Monday, September 30, 2013

Better round 2


18397271Kick the Candle by Genevieve Jack


Commitment phobic, Grateful Knight has her hands full. While she struggles to understand her new role as Monk's Hill Witch, evil isn't waiting for her to come up to speed. Not only is there an increase in supernatural activity in her ward, she’s being evicted from her home, breaking in a snarky new familiar, and trying to sort out her feelings for her metaphysically connected and immortal boyfriend, Rick.

When Grateful foils a murder at a Fae bordello, she uncovers a plot by a local vampire coven to obtain a secret weapon with the power to control both the living and the dead. History is threatening to repeat itself. And if Grateful doesn't give herself over to her role completely, it could cost her everything.




Rate & take



Photobucket


Hurray for a much better story this time around! Feels like the author did some creative growing from her experience writing book one and it paid off here. The plot moved along nicely and there was very little cheese factor involved. I felt she wrapped up the story really well.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Ghosts in the house


The Ghost and the Graveyard (Knight Games, #1)The Ghost and the Graveyard by Genevieve Jack


Grateful Knight isn't looking for love when she moves into a rent-free house on the edge of a graveyard. At twenty-two, all she wants is to recover financially so she can move back to the city where she belongs.

But sparks fly when the gorgeous cemetery caretaker, Rick, introduces himself and mentions his suspicion that her new house might be haunted. Her attraction to him seems supernatural, and despite her resolve to not get involved, she literally can't keep her hands off him.

When things in Grateful's house start moving on their own, another man enters her life, Logan, a sexy ghost with a dark secret. He says Rick isn't what he seems, and indulging her passion for him could cost her soul.

One thing's for sure, magical forces are at work in the tiny town of Red Grove, and they're converging on Grateful. Life will never be the same once she's forced to choose between the ghost and the graveyard.



Rate & take


Photobucket        AND     1/2        Photobucket 


Heat Index   1  ☼

I liked this read, even though it had some cheesy dialog and nothing terribly shocking happened...instead the plot moved along at a good pace and gave me just enough to keep me going, in fact it kept me going right to book two, so stay tuned, review to follow!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Animatedly cute


17750250Animated Me by Ruth Clampett


She seemed far beyond his reach…could love draw them together?
For years shy animator Nathan has carried a torch for Brooke, the beautiful and dynamic Director of Development at their animation studio, even creating B-Girl, a comic-book heroine in her likeness. When a new project throws the two of them together, lovestruck Nathan finally seizes his moment – only to find Arnauld, head of the animation studio, claiming exclusive rights to Brooke’s affections.

But Nathan, it turns out, is not giving up on his dreams so easily. With inspired determination, he sets out to be the super hero of wooing his girl. Threatened by his persistence, Arnauld plays dirty – only to spark an uprising at the studio that unleashes the sort of havoc only a building full of frustrated animators can create. While Nathan pulls out all the stops to win his B-girl, Brooke has to choose. Should she pursue the sparkling career that has taken her years to build…or follow her heart?



Rate & take


Photobucket


Heat Index   3 ☼☼☼


This story was so sweet and had the originality of taking place in the world of animation. I loved the way the main male character bloomed through the book from someone uncomfortable with women to a fierce protector and loving boyfriend. The obstacles that developed were intense and very enjoyable.


Monday, September 23, 2013

Just to move it along


Baby Love              AND        Be My Baby                by Andrea Smith

17187359                   17732113


Baby Love;

'Baby Love' is the sequel to 'Maybe Baby' and follows the twists and turns in the lives of the handsome young attorney Trey Sinclair and his soon to be wife, Tylar Preston.

The second volume in this series finds Trey and Tylar the proud parents of a baby girl; they are in love and engaged to be married. Soon after the wedding bells chime, Tylar discovers that her nightmarish past will continue to haunt and threaten her new found happiness with her family. She fears for the safety of her baby and the sanity of herself.

There will be many surprises in store not only for Trey and Tylar; but for Gina and Tristan as well. The love and intimacy shared between husband and wife as they continue down their passionate path of discovery will bond them ever closer.


Be my Baby;

This book is the third and last installment of the 'Baby Series' trilogy. This book follows the continuation of Trey and Tylar Sinclair's poignant story of love and passion.

It has been a sometimes bumpy road thus far, but they have always found the strength they needed in each other . . . however, they are put to the ultimate test in this book.

