Review ~ The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

TITLE: The Restorer
AUTHOR: Amanda Stevens
COPYRIGHT: 5/1/11
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 384
SERIES: Yes the first in a series

REASON FOR READING: The summary just looked amazing! I had to have it

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.


It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer—and to his other victims—lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I was beyond surprised at how much I loved this book! First off the book is about a graveyard restorer (how often do you see that as a job description?) who sees ghost. Yeah you saw that right she works in a graveyard and yet sees ghost however, she pretends to not see them in order to protect herself. The problem she runs into Devlin who is haunted (has his own ghost that are attached to him) and she has a major attraction to. Things get weird from there. There is a dead body, a secret society, ghost, a mystery, more dead bodies, and well the mystery between what Devlin is doing to Amelia and how that is affecting her.

Review ~ After the Virus by Meghan Ciana Doidge

TITLE: After the Virus
AUTHOR: Meghan Ciana Doidge
COPYRIGHT: 5/2011
TYPE: Urban Fantasy is what I put
PAGES: 300
SERIES:  not that I am aware of

REASON FOR READING: I’m a zombie girl I love zombie books, movies, and shows this I thought was a zombie book… I was wrong

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

After the virus decimates 99.9% of the world’s population, and all traces of humanity along with it, Rhiannon and Will are forced to move beyond their past fame, fortune, and personal demons to rescue a mute girl from the clutches of two warring cults

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Strangely enough I liked this book until the last 3 chapters. I don’t know what happened maybe it was too long, maybe it was too predictable, I’m not sure what it was but I just lost interest in this book by then. I will say that I enjoyed getting to know the characters I enjoyed Rhiannon she was a tough girl who fought her way through unspeakable horrors. Sometimes she was too tough and ran instead of staying to fight, and fought instead of running so I had a little bit of issues there. But, otherwise I enjoyed her character I also enjoy the male character he fought for what he wanted to keep and didn’t give a damn about anything else which was refreshing. He was a good guy who only wanted good things. Can’t fault a man for that or at least I can’t fault a man for that.

The villain was well stupid he was a guy who any way you will see when you get to the last 3 chapters. Other than that I really had no complaints about the book. It was a good read, quick and easy. It had likable characters with an ok villain but still an interesting plot.

Review ~ Insight by Jamie Magee

TITLE: Insight
AUTHOR: Jamie Magee
COPYRIGHT: 7/10/2010

PAGES: 314
TYPE: fantasy
SERIES:  yes book 1

Insight
Embody

REASON FOR READ:
Accidently read book 1 first and couldn’t make heads or tails of it so decided to move on to the first one LOL

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Before that fateful summer night, Willow had balanced the insight of emotion, and the vivid images. That night, the figure in her nightmare marked her wrist with a star, giving her father no choice but to tell Willow a family secret that would abruptly change life, as she knew it, forever. Before Willow had time to absorb the shock of her father's secret, her soul mate that had shared every stunning dream with her, found her, and darkness captured her closest friends. In order to save them, she must weave through broken myths and the undeniable power of the Zodiac. In the end, Willow discovers that at the moment of our birth we are all given a divine gift

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Okay memo from me read this book first then move on to the second otherwise you are lost and you will miss out on a fantastic series. The world building is wonderful; the characters had room to grow. There were parts I found a little tiring like we are so powerful and what not over and over and well honestly it was refreshing to find out that they weren’t all big and powerful LOL.

The whole soul mate thing was handled in such a way that I actually appreciated it. I liked how the heroine and hero were unable to protect everyone they loved it is refreshing that they had to experience real pain and loss and yet were able to maintain their individuality through it and still have me sympathizing with them. I liked how Willow was introduced to her new world and the anger she felt towards her family was real and understandable not an overreaction from a teenager that doesn’t know how to deal. Again if I had to pick one negative thing about this book it would be the whole we are powerful and all power and everyone is in total AWE of us and our powers LOL then the whole thing at the end with the little sister was a little off for me but helps with the next book.

 

 Challenges:

Out do Yourself
E-book challenge

Review ~ The Twisted Tale of Stormy Gale by Christine Bell

TITLE: The Twisted Tale of Stormy Gale
AUTHOR: Christine Bell
COPYRIGHT: 4/25/11
TYPE: time-travel (AKA fantasy)
SERIES: nope

REASON FOR READ:
The story sounded interesting and I admit I was curious about a time traveling pirate

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
I'm a time pirate—born in 1810, now a 21st-century woman. I travel through time trying to right wrongs without disrupting the fragile balance between what is and what can never be.
That's why it's vital that I go to 1836 and find the man who conned my brother out of his Time Travel Mechanism as quickly as possible. If the technology falls into the wrong hands, it could change the world as we know it. The notorious Duke of Leister definitely qualifies as the wrong hands. An amateur scientist of the slightly mad variety, he's bound to figure out how to use the TTM sooner rather than later.
I knew this wouldn't be easy. But I wasn't counting on him being as sexy as hell. Or winding up chained to his bed…

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This was a fast, quick read and I have no idea why but I thought it was a full length book. Had I know it was only 30,000 words roughly I would’ve read it sooner.
I liked the characters, loved the background, and I fully admit I am a complete sucker for the romance. Keep in mind there is not a lot of room for character growth or development but with the small amount of room she had Ms. Bell did a great job. I believed the romance, I liked the history of the characters and how they met. And I admit that I liked how it turned out.

