Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods

Age of X Book One

By RIchelle Mead

In the future the world was nearly destroyed by religious extremist so now religion is outlawed and treated as fictitious.  Justin March was a servitor whose job is was to investigate claims of paranormal activity and ensure that the religions followed strict guidelines; however he was sent into exile following an event that forever changed his life. One day Mae Koskinen, warrior elite for the Republic of United North America, comes bearing a message that will allow Justin back into the civilized world and redeem his name.

Gameboard of the Gods is an amazing science fiction novel mixed with paranormal fantasy. The characters are complex yet blend together wonderfully as their relationship grows into something adjacent to a friendship. I absolutely enjoyed Mae’s storyline, not that Justin’s wasn’t excellent as well, from her past as a debutante into the present as the warrior she has become and the losses she has faced in her life it is intricate and wonderful to follow along as her character develops and the story progresses. Richelle Mead has done a wonderful job with this book and though she is known for her young adult series she has seamlessly taken over the adult world with her new novel. With action packed scenes and tantalizing “steamy” scenes it’s sure to have a little bit of something for everyone.  This book is highly original and definitely worth the read.  

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City of Dark Magic By Magnus Flyte

City of Dark Magic

City Of Dark Magic Book One

By Magnus Flyte

Strange things are happening in Prague, beginning with a party where all the guests in attendance begin to jump to their deaths. Shortly after this Sarah Weston receives the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Prague Castle and begin cataloguing Beethoven’s manuscripts. As a musicologist who specializes in the life of Ludwig van Beethoven how could she turn down such an invitation? Soon after she arrives however she learns that her mentor had committed “suicide” but his is the first in many unusual deaths that begin to occur.

I am a fan of Beethoven’s music so it’s no surprise I wanted to read a book in which present day seems to intertwine with the story of Beethoven himself. I had no idea how amazing this book would actually turn out Magnus Flyte has taken multiple pasts and managed to bring them into the present in an unusual way yet it all blends together so wonderfully and precisely. I must warn you that this is truly an adult book with drugs and sex mixed into the storyline it may not be suitable for everyone, for me however the free spirited Sarah is the perfect character to tell this story. The theory behind the book is absolutely intriguing strange deaths, a drug that can let you see into the past, and all tying in with Ludwig van Beethoven what more could you ask for? 

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Holy Suspicion By Melissa Love

Holy Suspicion

By Melissa Love

Victoria Winter was once First Lady of a mega church in Indiana, then while they were broadcasting live her two oldest daughters exposed their Christian husband’s sinful acts bringing the Winter family down to its knees, but not to pray. Nine years later they are still working to overcome what has happened to them, Victoria is trying to get her youngest daughter, God Fearing Naomi, to marry the pastor of the third largest mega church. Will Victoria’s persistence tear this family apart or can Naomi live happily ever after?

You would think that being obsessed with church is not a bad thing, Melissa Love proves how wrong that assumption can be. At first you keep wondering what is wrong with Victoria, but as the story goes along you realize she is just straight up crazy. I absolutely loved it; the story is captivating the ending is absolutely astonishing. I am not sure if this is meant to be funny but it is one of the best dark comedies I have come across. With a sardonic look into modern day Christianity and a mother’s obsession the book keeps you entertained from page one.

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The Warwicks of Slumber Mountain By Cheryl B. Dale

The Warwicks of Slumber Mountain

By Cheryl B. Dale

This is the story of Belinda Rand, Lindy as known by close friends and family, and the struggle that she goes through to find herself and her destiny.   Lassitan is a quiet town in northern Georgia that like most small towns have their own folklore and rumors about other people in town, in this story that is the Warwick family. The Warwicks are said to be witches, or some other type of supernatural beings that if you crossed or mingled with them you would live to regret it. Lindy thought she knew all too well about the power the Warwicks had when she befriended a Warick named Gareth and soon after that experienced a loss in her family.  Gareth and Lindy had no further interaction until one night she was coming home from work, and saved his life and this is the turning point in the story when Lindy begins to realize she could be destined and capable of more than she had ever expected.

