically brought into the chapters as far as an event, and none of the names in the book were taken from those experiences.  There are only two names in the book that were not simply pulled from the air, and neither had to do with my law enforcement experiences.

Q: When writing I often have visual aids or music playing to act as my muse, was there anything or anyone who could inspire you or keep you motivated?

A:  I know many authors who always have music on when they write.  I am just the opposite.  I need quiet to do my best.  When I’m pecking at the keys, it’s difficult to write as fast as the plot is coming to me (and I type relatively fast, even for a writer).  When I’m not actually typing, my 11 year old daughter is always my inspiration as well as my older adult children, but in particular my 11 year old.  She’s the happiest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. 

Q: With so many well written scenes it is hard for me to choose which my favorite is.  I think mine would be when the boat sank and Lamont was in the ocean. Which scene is your favorite?

A:  Wow, okay, that’s a hard one to answer.  If I have to choose, I think there are two.  I like the alley scene with the dog, after the boat trip and the one when he wakes up on Byron’s boat the second time- those restraints.  I think those two chapters still resonate strongly with me, because those were the first two times that I finished a chapter or a page and then sat back and thought ‘Wow... where the heck did that come from’?  Sometimes what ends up on the page even surprises me.  So yes, those two are my favorites.  I'll always remember that feeling.  

Q: From start to finish how long did it take you to write Blind Veil?

A: This book took years, probably close to five, actually.  Today, that sounds pathetic, but when I started writing Blind Veil, I was working two jobs and a single parent taking care of two kids still, and my younger son was in college and still living at home as well.  Time was definitely an issue.  However, once I had the opportunity time wise to really focus on completing it; it took me about a year and a half to get it finished.  Now that I have time and  I know what I’m doing, I’ve written four books in a year and they’re in various stages of publication, but they should be out this year.  One of them is the sequel to Blind Veil. 

Q: After publishing, do you have any advice for up and coming authors?

A:
1.      Don’t be afraid. 

2.      No... you’re not going to do it perfectly, and none of us who are published ever have. 


3.      Yes, the first one is the hardest because you will never know what you are doing (even once you've published, because then you have to learn how to market it).  With the others you write, you will not stress constantly.  At least I don’t. 

4.      Don’t stress the future, or allow it to overwhelm you.  Just keep taking one step at a time until you get there.

5.      Your biggest enemy is your doubt.  Get rid of it. 

6.      When you think what you wrote today was brilliant, and then you re-read it two weeks from now and you realize that it’s some of the worst crap you’ve ever laid eyes on?... that’s normal.  Expect it. Everything you write will need clean up, some more than the rest.

7.      Write it, edit it several times using several different editors, cover it, and get it out.  You can do this just as much as the next guy can.

8.      You know those doubting friends and family members who always offering you constructive criticism that you did not ask for?... do not listen to a word.  Listen only to those who encourage you and to those who have published.  If you’re a writer, then you should be writing. 

9.      Some of the most important support you will ever find will be author groups including and most especially ones on facebook.   Find authors who have published, not those folks who’ve talked about doing that for the past twenty years.  There are thousands of great authors out there who will help answer any question you have, and for free.  Find many of them.  They value your opinion and knowledge too.   Ask them what their experiences have been with companies, before you shell out any money’s to someone telling you what they can do for you.  Some are very worthwhile, and professional; many of them are a complete scam. 

10.  Good luck.  I wish you much success.

Q: I am sure everyone who has read Blind Veil is dying to know what happens next, do you have any plans for a sequel?  If so could you give us a little hint as to what happens next?

A:  Yes, the sequel is due out in December.  I don’t do spoilers, so my answers will be vague.  My readers will understand what I’m talking about.  I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. 
1.      He doesn’t stay where he is for all eternity.
2.      The second book begins in the desert, with a delivery truck… out in the middle of nowhere.  Soon enough, there is gunfire.  That’s the beginning. 
3.      Both doctors (the one who made that static filled call to Lamont near the end, as well as the one who had disappeared) have not yet been caught. 
4.      I will be introducing militant events into the second book (in Blind Veil, I had actually written a civil patrol chapter as well as another involving military personnel; some of whom were in the CIA chapter.  However, those were cut from the book.  You will meet those same military characters in the second book). 
5.      The story is unnerving, and scarier than Blind Veil.
6.      It is action packed. 
7.      Readers will enjoy some clarification on things like the I-chain and such.    
8.      You haven’t seen the last of Officer Campbell, who is no longer a cop, or Cartelli, who still is.