The only complaint I have is the book was WAY TO SHORT…



Challenges:
Out Do Yourself
E-book

Review ~ Embody by Jamie Magee

TITLE: Embody

AUTHOR: Jamie Magee
COPYRIGHT: 2011
TYPE: fantasy
SERIES: yes book 2

REASON FOR READ:
Offered on BLB tour thought it sounded interesting

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Not many Scorpio’s are known for their patience, and Willow Haywood is no different. Her only desire is to love Landen Chambers and redeem the lost souls of Esterious, but the path to that desire is long, dark and dangerous...
Before Willow’s life had a chance to balance the sudden revelations and grief she had to endure to get to Chara a disturbing discovery is made. A photo, one that shows Willow blissfully embracing the flawless image of Drake Blakeshire; giving her not only proof that she had lived before, but that she had loved him.
Running away from the memory of Drake’s hypnotizing touch, and the prophecy set before her seemed like the logical thing to do. That is, until a dark dream reignites her passion to save the hopeless dimension of Esterious. Willow struggles to find patience – to learn everything she needs to know before she faces Drake again, but her eagerness is dangerous and one step in the wrong direction takes everything and everyone away from her – the only way to survive this trial is for Willow to remember who she is and what she really wants out of this life. The question is….can she do that

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

First and foremost this book rocks… Secondly you MUST read the first book to understand what in the world is going on. I made the mistake of diving head first into this book without reading the first and was completely lost. Yes it did make sense and yes I caught on but whew I think reading the first would’ve helped me struggle less.

I did enjoy the overall story, the world building, and the characters. Ms. Magee has written a very engaging story and world that makes you feel sympathy to all characters. I enjoyed watching Willow grow and understand what was going on and figure out what she needed in order to survive. She was a fantastic character! The story line kept me hooked and had me wanting more.

This is definitely a series I would like to continue after of course reading the first.

Challenges:
Out do Yourself
E-book challenge

Additional Links: Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours


Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Review~ Frost Moon by Anthony Francis

TITLE: Frost Moon

AUTHOR: Anthony Francis

COPYRIGHT: 3/1/10

TYPE: Urban Fantasy

PAGES: 284

SERIES: Yes book 1

REASON FOR READING: Offered on NetGalley and it looked really interesting!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In an alternate Atlanta where magic is practiced openly, where witches sip coffee at local cafes, shapeshifters party at urban clubs, vampires rule the southern night like gangsters, and mysterious creatures command dark caverns beneath the city, Dakota Frost's talents are coveted by all. She's the best magical tattooist in the southeast, a Skindancer, able to bring her amazing tats to life. When a serial killer begins stalking Atlanta's tattooed elite, the police and the Feds seek Dakota's help. Can she find the killer on the dark fringe of the city's Edgeworld? Among its powerful outcasts and tortured loners, what kind of enemies and allies will she attract? Will they see her as an invader, as a seducer, as an unexpected champion ... or as delicious prey

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Overall I really enjoyed this book which kind of surprises me. At first I wasn't so sure the main character is a 6 foot tall woman with magical tats, a Mohawk and a I'm going to kick your ass mentality that was a little off putting. That is until you get to know her. Dakota Frost is a well known magical tat artist her designs are for lack of a better word incredible. How do I know Mr. Francis describes them in such a way you actually can see them and if his words are any indication I would love a frost bite tat ;)
Dakota is a character that once you get to know you fall in love with her. She only pretends to be tough but has a heart of gold. She is a good artist and can't stand the thought of someone stealing tats on her clients so she is going to do everything she can to help. Even when that gets here sucked in too far.
The plot was fast moving, the world was very creative, and the characters are unforgettable. There is a mystery here and I thought the ending/killer was done very nicely in fact I couldn't see it coming which was a nice twist for me.


THINGS I LIKED:
- I loved the characters I thought they were not only interesting but fun. They all had quirks and flaws which was very interesting. I also liked that Dakota was tough but not so tough to realize that she could be knocked down a peg or too.
- The plot was very interesting and kept my attention through out. I love the idea of magical tattoos in society and people are okay with that. The underground was interesting. Mr. Francis has made a world where magic exist and people are okay with it. The rules are followed throughout and nothing breaks them.
- There were a couple of times I was struck with "how in the hell is she going to get out of this one" moments and yet she did but in a believable way. Nothing happened that I didn't sit back and go huh well that does make sense I mean I would hope I thought of that...

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- The only real issue I had with this book was the constant lovers and attraction Dakota had to everyone she had her ex-lover a vampire leader (female), she thought the FBI guy was hawt, she thought the werewolf was hawt etc.... I'm glad she didn't turn into a screw everyone in sight kind of girl or the review would be different.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping I really enjoyed the writing style and characters I can’t wait to see what will happen next for Dakota

Would you recommend this book? YES if you enjoy Urban Fantasy this is the book for you

Challenges:

Out Do Yourself

E-book

NetGalley

Reviewing Next:

Unquiet Dreams by Mark Del Franco

Review ~ The Dragons Saga: Legend of the Oceina Dragon by J.F. Jenkins

TITLE: The Dragons Saga: Legend of the Oceina Dragon

AUTHOR: J.F. Jenkins
COPYRIGHT: 2/21/11
TYPE: y/a fantasy
PAGES: unknown with kindle
SERIES: I’m going with yes

REASON FOR READING: Offered on BLB Tour thought it looked interesting plus I love Dragons!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Darien Oceina is the youngest son of the Great Dragon Lord of the Water. For years he's loved and cherished Tai Dawson from afar. Tai is a simple, ordinary girl who doesn't even know Darien exists. On his eighteenth birthday, he chooses her as his wife. But there’s one problem: She thinks his choice means she's going to be offered as a sacrifice to the Dragon Lord, but instead, she’s forced to move to his home, far away, to give up her life and be his bride.
When she first sees Darien after the ceremony, she doesn’t expect to feel anything but hatred toward him. The two are struggling with the complications of a new marriage when their nation is attacked by a rival dragon species. Together they learn to love one another while they struggle to stay one step ahead in a game where the prize is their survival

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This book had a lot of potential and I was really shocked that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I found the heroine a little no scratch that really immature. She was offered as a sacrifice to the Dragons which she did props to her. She misses her mom I get that but the night of the sacrifice she sees a really HAWT guy and has sex. Then blames him repeatedly over and over that she is just a glorified breeding tool. She won’t listen to him and she doesn’t believe what he says even though she went into it willingly. I get she is young and so is the hero but, she is wish washy to me. One moment she comments on how nice he was the next she is screaming at him for screwing her when she didn’t need him.