The story begins with introducing Lindy, her abusive and tragic past, the stories about the Warwick family, and how little of herself she thinks of. Lindy in the beginning of the story feels unworthy of  a successful life that she dreams of having. As I mentioned in the synopsis she saves one of the Warwicks, Gareth, from drowning in the lake but what I failed to mention is how. Lindy does however have one upper hand compared to everyone else, she can hear a subconscious voice that allows her to hear animals in stress, but can sometimes hear humans. The night she saved Gareth she heard him floating in the lake on the verge of drowning.  After taking a possibly drunk Gareth home, she makes a deal that changes her entire life, even though she thinks it is all a dream. I’m not going to tell you what the deal is because then you wouldn’t want to read this amazing book. Lindy leaves Lassitan and does not return until 10 years later, to fulfill her end of the deal she made with the Warwick family.

 Although I am leaving quite a bit of mystery for you, please note that this story captures almost every element of what a reader would want to read. It features magic, love, murder, mystery, and much much more. When I first saw the cover, and read the description I was highly skeptical but once I started this book I simply could not put it down, I was that enveloped in what was going to happen next. 

Katie

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The Breeders By Matthew J. Beier

The Breeders

By Matthew J. Beier

In the future homosexuals are reigning supreme and through genetic manipulation control the sexuality of a child making heterosexuals are only a backup plan in case their plans fail most of them are sterile and only a handful are able to reproduce. Grace is a heterosterile, until she becomes pregnant after an encounter with Dex Wheelock. Now she must fight to save the life of her unborn child.

Some aspects of this book are really interesting, such as how Grace became able to reproduce, but then you have to world in which the author has created in which homosexual men are purely driven by their sexual organs. This book is highly adult with rape and consensual episodes around every corner, literally in some instances.  I think if Matthew J. Beier had integrated a perspective of a homosexual man not in the resistance but going along with the political regime then it would have been easier to relate to this book, as it is I just can’t imagine a world where homosexual men have turned into Nazis and all they care about is sex and destroying every last breeder out there. The afterword is a good touch to the novel itself as it explains some things but the purpose of a good book is to do this through the narration. I do think it’s an interesting concept I just wish it had been a bit more believable than it is. 

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Shadow Woman by Linda Howard

Shadow Woman

By Linda Howard

After Lizette climbs out of the shower getting ready to go to work, she makes a startling discovery; she doesn’t recognize the woman looking back at her in the mirror. Every time she tries to understand what she is seeing, why her face has changed and two years are missing from her life she becomes violently ill. Determined to find out what is going on Lizette soon finds a way to work around the block in her mind and pieces together a life completely opposite from her own in every way except one. She has lived them both.

From page one you are assaulted by relentless action and intrigue as Linda Howard takes you through one twist after another. This is definitely a great romance novel, full of steamy scenes, high octane action, and a mystery unlike any other. This book follows your standard romance novel rules, girl has a problem, girl meets boy, boy helps solve problem, and they live happily ever after. What makes this book stand out from the rest by having some of the most intense action scenes with amazing descriptive detail Linda Howard draws you into the story and keeps you hooked as you try to figure out what is so special about Lizette and why someone would want to completely alter her appearance and even her memories. I loved how Lizette starts off as a kind of “wimpy” character and soon you start to see the real woman peak out from behind the mask. The transformation along with amazingly detailed action scenes and an interesting ending makes this a romance novel worth the read.

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The Portal By Alan Zendell Review

The Portal

By Alan Zendell

Set over one hundred years in the future in a declining society we meet a special boy, Harry who will soon leave his mark on the world. The story begins when Harry is fourteen after he loses his one friend and confidant, his grandfather, Harry spirals into a deep depression until he meets a remarkable girl that soon captures his heart.  Harry wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with Lorrie; instead he spends the rest of his life searching for her when she disappears.

Throughout the story we follow along through each of Harry’s loves and losses spanning his entire life, we also follow along through his triumphs in his own personal life as he is determined to effect change in the world around him and not just be a bystander in society.  The story itself is interesting, a love story mixed with futuristic political unrest. The author does a great job of getting his point across and describing the nation and the problems the world is facing drawing you into the story even further as you begin to hope for a solution. The only real problem with this book is that if you are going to set it in the future we need more descriptive scenery you wouldn’t know it was a futuristic novel if the author didn’t incorporate holograms and also add in dates so that you know how much time has passed between each event in Harry’s life. If you don’t mind relying on your own imagination when it comes to the scenery then this is definitely worth the read.