They discover that there are those that would like to destroy the loving relationship they have by death or at the very least, infidelity. Trey and Tylar's love and commitment to each other is put to a tragic test in this book. Will they be able to survive the unexpected tragedy that befalls them? Will the strength of their love, the depth of their commitment to each other and the ability to forgive draw them ever closer?



Rate & take


Photobucket



Heat Index  1 ☼   (Would have been higher if scenes weren't so repetitive)


I had the books already so I felt compelled to read to the conclusion of the series. It was a strange ride. This was the first series where instead of the writing improving with each book (or at the very least staying  the same) I think the writing actually got a bit worse with each book. (See my review for book one of the series in the post below this one).

I had difficulty with how some of the bigger challenges the characters faced seemed too easily resolved, and the characters personalities were never explored too deeply. (I find it nice when you find out so much about a character that you feel in a way that you know them and can even sometimes antipate how they might react in certain situations, that did not happen here, there was very little understanding of the characters motivations). There was also a great need for a proof reading, for simple words like 'main' instead of 'mail' or 'our' instead of 'out', etc. I am not sure if these books were self published but that would explain it if they were.

Now what I did like...the author put in more plot twists than I usually see in a story and that is what kept me reading along, I wanted to feel that high when the next unexpected event popped up. I'm not sorry I read the series and I do think with the right editor this series could be so much more.


Friday, September 20, 2013

Babying it


17412605Maybe Baby by Andera Smith


When college student Tylar Preston goes to work for the wealthy Sinclair family stables in Bristol, Virginia in the summer of 2011, she quickly meets with unexpected events and the disturbing unraveling of her past. Is her past destined to taint her future?

Rescuing Tylar from unspeakable danger, Trey Sinclair, a handsome but arrogant high-powered attorney from Atlanta makes it his mission to protect the innocent and unworldly young woman from the dreams that hunt and haunt her. Spirited and independent, Tylar proves to be a challenge to the stubborn and relentless young lawyer. Together their often bumpy journey weaves itself mysteriously, comically, passionately and erotically down a path that promises to engage and move the reader in this emotionally stirring story.



Rate & take


Photobucket



Heat Index  1  ☼

This book presented an interesting reading mix. At parts it was a bit cheesy, at parts the personalities of some of the characters felt forced. Another thing for me happened in one scene where the author identifies a song as being sung by Rick James (correctly) then went on to name another Rick James song that was actually sung by Eddie Murphy. Yup I know this may seem a little picky of me but I felt it was kind of lazy of the author not to at least double check the information since she saw fit to bring a real world person into this fictional story.

The news from this end isn't all negative though, even with the above I still found myself genuinely liking the story and the cast of characters and am now well into book two. Review to follow!


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Book hangover


17969237Stripped by H.M. Ward


The V Card. Virgin. Most of us want to punch that sucker ASAP, and hide the fact until then, but not Cassie Hale. Three years ago she frickin' covered hers in glitter and laminated the thing, proudly telling me that she's waiting for the perfect guy.

So when I see her half naked, tangled together, rolling around on the floor with another stripper, I'm kind of shocked. Okay, that's an understatement. I'm enthralled. I have to know what cracked her picture perfect world and landed her here, and I hope it's something horrible-an event that broke her the way she broke me. Because, that's who Cassie Hale is--the woman who stole my heart and crushed it in her hand.



Rate & take


Photobucket



This book had so much more depth than the blurb above gives it credit for, it was a bitter sweet story that will be continued in book two at a date yet to be named.

For those who have read other H.M. Ward books we were briefly introduced to the main male character of this book (Jon/Jonathan) near the end of Damaged 2, as the baby brother of the Ferro clan. In that book he seemed like a kind of lovable screw up/man whore, in this book we see that state of being is part his own doing but also a role that others would rather he stay in.

I know I don't need to say it, but I will anyway....I am SO looking forward to Stripped 2 so I can see where this is all headed!!!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Leveling in hell


17301746Broken Wings by Cameo Renae


Emma’s world is falling apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must be made before it’s too late.

The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.

A perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld, where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself. Lucifer.

Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived.

Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected
.




Rate & take


Photobucket



This author has a knack of pulling the plug on a story just when the tension and plot reach there height. She must be the darling of her publishing house as she keeps 'em coming back for more that way. I know it's working on me!!