It was a weird combo for me and not something I enjoyed. Now please keep in mind that I am not a strong Y/A reader and it takes A LOT for me to enjoy a y/a book b/c the hero or heroine repeatedly get immature or selfish on me and that annoys the crap out of me. Other than the heroine who couldn’t connect with I found the story to be very entertaining. I love the dragon aspect and the world building that was done with this plot. I would love to read more about this world and would probably enjoy reading about the brothers and their mates or even the mother and father story.

The diary part was the best for me I have to admit that I really enjoyed those scenes and watching Darien come to grips with some heavy information. All in all it wasn’t my favorite but that was simply due to the heroine and not connecting. Where she didn’t connect with me she might with others so I would still recommend this book especially if you enjoy reading Y/A books.

Challenges:
Out Do Yourself Challenge
E-book Challenge





Additional Links: Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours


Disclaimer:


Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Review ~ Snowball in Hell by Josh Lanyon

TITLE: Snowball in Hell

AUTHOR: Josh Lanyon

COPYRIGHT: 2011

TYPE: M/M mystery/romance
PAGES: 191
SERIES: yes apparently this is book one!

****Leave a comment and you could win a copy of any book off my giveaway shelf!****

REASON FOR READ:
Love me some Josh Lanyon and I thought the book sounded interesting

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
It's 1943 and the world is at war. Journalist Nathan Doyle has just returned home from North Africa--still recovering from wounds received in the Western Desert Campaign--when he's asked to cover the murder of a society blackmailer.
Lt. Matthew Spain of the LAPD homicide squad hates the holidays since the death of his beloved wife a few months earlier, and this year isn’t looking much cheerier what with the threat of attack by the Japanese and a high-profile homicide investigation. Matt likes Nathan; maybe too much.


If only he didn’t suspect that Nathan had every reason to commit murder.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit that I am relatively new to the M/M genre that being said I don’t branch out much. Mr. Lanyon is one that I auto buy or try to get every time. In fact his Adrien English series is one of my favorite and the first I’d ever read in this genre. Fan girl squeal over…

Okay I don’t think I ever really thought about how hard it had to be for people in the 40’s or earlier to be different. And by different I mean to follow in love with someone of the same sex. I guess since I’ve grown up with gay and lesbian friends and have been around it a lot I never gave any thoughts to how hard it must have been for people who couldn’t come out over fear of death, beatings, or losing their jobs. To me while they are still fighting to be accepted it has never really sank in at what others before this generation has had to go through.

That being said this book really helped me to open my eyes about it. Mr. Lanyon has painted a world at work in 1943. His two main characters are war weary and tired. Lt. Spain was injured in the war and sent home to his wife who died from cancer recently. During the war he discovered that while he loved his wife he was happier with men. Nathan on the other hand has always know that he prefers men to women. Out of both of these men I felt sorry for Nathan who only wants love but due to society can’t get it, can’t have it in the open without fear, and it appears at times feels he doesn’t deserve it.

The way these two come together is interesting Nathan is a reporter and Matt is a police officer. A murder has been committed that Nathan is covering and discovers that the deceased happens to be someone he saw last alive. But, does he tell Matt this information? Nope. He then goes all Adrien on me and tries to solve the murders on his own. In the meantime Matt tries to protect him while also solving the murder.

The mystery was interesting there were a lot of suspects and it was fun to watch them get crossed off only to be brought back later. I was guessing toward the end and happily I did not guess right (I hate figuring these things out it ruins it for me). I really enjoyed this book.

If I had any complaints it would be that it was too short and the next one isn’t coming out tomorrow!

Favorite Quotes:
Jonesy said, “Lot of things could go wrong with that plan. The fact is the kidnappers might never have received the money.” “It was their plan,” Bob said. “We didn’t get a vote. We had to do it their way.” ~ Not sure on the page due to kindle but I loved how it shows the style of writing Mr. Lanyon has.

Challenges:
Out Do Yourself Challenge
E-book Challenge
Netgalley Review



Reviewing Next:
Wickedly Charming by Kristine Grayson

Review ~ Wayward by Ashley Girardi

TITLE:Wayward
AUTHOR: Ashley Girardi
COPYRIGHT:3/27/11
TYPE: I'm going to go with y/a fantasy...
PAGES:157 on the kindle
SERIES:yes book 1 in 3 I believe

****Win a copy of this book by leaving a comment****

REASON FOR READING: Was offered on BLB Tours so I jumped at the chance to read it!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Born without magic, seventeen-year-old Helena “Hex” Wayward is an embarrassment to her power-hungry relatives.
As the weakest member of the world’s most deadly magical family, Hex learns early how to avoid confrontation. There’s no defending herself against an errant curse or the pit-demon that her cousins like to summon during family reunions.
When the dark magic inside of her -- magic that she never dreamt even existed -- erupts in a violent display, it kills a member of a rival family.
Now, Hex's family hopes to use her magic for their own sinister purposes and their enemies just want her dead. Abandoning her magic will leave Hex defenseless but she's seen how quickly power corrupts even the best intentions.
Caught between the seductive sorcerer who wants her power for his own and the forbidden love of a human boy, Hex has to make a choice:
Save her life or save her soul.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This book had me confused at first then somehow I looked up and I was done 3 hours later. It moved with a wonderful pace, the plot began to pick up, and finally the mystery sucked me in and I had no choice but to sit back and enjoy.