Where you can Purchase Blind Veil:




Sunday, May 20, 2012

Blind Veil By Michael Lorde Review


Blind Veil
By Michael Lorde

Former marine and now a long time police officer Lamont Simms has just bought a boat and is spending a few days out on the ocean taking a much needed vacation. As Lamont is napping off the few beers he has consumed a shadowy figure boards the boat only to sink it and wait for Lamont’s body. Fortunately Lamont escapes his imminent death and is rescued by an elderly man only to find himself the focus of a bizarre experiment.

Michael Lorde combines psychological thriller and science fiction to create a strange and intriguing novel, what if what you thought you knew was not real at all? The author did a wonderful job at leaving you guessing and in the end wanting to know more but would it be a true psychological thriller if there was a sequel; I loved the cliff hanger of this book. The scenes were exceptional and you can tell the author’s police background came into play giving the scenes a much more realistic feel to them. This was a quick and fun read if you enjoy detective novels you should definitely give this one a try it is unlike any I have read before.

Be sure to check back Tomorrow for my Interview with Michael Lorde!

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

The Turning Tides by Derrolyn Anderson Review


The Turning Tides
Marina’s Tales Book Four
By Derrolyn Anderson

Over the past year Marina has found out that she is actually half mermaid and an exceptionally gifted one at that, which brought her to the attention of an evil group of people bent on finding the secret of immortality after they’ve kidnapped her twice she has had enough of feeling weak she begins her plans to fight back starting with learning how to defend herself in hopes of protecting her mermaid sisters. All the while Ethan’s mother has come back into the picture bent on breaking Marina and Ethan up. Will Ethan be able to trust Marina and will Marina be able to stop the deadly experiments before it is too late?

This is the final book in the Marina’s Tales series and Derrolyn Anderson could not have ended it better, though it makes me sad that it is over I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The tunr of events in this novel are spectacular Marina received an ominous prediction about two four people who would be coming into her life and two of them who mean her harm, with that prediction Derrolyn Anderson keeps you guessing throughout the entire book as to who wants to hurt her one of them is obvious from the beginning, the prologue will have you cursing under your breath, but the other is much more subtle and quite an interesting plot twist. This is definitely a great series, I wish there was more out of pure greed but if there were then the story would become tedious.
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Friday, May 18, 2012

A Demon Made Me Do It by Penelope King Review


A Demon Made Me Do It
Demonblood Series Book One
By Penelope King

 Liora was born half demon, one day she was playing in the woods with her firends when two girls came upon them killing Liora’s friends and splitting Liora into human by day and a demon of justice by night, Lucky. Lucky is determined to exact her revenge on the twins who had cursed her into this half-life but Liora only wants to be a normal high school girl and make it through her senior year. But when she meets Kieron her entire world is turned upside down and she begins to fall in love with him knowing that she can never be with anyone because of the life she endures, what she doesn’t realize is Kieron is hiding his own secret and will she be able to forgive him when she finds out that he isn’t what he seems and what happens if he finds out about Lucky?
 
This was a great book if being possessed by a demon isn’t bad enough try sharing an entire life with one and then having to wake up hung-over without having the fun of drinking. Penelope King managed to create an intricate and beautiful story and added just enough twists and turns to make it captivating but not confusing. Not only do the main characters have to deal with falling in love but there are also unexplained murders add on top of it the conflicts each “character” must overcome it is truly remarkable. The author took multiple personalities to a whole new level with this book, it is such an interesting and fun idea I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Children of the Gods by Monica Millard Review


Children of the Gods
By Monica Millard

Every twenty-thirty years the “Gods” come into the village where Reka lives to choose a new host body. Reka tries to blend into the crowd and prays she will not be chosen but unfortunately she is and not just to host any “God” but the queen. When they pull her into the ship that will soon become her home every part of Reka fights back but as they insert the queen into her body she fears it was all for nothing, that is until she wakes and realizes Anaya is the consciousness that lies in the background and she is still in control of herself.