So at the end of the book blurb above when it says to prepare for the unexpected....maybe I should have listened. This next book (whenever it will be published) better resolve the unexpected or...or...nothing...I'll still keep reading the series but I'll complain about the wait right here on this blog. You've all been warned. :=)

Here is my review of the first book in this series.


Friday, September 13, 2013

Left wanting


Origin (Lux, #4)Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?


And will they even be together?


Rate & take


Photobucket


Heat Index  1  ☼


It took me a little bit to get into this book. I think because it's been a while since I was engaged in the series and that distance prevented me from falling right back in the groove. It also took a little longer than I would have liked because the book begins by unfolding a dire situation, I think I may have been bracing and thinking there was no hope. But once I got over myself I had a great ride and none of the story was predictable or lagged. The only thing I did have a beef with is the way the story just threw me out of the car to dangle from a cliff, and since this book just came out I think I'll be hanging out on that cliff for a while.

If you are interested in my other reviews from this series here is book 1, 2, 3, and the 'grown-ups only' book she wrote for this Y.A. series that falls into place between book three and this book.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Closing time


13065142Rock Chick Reckoning by Kristen Ashey


Stella’s the lead singer and lead guitarist of the Blue Moon Gypsies and Stella used to be Mace’s girl. Mace broke up with her though and the loss of him rocked her world. But Stella gets a call, late at night (again) from one of the members of her crazy band. She has to go play clean up (again) and runs into Mace (and a shed load of police) and ends up getting shot.

Mace finds he doesn’t like it much that his ex-girlfriend got shot, right in front of him but it’s worse. A very bad man has thrown down the gauntlet and ALL the Rock Chicks are in the firing line. Stella doesn’t want Mace to be the one to keep her alive but she has no choice… mainly because Mace isn’t giving her one.



Rate & take


Photobucket


Heat Index   1  ☼


This book takes me back to all the things I loved about the earlier books in series and bonus there was next to no back and forth from the female character trying to deny strong feelings for the male character. The plot was really good and kept the story pacing right along. At the end there was an epilogue that kind of gave a 'where are they now' for the characters 5 years after the story ended. The author must have intended to end the series here but later wrote two more books for a few fringe characters. I think I will leave the series here because I am very satisfied with how everything was ended...and because I've already read the books for my favorite characters, and this book contains one of them.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Still bringing it


11227043Rock Chick Revenge by Kristen Ashely

Ava hates men, she has reason and she’s vowed not only never to get involved with another one again but also to exact vengeance on her best friend’s, lying, cheating husband. Since Luke, Ava’s childhood crush, is now a private investigator, she thinks to enlist him but changes her mind at the last second.

Too late, Luke knows she’s up to something and he’s already seen many a Rock Chick try to fight her own battles without the Hot Bunch stepping in. He’s having none of it. She’s having none of him. The clash of the Rock Chick and Hot Guy begins but Luke’s got the advantage. He has handcuffs and he’s not afraid to use them.




Rate & take


Photobucket


Heat Index   3  ☼☼☼


This is Luke's story and finally he has found someone! I am still finding a lot of enjoyment in the series, the only thing I find a bit trying is the female leads spend a good portion of time finding excuses and putting up walls between themselves and 'the guy'. Time better spent doing other things I say.   :-D   

I am off to the next book and will decide after than if I am up for more or need a little change of reading pace.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Rolling on the Rock


10813469Rock Chick Renegade by Kristen Ashley

Jules has got a score to settle against the drug dealers of Denver. Vance has made it his mission that Jules won’t get dead while dishing out vigilante justice. Jules doesn’t have time for romance, she’s too busy saving the world and she enlists Zip (the gunstore owner), Heavy (an ex-PI) and Frank (a mysterious recluse) to help.

The Rock Chicks of Fortnum’s Bookstore get involved to provide romantic advice and guidance, none of which Jules accepts at first. The Hot Bunch of Nightingale Investigations adopt Jules as one of their own. Even though Jules tries to hang on to her inner Head Crackin’ Mamma Jamma, the Rock Chicks; Hot Bunch; Jules’s long-suffering Uncle Nick; Jules’s friend the rotund, African-American, Jackie-O wannabe, May; and especially Vance will stop at nothing to wear her down.

But Jules makes some bad guys pretty angry and one is dedicated to taking her out. Vance and the Hot Bunch have to pull out all the stops to keep her alive. At the same time, Jules and Vance learn the true meaning of home but once they find this precious entity they’ve been searching for all their lives, will Jules’s enemies tear it away?