This book completely took me by surprise I was rooting for Hex and at the same time I could sympathize with her which is very unusual for me especially since she was a 17 year old girl. Hex was a real person though she was written in such a way that I wanted to get to know her better, to help her, but most of all I was rooting for her. The best part she didn't do anything TSTL which is a blessing b/c it is getting harder and harder to find solid written y/a books whose females aren't Bella from Twilight (I shall die if the creepy vampire or the love of my life isn't with me.) Hex isn't one of those. She isn't a whiner she is someone in a very difficult position trying to stay alive and have a someone normal life.
This world is very different than what I expected it was a cross between Black Jewels (how dark and dangerous everyone was and figuring out who you can trust if anyone) and Laurell K Hamilton's Meredith Gentry series. Either way Ms. Girardi scored for me and I have to say I can not personally wait until the next one comes out and I really, really, really hope that I get a chance to read it *wink wink*


****You can win a copy of this book by leaving a comment****

Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches E-book Tours and a copy was provided by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches E-book Tours, i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Review ~ The Survivors by Amanda Harvard

TITLE: The Survivors

AUTHOR: Amanda Harvard
COPYRIGHT: 3/29/11
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 283
SERIES: Yes book 1

REASON FOR READING: Look really good and I was itching to buy something with my kindle

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In 1692, when witch trials gripped the community of Salem, Massachusetts, twenty-six children were accused as witches, exiled, and left for dead. Fourteen of them survived.
The Survivors is the first installment of the tantalizing tales of the fourteen ill-fated Survivors and their descendants, who have been content in hiding for over three centuries. Isolated on a Montana mountainside, only Sadie, the rogue daughter, dares to abandon the family's sacred hiding place. But no matter how far Sadie runs, something always pulls her back.
On a muggy summer night in Tennessee, she witnesses a shocking scene that will change her life forever. It is the first in a sequence of events that will drag her from the human world she's sought to belong to for over a century and send her back to her Puritanical family and into an uncertain future filled with cunning witches, mysterious nosferatu shape-shifters, dangerous eretica and vieczy vampires, millennia-old mythology, and the search for her own mortality. After all...
HOW DO YOU KILL A SURVIVOR?
The Survivors will steal your heart and invade your mind. Fall into the pages of Sadie's life, a world so frighteningly similar to your own, you'll find yourself wanting to go to the Montana mountains to find the Survivors for yourself.
And it is only the beginning

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

The book was slow and confusing at parts then at other parts it was information overload HOLY CRAP. There were times I was flipping back through the pages hoping I could remember where that quote was and MY GOD at the end I was so lost and yet so interested I basically had to re-read half the story all over again. But, that is a good thing b/c usually when a book is slow I lose interest. This book however, had it all love, mythology, magic, action, mystery, and travel. Who could ask for more?

THINGS I LIKED:
- I enjoyed the overall story line I thought it was very interesting and the characters kept me interested enough to continue reading. I wanted to know who the Winters were I wanted to know how you could kill a Survivor.
- I loved the love story and how sweet they were:
Ex: He didn’t say much, but he held me closer and closer as he made his way up one arm and down the other until he had kissed every single scar. It was the most intimate experience I had ever had. I was so vulnerable like that, my secrets exposed. But he didn’t pull away in fear, and he hadn’t been repulsed. Instead he took great care to show me how these scars hut him too, and how he cared for me –scars and all.

I seriously fell in love with him all over b/c wow what a great moment.
-I loved that the hero and heroine had never had sex before and were very modest they didn’t want to unless it was with a special person. And can I say in fact they did not have sex in this story and I was happy to be able to read something with SEX being the main point. It was refreshing for once!

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

There were so many different mythological creatures I had a hard time keeping everything straight on what was important to the story and what I could forget.

- I seriously got sick of all the name brand crap the author used. I get it they have money and they wear expensive crap I don’t care. It was like reading JR Ward again without the gangsta talk

Ex: He looked like he was pulled straight from the pages of editorial ads in Vogue – Ralph Lauren Black Label, maybe Prada, or even some of the more subdued Dolce and Gabbana. His jeans were nice and dark but worn in – Dolce, I was pretty sure – and fitted. And he had on a crisp white Dior dress shirt. He’d removed his chocolate velvet sport coat – I recognized it from Ferragmo’s fall catalogue from the year I came to Nashville…

I DON’T CARE get over it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Right now I’m holding on to it and I will purchase the next one which will determine if I keep this one or not.

Would you recommend this book? Yes it had some flaws but all in all it was an engaging story.

Favorite Quotes: The quote with the scars my gosh that was beautiful.

Challenges:
Out Do Yourself Challenge
Ebook Challenge

Reviewing Next:
The Discovery of Socket Grenny by Tony Bertauski

Review ~ Wayward Soul by Kim Bowman

TITLE: Wayward Soul
AUTHOR: Kim Bowman
COPYRIGHT: 2/15/11
TYPE: paranormal romance
PAGES: 57
SERIES: not that I know of

REASON FOR READING: Saw it offered on the BLB tour and it looked interesting

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
When Zanna Seoul accidentally causes the death of a fellow spirit guide’s charge while trying to save the life of the man she loves, she is stripped of her position and banished to Earth to die. In the spirit world, one doesn’t mess with what’s written. With Zanna no longer guiding him and his memory of her erased, Owen Nash is left wide open as the target of the vengeful spirit guide who feels he’s been wronged. A guide who also happens to be a werewolf. Once on Earth, Zanna refuses to stand by and watch Owen die, so she intervenes again, setting off a chain of events that could mean death for all of them if she doesn’t go back and undo the mess she’s made. Can Zanna succeed before the werewolf does

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Okay keep in mind this book is literally 57 pages. But in that 57 pages you learn of a culture, a world that didn’t exist, punishment if you break the laws, love and a couple of near death experiences that make it all somehow a very interesting yet quick read. Seriously I actually enjoyed it.

I liked the world that was lightly touched on. It had just enough that I grasped what was occurring but didn’t overload me where the story got lost.

The characters were fleshed out as well as one can be for 57 pages. I liked the way it worked between a spirit guide and a mortal

The ending was a little ugh with the epilogue and no I won’t ruin it for you.

Dislikes: the shortness of the story didn’t leave it much room and would have been a fantastic story fleshed out more.

The villain was seriously a villain for no other reason than that and well I thought it would’ve been cooler with a better back story but hey she only had 57 pages LOL I can’t ask for more right?

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Sure I’d re-read it

Would you recommend this book? Yeah it was quick and cute

Challenges:
Out Do Yourself
E-book Challenge
BLB Tour





Additional Links:Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours

Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Review ~ The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

TITLE: The Restorer
AUTHOR: Amanda Stevens
COPYRIGHT: 5/1/11
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 384
SERIES: Yes the first in a series

REASON FOR READING: The summary just looked amazing! I had to have it

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.