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Devil’s Bargain By Rachel Caine Review

Devil’s Bargain

Red Letter Days Book One

By Rachel Caine

All Jazz wants to do is drown her sorrows, her partner is in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, she has been shunned by most of the cops in the city, and she has just enough money left to get really drunk. While she is minding her own business a man comes up to her in his brand new leather outfit making him stick out like a sore thumb in the biker bar, but what is truly weird is the man knows her name and has an envelope for her. She has never been to this particular bar before and only just decided right before arriving.

I have to say it, I loved Jazz, she is a smart mouth who can back it up but there is so much more to her than just that she is kind and caring even if she pulls her gun first and asks questions later. I wasn’t sure what the story would be about as the synopsis I had read was fairly vague but it turned out to be a unique and fun read. I know Rachel Caine has also written the Morganville Vampire series, even though I have only read two of those I have to say that Rachel Caine is a truly surprising author. She has come up with two of the most original series that I have ever come across but not only that none of her books that I have read even come close to anyone else’s.  This book in particular you have great characters an amazing storyline all surrounding the good versus evil premise. This is certainly a must read and I look forward to what Rachel Caine has in store next. 

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Secret Storm By Amelia James Review

Secret Storm

By Amelia James

★★★★

There never seems a right time for Sara and Jack, for one reason or another they are never available at the same time. Now, after three years of flirting they are finally able to be together. Everything seems to be going perfectly, until Jack’s secret begins to surface. Everyone has secrets, some secrets are worse than others and some secrets can change your life forever.

 

This isn’t your average book, it’s written as a full blown adult novel surrounding college students. With tons of passion and steamy encounters, Amelia James has brought to life a great romance novel. The characters are relatable and the struggles they face are realistic. What I loved the most was that the climactic revelation is something that could actually happen, unlike most novels where climax is something so far-fetched, granted still entertaining. Basically if E.L. James and Debbie Macomber had a love child this would be the result of that union. I loved it, though I must warn you it is full of highly adult scenes so it will not be for everyone.

Thickness of Blood By Kimberly Gould Review

Thickness of Blood

By Kimberly Gould

★★

Lila is fourteen years old living in the seventies her family seems to forget about her as soon as she is out of sight, one day as she is out playing she meets James, an older man who loves to sexually manipulate little girls. George is the father of James’ previous victim and is on a hunt for justice. On his search, George finds Lila who has been left pregnant and alone after two years of abuse. George knows he cannot leave her to fend for herself, so he takes her home and into his family.

Kimberly Gould has written some vivid and highly graphic scenes, what is a compliment to the author’s abilities is actually what I disliked the most. The first thirty percent of this book is about James and what he is doing to a confused little girl. Thirty percent of highly graphic sexual scenes between a fourteen year old and a twenty-something man. I understand the need for a connection to the story through the events that have taken place, but there is such a thing as too much. Then you have the scene where George and his wife are in their own intimate situation and he begins thinking about what has been done to his daughter... What?  I do think Kimberly Gould has potential, this storyline however was not a great place to flex her descriptive narration in such great details it took this book from dramatic to just weird and disturbing.

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Poker Face by Adriana Law Review

Poker Face

Poker Face Book One

By Adriana Law

★★★★

It all begins with a bet. Paul Stratford makes a bet with his business partner, Jonathon Mackenzie, that his step daughter will not be seduced by Jonathon’s son. So the two of the devise a scheme to have Megan and Drew in each other’s way to see who will win.

Drew and Megan seem to be a match made in Hades but the further book goes along the more the two seem to become something so much more. This was a fun book with quite a few unexpected twists. Though some editting is still needed for this novella Adriana Law has come up with a brilliant story with plenty of potential as the series continues. I did have one big problem with this book and of course it is towards the end so I cannot say what it is without a spoiler alert but I will say it is just my personal opinion and not everyone will see it the same way I do.