This book starts off a bit slow, there isn’t much action in the entire thing it is a romance as Reka begins to fall in love with the man who is her king, Jaxson. The inner turmoil she must face is the main focus of the story and Monica Millard did a wonderful job the only thing I wish is that when she mentions the flashbacks that Anaya is showing Reka that she would go into more details some of them she just mentions that Anaya did it and moves on. If you are a fan of Stargate then you will love this book they are very similar in some aspects but then very different in others, it is an interesting book and I hope I will be able to read the next book since this one is left with a fantastic cliff hanger!

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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Blackstone & Brenwen - The Mirror & The Meretrix By Andrew D. Mellusco Review


Blackstone & Brenwen - The Mirror & The Meretrix
By Andrew D. Mellusco

Elliot Blackstone is an idealistic lawyer who is always taking on the more unfortunate cases in his family’s law firm Blackstone and Associates. One day a case comes to his attention, his childhood sweetheart Abigail Hood, has been charged with murder can Elliot save Red Riding Hood? With the help of his colleagues a sandman Vincent Traum the fire nymph Fury and his new protégé a centaur named Epona Brenwan they uncover a conspiracy unlike any other with Royal Assassins Snow White and Rose Red  willing to stop at nothing to protect their queen’s secrets.

Andrew D. Mellusco takes a court drama and combines it with fairy tales blending them into an interesting fantasy novel. The author did a wonderful job in each of his characters my personal favorite is Snow White; I would never have imagined her as a deadly assassin. This story is full of murder and intrigue, the descriptions are so detailed that it comes to life even from the very beginning when Elliot is defending his client Jack to a court room of giants. Even if you are not a fan of legal thrillers the fantasy aspect is so captivating and well thought out that it is worth the read.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Pascal's Wager by Mark Jacobs Review


Pascal’s Wager
By Mark Jacobs

After working on his philosophy dissertation Pascal Silver decides to move to Las Vegas in order to find the meaning of existence through playing poker and actually living. On the side he is a part time private investigator where his skills at reading people come in handy, one day a beautiful woman hires him to find out who really killed her father. The police’s prime suspect is Allegra’s mother since her father was found shot in her bed by his own gun that never left his side. Can Pascal find out who truly killed him or will all the evidence lead back to the mother? As if this is daunting enough Allegra’s half-brother is murdered and the police think she is the one who is to blame.

Mark Jacobs did a wonderful job with this book, even if you don’t play Texas Hold ‘Em you can easily follow along. If you are a fan of the old school detective novels this book will be right up your alley as Pascal gets the girl and kicks butt all at the same time he is solving a gruesome murder. It is a fun read that leaves you guessing as to “who done it” to the very last second. Mark Jacobs’ background in martial arts also comes into play making his action scenes believable and intense the descriptions could not have been any better. This book is definitely worth the read and I hope the author has a follow up on Pascal’s adventures.

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Monday, May 14, 2012

Elizabeth Clansham by Catherine E. Chapman Review


Elizabeth Clansham
By Catherine E. Chapman

Elizabeth Clansham has recently moved to a small town in the Scottish Highlands in order to pursue her writing, all the while she teaches English part time. Across from her small home lives Andrew a former pop star who drifts listlessly through life until Laetitia and her daughter Lauren arrive on his doorstep, Laetitia is fleeing Glasgow when a menacing man shows up to her flat and threatens to hurt her daughter if she does not repay her debt. Then there is Angus, the gamekeeper and father figure who has taken in his niece when her mother has abandoned her. Between the four romance begins to bloom and each of their lives is changed by the others.

This book reminded me a lot of Debbie Macomber’s style of writing using real life scenarios as the focus instead of fantastical situations. If you enjoy a laid back approach to the romance genre and something more realistic than vampires or a serial killer who focuses on the main character for any number of reason you will enjoy this book. Each character goes through their own growth period and finds out who they truly are or want to be. Catherine E. Chapman managed to encompass four individuals but also Elizabeth’s students into the story each one having their own romantic trysts; it was very intricate and well written I only wish there had been more conclusions to some of the individual stories, but the author does a splendid job bringing each one to life.
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Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Fate of the Muse by Derrolyn Anderson Review


The Fate of the Muse
Marina’s Tales Book Three
By Derrolyn Anderson

Marina has begun to believe the people who were after her and kidnapped her have given up; all she has to worry about now is her visit with the Muse Council. Now that she knows what she truly is she must also come to terms with her new powers, since she is the only one of her kind that is not as easy as it may seem. It seems her influence on people is so strong that the people around her start to do and become incredible things, the love of her life Ethan is even working himself ragged and she starts to doubt his feelings for her and wonders if this is a side effect from her powers or if he truly loves her.