It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer—and to his other victims—lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I was beyond surprised at how much I loved this book! First off the book is about a graveyard restorer (how often do you see that as a job description?) who sees ghost. Yeah you saw that right she works in a graveyard and yet sees ghost however, she pretends to not see them in order to protect herself. The problem she runs into Devlin who is haunted (has his own ghost that are attached to him) and she has a major attraction to. Things get weird from there. There is a dead body, a secret society, ghost, a mystery, more dead bodies, and well the mystery between what Devlin is doing to Amelia and how that is affecting her.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I loved Amelia she was a great character with a twist. She always played it safe until Devlin and now she is stuck in an attraction she knows can’t end well but for the life of her can’t stop. It is actually something I believed in not a we’re madly in love the moment we saw each other thing. Ms. Stevens did an excellent job of making me feel Amelia’s connection to Devlin and his personal struggles

- Did I mention that I loved the job that Amelia has. First off she restores graves and graveyards and she has a blog very cool!

-This book was not a romance but had enough of an attraction to draw me in. Plus I have to admit this book was creepy there were a few nights I had to sleep with the bathroom lights on. Trust when I say that it was creepy and yet it sucked me in and I had to finish it in order to find out who was killing all these people, and why was the killer communicating with Amelia?

-My gosh the author is very poetic I was surprised at how beautiful this author wrote. There were times the description was so well done I felt and smelled the things Amelia was doing and smelling. (Including the goose bumps and freak outs she had!)

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- If I had to pick one thing I didn’t enjoy about this book it would be the root doctor’s slang/talk/mumble stuff I had to skim past it the accent was bad.

-Other than that and the whole secret society plot line that you will have to read about in order to understand I loved this book!!!!

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Yeah this is a must re-read especially when the next one comes out!

Would you recommend this book? I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone looking for a good thriller/creepy feeling book with an excellent mystery!

Favorite Quotes:
Scorching fingers of sunrise began to creep over the horizon. A mild breeze stirred the palmetto fronds and deepened the scent of the magnolia blossoms that peeked like roosting doves from nests of dark, glossy leaves. Pg. 99 I believe? My kindle notes and I don’t get along!

This is when Amelia describes Devlin: secretive eyes and brooding demeanor were powerful libations to a closet romantic like me. In spite of his modern trappings, he had an old-world air about him. An intoxicating fusion of Byron, Bronte and Poe with a modern twist. And like the fictional creations of the aforementioned, he had a deadly weakness. He was a haunted man. ~ Love it!! Want to say page 11 I might be wrong bear with me on the kindle notes.



Challenges:
Out Do Yourself Challenge
E-book Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Wayward Soul by Kim Bowman

Review ~ Switched by Amanda Hocking

TITLE: Switched
AUTHOR: Amanda Hocking
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: YA fantasy/romance
PAGES: 304
SERIES: Yes I think there are 3

REASON FOR READING: I got a Kindle and this was SUPER cheap so I thought as a first purchase it would be interesting.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Man the concept blew me out of the water. Trolls that are beautiful and powerful the catch they are changelings which really threw me b/c I associate those with fairy for some reason. So needless to say the plot had me at page one. The sad part was Wendy she is 17 ½ and I get that her mother tried to kill her b/c she knew deep down she wasn’t human. I get that and I get that you realize yourself you just don’t fit in. That beings said can you whine any more about how unfair life is that you’re a troll, that you don’t belong, oh and hell you’re a princess how sucky is that…

Yep keep that pace throughout the second part of the book. Then enter Finn the dashing young tracker who sends our little princesses heart all a pitter patter. So much so she turns into Bella in Twilight where she is so OBESSED she can’t see straight, she can’t think and GOD forbid she listens to anyone that this isn’t going to go well. Needless to say this book had some wonderful things and some things that reminded me that while YA is good it’s not something I should read regularly.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I LOVED the world-building it blew my mind the way it was set up. I can tell there are still more twist and turns coming in the next few books but as of now I’m digging the world.

- I like the concept of changelings and how Wendy doesn’t approve of them. I think that had she been loved by her mother then she might be different but I see her point and I like how that was incorporated.

- I actually like pretty much all of the characters minus Wendy at times. I really couldn’t connect with her but the other characters were fascinating enough to hold my attention.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- Wendy and the whining that being said I work with teenagers regularly so I understand how they are. Which might be why I just can’t take it all the time especially when I’m reading to escape.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing

Would you recommend this book? I actually would and have so far recommended this book to the YA readers out there and to some friends who enjoy great world-building




Challenges:
Out Do Yourself
E-book challenge

Reviewing Next:
Not sure hoping either book 2 in this series or Unshapely Things a re-read.

Review ~ Planning to Live by Heather Wardell

First let me be clear I absolutely love Heather as an author. She has become my number one must buy author which is shocking b/c Anne Bishop, Nalini Singhi, Grace Burrowes and Jim Butcher used to compete for number one. They have been knocked out by Heather.


Now moving on... This will not be a typical Sarai review b/c this is a very deep book. A very emotional book for me that touched me deeply and has also opened my eyes. So I am going to start with my back story so that you can understand why this book affected me so emotionally.

Very rarely do I ever connect with a character in a book. Usually I can sit back detached and judge the character, roll my eyes, maybe I get lucky and can sympathize with a character but NEVER have I ever related to a character as deeply as I did with Rhiannon.

First off I am over weight and no it’s not something random that I just decided on or no I’m not happy with my looks because I’m only 10 pounds overweight and well I hate that little bit of flab. No I am seriously obese. You wouldn’t know how much I weigh if I didn’t tell you but trust me when Rhiannon talks about how much she weighs at 5’10 I almost stopped right there b/c I weight that at 5’3. Rhiannon is OBSESSED with her weight she is beyond Obsessed down to the point of hating herself. Let me tell you that some days I am there with her oh heck who am I kidding most days I am down there with her. The difference between Rhiannon and myself is her Obsession has led her to set goals and MY GOD did the woman succeed when she set some goals. I on the other hand get beyond frustrated when something does work so I stop. That simple I stop caring, what would it matter anyway, whose going to care, it’s not like anyone likes me now as I am kind of thing.