**Spoiler Alert**

Safe sex c’mon they even talk about how Megan doesn’t want to have sex without a condom because of her fear of Contracting HIV. Good job there, but when she finds out Drew is a virgin it seems it’s ok to have unprotected sex. But wait! How do we know that Megan doesn’t already have a nasty STD she is about to pass on to poor unsuspecting Drew?

** End Spoiler Alert**

Other than that the story is great the romance is beautiful the plot twists are truly surprising and may make you want to resort to physical violence towards one or more of the characters, and at 112 pages it is definitely worth the quick read.

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Heart of Atlantis by Alyssa Day Review

Heart of Atlantis

Warriors of Poseidon Book Eight

By Alyssa Day

Aleric is Poseidon’s High Priest and has taken a vow of celibacy and he will remain faithful to his word even if he has found his soul mate. Though he cannot be with Quinn he will be by her side and protect her for the rest of his life. Quinn is the leader of a Resistance which often puts her in the middle of one fight after another but this time the causality is too close to home, her best friend Jack is trapped in his tiger form searching for the remnants of his humanity. This is only the beginning of the story as we travel around the world and become immersed in a battle to save all of humanity.

This is an amazing book and thankfully it is a stand-alone novel or I would have been completely lost. I have actually read the first two books in this series and this one puts those to shame. From the beginning this book is filled with action and adventure, this series isn’t called the “Warriors of Poseidon” for nothing. To make this book even better Allysa Day takes a story that is already absolutely captivating and adds in a fierce romance between two amazing characters. Not only did the author create amazing characters with engrossing story lines but she has also created some of the most vivid and breathtaking scenes imaginable. I love this book and I am definitely going to go back and read more of the series.

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Fledge by J.A. Huss Review

Fledge

I am Just Junco Dot Com Book Two

By J.A. Huss

Junco Coot has just made her way to Amelia the avian capital city where she must undergo the Fledge ritual. Fledge is where she will fight to the death in order to become a citizen. All the while the love of her life and the one who brought her to Amelia, Tier, is on trial for treason for letting her live, and if found guilty it is an automatic death sentence.

 

When I first started reading this book I was completely lost, I haven’t read book one so it took me a while to get into the story as the author picks right up where she left off and doesn’t start “flashbacking” until a little ways into the book. After this first hurdle though I really enjoyed the storyline, it is a truly unique science fiction novel. The characters that J.A. Huss has created are so fascinating not only does the author describe the Avians, but through the Fledge she also encompasses beings from other planets with their own unique abilities. The only problem I have with this book is that it is another case of an author finding one particular word that they enjoy and use it over and over, in this instance it is the F word. The fact that it is a cuss word doesn’t faze me, what bothers me was using the same word at least once three sentences in a row, sometimes more than once, though different variances on the same word, in the same sentence. Other than that it’s a great read action packed and so original that I cannot wait to read more of the series.

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If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones

If I Were You

Inside Out Trilogy Book One

By Lisa Renee Jones

Sara McMillan’s roommate has recently bought a storage unit full of a woman’s journals. Sara begins reading and is soon shocked and enthralled by what is held within the pages, the writer of the journals led an exciting and highly erotic life. When Sara comes to the sinister and terrifying final entry, she is determined to seek out Rebecca to at least make sure she is safe. Sara finds herself immersing herself into Rebacca’s life, working at her former job and socializing with the same people, even two sexy men who both want Sara in every way possible.

Man this novel jumps right into it, with the opening pages we are drawn into the journal ourselves with each steamy and intense action that is played through the words the author of the journal had written. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I am glad I was sent a copy for review this is a fantastic book, with highly erotic scenes interspersed with a highly suspenseful plotline this is by far one of the best romance novels I have read. I cannot wait to find out what happens next since Lisa Renee Jones left off this book with one of the most heart pounding cliff hangers, making me love and hate her all at the same time.