Rate & take


Photobucket


Heat Index   3  ☼☼☼



I am still happily rolling along with the Rock Chicks and enjoying the ensemble cast as they adopt new members along the way on their dangerous adventures. This particular adventure was more dangerous than any of the others.

I loved the character of Vance and was so happy that his book had finally arrived, I really enjoyed his personal story.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Still rocking



9799572Rock Chick Redemption by Kristen Ashely


Roxie’s on the run from a bad boyfriend who will not catch the hint that it is o-v-e-r. She’s in no mood for love at first sight, but when her eyes fall on Hank, it’s trouble from the get-go. Roxie tries to hold Hank at arms length but Hank wants to be a closer (as in, a lot closer). Roxie’s trouble catches up with her and Hank wants to help but Roxie knows in her heart that she’s no good for a white hat guy. The problem is no one agrees with her, especially her crazy hippie best friend Annette or her parents; the even crazier small-Indiana-town Herb and Trish. Toss into the mix the gang from Rock Chick and Rock Chick Rescue and Roxie finds herself totally outnumbered.

Climb in for another Rock Chick wild ride through Rock Chick Redemption. As the odds stack up against Roxie, she has no choice but to hold on and just ride it out through the kidnappings, car chases, society parties, a riot at the strip club, Hank getting “Mom Bombed” and one crazy night at the Haunted House.

During all this Hank works at convincing her she really wants to stay and he, along with the Hot Bunch, go all out to make her safe. Hank also needs to work on showing Roxie that her past decisions don’t mean her future can’t include something as downright delicious as… normal.




Rate & take


Photobucket


Heat Index   1 ☼


I could not be happier I finally found a series that is more than just one or two books in so I can have some lasting fun! This addition was a little more vanilla than the last two but I think that is because the featured couple were a little less wild than others, and the female was in my view, a little more internally wishy-washy-whiny than the previous women, but still well worth my reading time. One thing I really like is that while each book features a new couple getting together we still have a good dose of the all of the other characters. I have only seen that pulled off in one other series so it must be a skill not many authors have.

As I write this review I am already reading the next in the series and it hit the ground running. Bonus for me the featured guy is one I have been looking forward to, can't wait to see who he is smitten with.  

Monday, September 2, 2013

Loving the Rock


7405450Rock Chick Rescue by Kristen Ashely

Jet McAlister has a secret. Eddie Chavez has the hots for Jet (not to mention Eddie’s just plain hot). Jet has too many problems to realize that Eddie’s interested. Eddie loses patience when Jet ends her waitressing shift at a strip club with a knife at her throat. Since Eddie’s a cop, he figures he can help. Since Jet’s used to solving everyone’s problems she doesn’t want Eddie’s help.

Throw in a Dolly Parton look-alike, a gruff but lovable strip club owner, Jet’s ne’er do well father, his ne’er do well friend, Bear, Bear’s long-suffering, chain-smoking wife Lavonne and the crew from Rock Chick and you’ve got Rock Chick Rescue.

Rock Chick Rescue takes you on a wild ride with Jet, Eddie and the gang as they wrestle bad guys in a bagel shop, hit Denver’s backstreet poker tables (with big hair), and help the strippers at Smithie’s take down a would-be murderer.

Through this, Jet’s got to learn that even when life made you give up your dreams, you can still end up with the (hot) guy. Eddie’s got to rescue Jet from a bad man (so he can do better things with her) and teach her that some dreams can come true.




Rate & take



Photobucket



Heat Index   3  ☼☼☼


So when I finished book one in the series, (see post below) I thought wow, that was great but I doubt the author can use the same characters and format and still pull off a read as great as this.


People, are you going to make me say it???    <Sigh>   O.k. I'll do it!! I was WRONG, again.


I'm beginning to think at this rate I will never learn...but at least I can be grateful for whatever muse (and the authors publisher too) that made me read the chapter after Rock Chick ended, it was the opening chapter of this book. From just those few pages I was hooked and could not wait to start reading....and there was only one problem with that....my bank account did not agree with the plan, my account would not agree with that plan for 24 hours, that was unacceptable. Racking my brain I swear you could have probably seen the light bulb go off over my head when I came up with the solution....have hubby buy me an Amazon gift certificate and email it to me so I could make the buy. He readily agreed except he made me do all work of the purchase, claiming some lame excuse like being at work or something. Anyway, I got my book and all was right with the world once again. And I plan never to doubt this author's power to craft a story.