Rhiannon thought everything I did but she was motivated to do something about it even when that wasn’t working. The sad part during all that obsessing about her weight and looks she forgot to live her life and because of that she missed out on a lot. I’m the same way. I can’t tell you how many times I refused to go somewhere (beaches, pool parties, dancing, out with a guy) simply b/c I was too big or I didn’t want to be the biggest one at the party ect. I hate clothes shopping right now because nothing fits. I hate going to bars because the guys only want to date and flirt with the skinny girls but with me they want to hang. All of this got worse after my divorce my limited self-esteem went down the drain. I became angry at myself for not trying so I would try only to become angry at myself for not losing weight, to turn around and be angry that I quit. It was and is a vicious cycle. This vicious cycle of anger and hate that Rhiannon and hundreds of other women out there can relate to.

Well not anymore after finishing this book I cried. Yes I bawled OMG it hurt so bad to know that this character who isn’t real was able to figure out that it is the journey not the destination that matters. And for some reason I never grasped that concept. My whole life it has been – life will get better when I’m thinner, the one I am meant to be with will come to me when I’m thinner, I will be happy once I lose this weight… and yet I still would quietly ask why can’t I be happy now?

SO no more through this book and reading what Rhiannon’s life was like I realize just how much I am missing out by not getting out there. By constantly worrying about my looks and weight I am missing out on spending time with those I love. Not to mention how many times they have to hear how fat I am when they love me know matter what. They see me as beautiful when all I see is ugly tell me where this is fair? It’s not fair to them nor me and it is strange to me that I could learn all this from a character in a book. And because of that character my life is already changing. I finished this book on Wed of last week and all I could do Thursday was think about it. Because of all that thinking I have already agreed to go to places I normally would’ve said no to. I am agreeing to things I would’ve passed on and I am meeting everyone with a confident smile on my face. Every day I am getting a little better but every time I start to judge myself or get down I think of Planning to Live and I realize that its time to stop planning to live its time to start living.

So thank you Heather! I know I’ve turned into a fan girl and I squeal a lot about you, I also know that I completely over shared but I wanted to tell everyone what this one book has done in my life and encourage them to try give it a try as well.

Alright on a happier note HEATHER will be here tomorrow on the blog answering questions so don’t forget to stop by and if you are interested in purchasing Planning To Live you can pick it up here:




Or if you leave a comment tomorrow you can enter a chance to win a copy on me.

Reveiw ~ Danann Falls From Grace by Joanne Valiukas

TITLE: Danann Frost Falls From Grace

AUTHOR: Joanne Valiukas

COPYRIGHT: 1/21/2010

TYPE: Paranormal Romance

PAGES: 402 (I read the E-book version)
SERIES:
Yes I believe there will be a second one.

REASON FOR READ: Offered on Book Lovin’ Bitches and thought it sounded interesting

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Danann Frost is thousands of years old, yet young for her kind. She is a creature of the Light, an Angel, one of the Seraphim; a race of beings that live beyond our world. She has been cast out of paradise and Fallen from Grace, all for the love of a Dark One - a vampire. The only problem is, Seth did not want her and told her to go and not come back. Danann has made a life for herself amongst the vampires of this world and they protect her fragile nature. She and the vampire Asher live on the fringes of the human world; love and loyalty cannot separate them but trouble and vengeance are on their way. After two hundred years of enduring the crippling punishments of her Fall, Seth walks back into her life but he is bitter and angry and out for revenge. Thank God he is after someone else...or is he? Can Danann escape the dark intentions of her once-beloved for whom she Fell from Grace, or has she put all those that she holds dear in danger? Journey with Danann as she takes the path to taking back her Light and ascending to be Angel once more. Will the Archangel Uriel surrender her Light or will Danann be doomed to walk in darkness forever

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
First take a vampire (aka Dark one) throw in a an Angel who does have human modesty and you have the plot give or take. The fact that Seth (aka dark one) thinks that Danann (aka angel) is a goddess (hence the name) and that Danann is really an angel but doesn’t tell Seth makes a pretty good love problem. Also throw in that Danann cannot be with Seth unless she falls from grace which she does (hence the title) Danann gets a rude awakening because falling isn’t anything like she images.

This story takes us all over the place during lots of different times. Danann is cursed there is betrayal and hurt and well after all love but can it conquer is basically the whole plot. This is a character driven book so if you don’t like the characters you are going to be in trouble.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I did like the aspect of a vampire and angel love which is why I picked this book to begin with. I am obsessed with Angels and I love any story that has to do with them. I also liked the idea that someone from the light can fall in love with someone who is supposed to be dark.
- There is wonderful mix of mythology and own creation in this story that makes it unique besides the angel and vampire mix. The vampire lore is different and to me so was some of the angel lore that I’ve come to read. Making this a well-built fleshed out world building… well world.
- I did enjoy the fact that two men were introduced and the fact that character loved each one in her own way. I knew who I wanted her to end up with but I also appreciated the whole falling in love in different ways.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- OMG seriously a cliff hanger I could’ve done without I wanted my HEA I needed my HEA after reading this book. It has A LOT of details. Other than that little bit (but important) note I did enjoy the book.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? keeping

Would you recommend this book? Yes if you like sweeping romance novels and a unique background this is for you. However, if you want a HEA not for you.

Challenges:

E-book Challenge

Out do Yourself Challenge

Author Info:
http://joannevaliukas.com/

You can purchase this book here:



Reviewing Next:
Planning to Live by Heather Wardell

Review ~ Seven Exes are Eight too Many by Heather Wardell

TITLE: Seven exes are eight too many
AUTHOR: Heather Wardell
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: E-book Contemporary Romance
PAGES: 276
SERIES:
No not that I am aware of

REASON FOR READ: I absolutely adored Go Small or Go Home so I was thrilled to give this one a try

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
The fiercely private Madeleine-Cora Spencer is the last person who should be on a reality TV show, but when she's shunned by a friend's new wife because "you can't trust desperate single women" her pain and humiliation drive her straight to the "Find Your Prince" dating show's web site. Armed with date-appropriate clothes and a detailed game plan she arrives to meet her potential loves, only to be dumped... on a remote island with seven ex-boyfriends. Seven exes! Could this be any worse?