Once again Derrolyn Anderson has written a wonderful book, this one may not have been as good as the previous two but it was still an interesting read as more of the main plot thickens.  I have always loved the way the author brings to life each of the side characters and with this book and the end of the previous book we realize they are essential to the main character in so many ways. This novel is fluid and well written with such descriptive and interesting scenes from fashion shows in Paris to Surfing in Hawaii Derrolyn Anderson did a wonderful job of bringing the places to life. I admire the way Derrolyn Anderson has written three books that flow seamlessly together and I can’t wait to read the fourth book.


Friday, May 11, 2012

Wanted Nightmares: Battle For Love by Pura Preis Review


Wanted Nightmares: Battle for Love
Wanted Nightmares Book One
By Pura Preis

Amaya lived among vampires for as long as she can remember, when her “Father” does everything he can to tear her apart from her one true love she cannot take living under his rule any longer and decides to end her life. But as she falls off a cliff in Ireland she is rescued by some unknown person and finds herself trapped by her immortal family once again but this time things are different she has come to the attention of a pack of werewolves who want her dead and she has no idea why. This is only the beginning for Amaya soon her memories slowly come back to her and she must come to terms with what she really is and the battle that lies before her.

This book starts off a little rocky at first, but soon the author finds her stride and the story comes to life. In the beginning of the book the author tries to explain the love Amaya shares with Thomas but it comes off forced, later in the story though through the experiences the couple shares it is heartwarming and lovely. Pura Preis has created a fantastic character in Amaya and slowly reveals bits and pieces of her in such a way to draw you into the story and with such a unique storyline it is certainly worth the read. There isn’t much I can say without revealing too much of the plot and ruining it, but I can say it ends in such a way they you will want to go out and buy the next book as soon as possible.



Thursday, May 10, 2012

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James Review


Fifty Shades of Grey
Fifty Shades Trilogy Book One
By E.L. James

Anastasia has never found a man who has interested her enough to even go on a date with until she meets highly successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey, and immediately she is lost in his dark eyes. But Christian has a dark secret, domination. As Ana soon discovers there is more to this man than just his vast fortune she finds herself falling in love with him but can Ana come to terms with his eccentric desires?

I was a little weary to read this book I had some vague idea it would just be dominatrix sex and though interesting I love there to be a good story line. I was surprised to realize this was actually a fun book full of witty commentary from Ana’s Subconscious and Inner Goddess I found myself giggling. Though I must say there were a couple of scenes I could have lived without, but E.L. James did a wonderful job writing this novel the romance was strong and the obstacle they must face is believable and intriguing. This book reads like a young adult novel though it is certainly not for the faint of heart. I kept thinking to myself “It’s an erotic, modern day, more realistic version of Beauty and the Beast.” I am certainly curious enough to see what happens next.





Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Matched by Ally Condie Review


Matched
By Ally Condie

Cassia lives in a world where the Society decides everything even who she can marry and have children with for optimum results. In a world where you are told what you can and cannot eat, where you cannot even run in public Cassia is content but when it comes time to her own match an error occurs she not only sees the face of her childhood best friend but also a boy who is a pariah in the Society, Ky, and should never have been entered into the match. When her grandfather slips her a forbidden poem from his deathbed and she starts to have feelings for Ky, it accumulates and she begins to have strange rebellious feelings towards the Society she has always entrusted.

The perfect Society where you have no choices whatsoever what would it be like to have your entire life broken down into statistics and from those statistics you become completely predictable? What would it be like for someone to be able to find that perfect someone for you and you never have to wonder about whom you will marry you would never even have to worry about divorce because they would be absolutely perfect for you. Allie Condie answers these questions and then brings it to life, yes if you knew nothing else it would seem perfect but when you get a taste of your own freedom what would happen. This was a great book it was well written and believable, you can see yourself in this world and how seemingly perfect it would be. The romance was beautiful and as Cassia deals with her own conflicted feelings the author manages to clearly express them so as we feel them too. I can’t wait until I can read Crossed book two of the Matched series and we can go on adventure with Cassia that I truly hope will not disappoint.
 
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