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Running Wild by Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones Review

Running Wild

The Men from Battle Ridge Book One

By Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones

Carlin Reed is on the run, after two dates with a seemingly harmless man he soon becomes obsessed and begins stalking her. One day Carlin is in hiding when her stalker catches up with her and kills a woman who had borrowed her red rain coat sending Carlin on the run once again. This time she lands in Wyoming and what she finds there is more than just a place to lay low but a family amongst the ranch hands and maybe even a special place in her heart for Zeke, the owner of the ranch where she finds herself wanting to stay.

 

A Maniacal killer chasing after a woman who finds herself in the arms of a sexy cowboy, what could go wrong? In this case absolutely nothing Linda Howard and Linda Jones have created an amazing romance novel full of suspense. That is only the beginning of the story though in this book Carlin grows from a cowering victim to a strong independent woman all with the help of Zeke and his hands, which reminded me of the seven dwarves each one adoring Carlin and wanting anything to make her happy. I loved the mishaps that Carlin has in the kitchen when she first arrives at the ranch to begin working as the cook she doesn’t quite know what she is doing and it adds to the story a sense of comradeship that will definitely carry over to the next novels, which I am anxiously awaiting. 

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Sole Possession By Bryn Donovan Review

Sole Possession

By Bryn Donovan

David Girard has just inherited his old family home, though it is filled with nothing but awful memories he intends to “flip” it by making renovations and selling it for a profit. This is where Andi walks in, she is there to help fix it but as soon as she walks into the house she is assailed with haunting visions. Between the ghosts and the renovations Andi and David soon find themselves falling in love triggering a deadly curse.

So I know this is supposed to be a romance novel with all the steamy scenes included but for me the romance felt lacking, however the horror side of the book was absolutely amazing. At first the author seems to tease the readers with bits of the ghosts that reside in the mansion but then as the novel picks up speed it soon turns into and intense read. I am a sucker for ghosts, but the fact that Bryn Donovan combined romance and horror is so distinctive that the novel is worth reading just for this aspect. I have Bryn Donovan to thank for a sleepless night for one I couldn’t put the book down and two I was reading it late at night, by myself, in a house I have just recently moved into yeah I kept hearing noises and looking over my shoulder, so thanks for that. I did love this book even if the romance was a bit forced Bryn Donovan has a way with words brining to life some of the best scenes to make your heart rate speed up.

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The Demon Lover by Carol Goodman Review

The Demon Lover

Fairwick Chronicles Book One

By Carol Goodman writing as Juliet Dark

Callie McFay’s dreams are haunted, every night she has the same erotic encounter with a handsome stranger. What she assumes are just vivid dreams turn out to be an encounter with an incubus wanting nothing more than for her to love him. This is only the tip of the story as Callie has started teaching at Fairwick College and after her encounters with the incubus her colleagues assemble to aid her and she learns that most everyone at the college is not who they seem to be.

There is no way I could do this novel justice, for one there are three main story lines to this book instead of the usual one and to tell you each of them is most likely going to spoil on or another of the twists that happen so regularly. Though the novel is a bit busy it makes it interesting as you have no idea what scene will lead to which conclusion. I had a ton of fun reading this one, not only is Callie a highly likable character but the surrounding cast each has their own interesting story. The romance is superb and the bonds that Callie creates make this more than just your average romance novel. I cannot wait to find out more about the college and what will happen next, it is a highly unique well written and beautiful novel.

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Dominion by Scott M. Baker Review

Dominion

The Vampire Hunters Book Three

By Scott M. Baker

The Vampyrnomicon has finally been found and with it the origins of the vampires and with this Drake Matthews will be able to put an end to the vampire threat and once and for all rid the world of these monsters. Chiang Shih, the master of the vampires, is raising an army with her sights set on a vampire nation in Washington D.C. as the fight comes to a head, who will be the victor, the hunters or the hunted?

 

I thought that book two was really good this book puts it to shame; this is an amazing ending to a trilogy. From the beginning you are caught up into the story as once again the evil vampires are trying to take over the world and the Hunter are more determined than ever to put a stop to them. I absolutely loved how the relationships have evolved and with it will come the heartache of loss, as every war has its casualties. As we had in the second book which I really enjoyed is how the author also narrates the vampires’ side of the story. Though this book has many excellent qualities that are worth the read it also has a startling twist making this one of the best vampire books I have ever come across.

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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.

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