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Wow I was once again impressed with this book. It wasn't nearly as emotional as the first one I read by Heather but it was just as engaging. I loved the premises of the book and the question of what if you were trapped with 7 of your exes and everything you did or said was filmed. How would you feel? And what if one of the exes was the one that got away due to a stupid mistake? I thought Heather did a nice job juggling 9 plus personalities where you had enough to judge them and feel as if you got to know enough of them and the ones that you didn't care about you still got to know them. It was nice without being too much. I enjoyed both the H/H and the extras LOL if that makes sense (and it would if you read it)

THINGS I LIKED:
- Uh hello the whole freaking plot EXCELLENT who in the world would want to be trapped on an island with their exes? Could you? I think not. This had it all fighting, crying, laughing, bonding, growth *sigh* yeah a good plot.
- I enjoyed the men which is strange b/c at first I felt horrible for MC being trapped with them but, then I watched as they matured and as MC matured and wow I just liked them all. I am kind of sad none of my exes would be like that LOL they would actually try to kill me.
- I liked that the main character learned from her mistakes GOD it took a while but she was able to learn from past mistakes and to make things better.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I hated, hated that MC wouldn’t forgive KENT for the love of GOD woman give it up already LORD help me I get it. You have secrets, you’re a private person, he betrayed (in a very stupid way) GET OVER IT. Ok rant done.
-Side rant. Seriously how could she not know that Kent THREW the damn contest so she could talk to her dad? Serioiusly?!?!

Are you keeping it or passing it on? duh keeping!

Would you recommend this book? Actually I highly recommend pretty much whatever this author writes. I have only read 3 of her books but she is a must buy/read author for me!

Favorite Quotes:
The usual Las Vegas airport crowds bustled around us, and people kept eying me, the lone female in a group of men, then nudging their companions and whispering, no doubt trying to figure out who I was to have such an entourage. Someone who was pure evil in a past life, apparently, if I deserved all this. Pg 8

Plain rice with no seasoning except the odd little bug with a death wish. Fabulous. Pg. 21

Author Webpage: http://www.heatherwardell.com/

You can purchase the book here:


Challenges:E-book Challenge
Out do Yourself Challenge

Reviewing Next:Planning to Live by Heather Wardell


Anything else?
******EDITED******
Yes!!! Don't forget that Heather had a new book which came out on the 24th of last month (sorry about he confusion!) and I will for sure be picking this up!

"Stir Until Thoroughly Confused"

Mary's given up everything, including an unsatisfying marriage, to
become a chef. But the career comes with a side dish: Kegan, her sexy
but controlling new boss.

They're soon in a relationship, and in all-too-frequent arguments, and
when it becomes clear they can't work together and be together Mary
faces a dilemma: keep her dream job or her dream man?

Review ~ Go small or Go Home by Heather Wardell

TITLE: Go Small or Go Home
AUTHOR: Heather Wardell
COPYRIGHT: March 2010
TYPE: Contemporary Romance
PAGES: 164 give or take on your e-reader
SERIES: Nope

REASON FOR READ: Heather contacted me to see if I would be interested in reading and of course I said yes!!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
When massage therapist and aspiring artist Tess begins treating stressed but attractive hockey star Forrest, her art career soars due to his gallery-owning mother, but her creativity plummets under the weight of rules and deadlines. Soon, she's lost the freedom and joy she'd always found in art. Is having her dream career worth losing doing her art her way, or can she somehow have both at once?



THOUGHTS/OPINION:

First and foremost I am very honest about my reviews if something doesn't work for me I will let you know. This was not the case. I ADORED this book which is shocking considering that I usually don't like contemporary romance novels very well. Something about the summary hooked me and I couldn't say no. Then once I began to read HOLY MOLEY I was hooked. Tess is wonderful, Forrest is wonderful, Jen is wonderful, Pam becomes wonderful and well I think that was all the "Main" type characters although the secondary cast was great. This book did it all for me. I had the H/H meet and build their relationship (there was no I love you on the first sight) they started slowly. It had me crying with the sibling aspect (seriously bawling like a baby) it had me on the friend level with Jen, on the the job level and stress level with Tess. Needless to say everything worked for me with this book. NO COMPLAINTS... and well that's rare let's just say that.

It appears the older I get the more complaints I start to have with books. Any who that's neither here nor there so moving on.

THINGS I LIKED:

- Loved, loved, loved the hockey aspect. I'm not sure if Heather is a hockey fan or not but damn girl you make me want to be one. GEEZ I was getting into imaginary games... think about that for a second... yeah that's how in detail they were.

- Miniatures... not something one should care about but I found myself wanting to buy some of the ones that Tess made. Hell I want the one that she sent off to a person I won't mention to not give it away but HOLY MAN I want. And yeah normally not into them...

-Loved the team aspect of hockey players and how that worked with Tess and Forrest I absolutely loved the interactions as they became more comfortable with Tess. And can I just say that Guitar Hero was mentioned and yeah won me over with that... Oh and puck bunnies never heard of them before (I live in KS there is no hockey here although based on the weather this winter there should be.)
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

- If I had to pick one thing I didn't like it would be the way that Tess handled the stress with the art dealer. Now that being said I understood why she did it I just wish she would've come to her decision a lot sooner instead of fighting it for so long. Enough said I just got to the point that Tess became my girl and well it drove me insane that she struggled with the issue for so long. Okay seriously I'm done now.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? KEEPING!!! Well it is an E-book but it is definately one I shall re-read later!

Would you recommend this book?  Yes and so far I have to 3 people plus all of you!!!

Challenges:
Ebook Challenge
Out Do Yourself Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Another Heather book! 7 exes are 8 too many!

Author's Website
http://www.heatherwardell.com/

You can purchase this book here:


Anything else?
Yes!!! Heather has a new book coming out on the 24th and I will for sure be picking this up!

"Stir Until Thoroughly Confused"

Mary's given up everything, including an unsatisfying marriage, to
become a chef. But the career comes with a side dish: Kegan, her sexy
but controlling new boss.

They're soon in a relationship, and in all-too-frequent arguments, and
when it becomes clear they can't work together and be together Mary
faces a dilemma: keep her dream job or her dream man?

Review ~ Spiral X by JJ Westerndarp

TITLE: Spiral X
AUTHOR: J J Westerndarp
COPYRIGHT: 10/29/10
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 201
SERIES: yes book 2 in progress
REASON FOR READ:.

Book Lovin’ Bitches had it available for Ebook Tour

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Cheryl Erikson is a Vampire Hunter with a problem. A dangerous new drug named Plast has found its way onto the streets of Dallas. She would prefer to let the DEA and local law enforcement handle everything, but since the dealers also happen to be vampires, she has no choice but to step in and put a stop to it.


With the help of her best friend Virgil and a fellow Hunter named Tank, Cheryl must work to eradicate Plast from the streets of Dallas. It's a task that becomes more difficult as she comes under the gun, quite literally, from a contract out on her head. Coupled with a nosy police detective looking to peg her for a triple homicide, and a sudden interest in her activities from a powerful vampire recently arrived in the area, it's enough to force her to accept help from the least likely of sources, a mysterious Hunter named Rev. Through him, everything she thinks she knows, and everything she stands for, is challenged in ways she never imagined


THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I am kind of mixed on this book. Half of me likes it while the other half didn’t. This book feels like a bag of contradictions. One moment Cheryl is all bad ass the next she isn’t. At the beginning there was no mention of her psychic abilities and yet they all the sudden appear in the middle of the book. There is also a lot of telling us what is going on what Cheryl is thinking instead of showing us different things. In fact a lot of the time it felt as if Cheryl was taking a step to the side to explain to us the reader what was happening then stepping back into the scene.

At other times she would break up with someone b/c she couldn’t trust them and yet she was a Hunter and wouldn’t tell anyone about that so again that walking contradiction and higher standards. I also didn’t like how everything was tied up too nicely, too neatly, too easy to explained. Cheryl is beaten within an inch of her life but yet manages to be healed in a way I don’t understand . It just didn’t work for me.

Now that being said I did still like the book. I liked the interactions between people. I enjoyed watching Cheryl be badass but throw up b/c she knew she had taken it too far. I liked the overall story and plot a drug has gotten out on the streets making people act like animals and its Cheryl’s job to figure out who is supplying it and how to make it stop. I do like Cheryl’s over all personality and she did say some funny things. Ex: It did creep me out a little bit, but my life was already a veritable smorgasbord of things which crept one out. Why not add one more. Pg. 89.

I also liked the way Vampires were explained and how they were made that was a nice twist on the story and how to kill a vamp was interesting. I did enjoy how they are formed and really liked it. And like I stated before there are a lot of multi-cultural backgrounds working in this story which is refreshing.

All in all not a bad book but not a winner for me.

Favorite Quotes:

It did creep me out a little bit, but my life was already a veritable smorgasbord of things which crept one out. Why not add one more. Pg. 89.

Challenges:
Outdo Yourself
Ebook Challenge

Author Info:
http://jjwestendarp.blogspot.com/

Where to purchase book:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004A14QAA/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=9780615417400

Additional Links:
Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours

Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Review ~ Mojo by Kris Sedersten

TITLE: Mojo
AUTHOR: Kris Sedersten
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 268 give or take Ebook
SERIES: No

REASON FOR READ:
I signed up for it on BLB

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
When Scottie Brown, a New Orleans college student, is aggressively haunted by vivid nightmares and daytime apparitions, he begins a search for answers; unwittingly putting himself and those closest to him in a confrontation with evil. To defeat the energy that torments him, he recruits a team of paranormal investigators, friends from high school, and a psychic medium. Together, they pursue the ghosts of Scottie's ancestors in a haunted plantation deep in the Louisiana countryside. They uncover dark family secrets and the spiritual energy of a malevolent patriarch who projects an unholy prophecy that has deadly consequenes for all mankind. The power of an elusive mojo amulet becomes central to fighting Scottie's demons as the journey through the haunted mansion, filled with twists and turns, takes on a life of its own against time. Mojo is a fast-paced paranormal mystery-thriller. Edgy and fun, this book will show the reader how having faith in a power greater than ourselves will lift us through even the most unforseeable obstacles in life

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I thought the plot was excellent the story was interesting enough to hold my attention. I enjoyed learning the twists and turns the story was taking. Had the characters had more growth to them I might have really enjoyed it. I felt at times we were feed too much information. Almost too easily like when Scottie discovers who his real father was it was almost too easy to figure out. Not to mention that his mother knew all along what his father was involved with so there was no great mystery behind it. And just in case so did Scottie's best friend from simply reading the paper. I almost was annoyed that EVERYONE but him knew who his father was when it was that simple to figure out. I think that this was a good first novel and I can't wait to read the next.
THINGS I LIKED:
- I liked the culture that was brought in. Scottie had a mixed racial heritage and so did his girlfriend. Not to mention the story takes place in New Orleans which was a nice mix and brought in more heritage and culture. It was refreshing.
- I liked the magic, plot and world building. While I felt somethings were too easy and fit too nicely I did find other twists and turns to be exciting.
- I enjoyed the ghost hunting and Nebraska scenes (of course I'm from Kansas so I would've preferred they had been here but hey I'll take whatever shout out I can *wink*)

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- As mentioned above it felt at times that everything was too neatly explained or wrapped up.
- Not enough character growth I could never really connect with anyone character or even get to the point where I felt invested.
Would you recommend this book? Yes I think that this was a good book and while somethings didn't work for me it doesn't mean they wouldn't work for others.

Challenges:
Ebook Challenge
Out do Yourself Challenge

You can find the author's website here

You can purchase the book here: