Naked Parenting: 7 Keys to Raising Kids with Confidence by Leah DeCesare

Naked Parenting: 7 Keys to Raising Kids with Confidence
by Leah DeCesare
5/5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Naked Parenting is a sensible, realistic and practical guide for parents with children of all ages from toddlers to teens. Fun, honest, and easy-to-read, it provides creative tips and ideas that any parent can start using today.

The principles of Naked Parenting provide a framework to guide parenting decisions and actions within one’s own style of parenting. Simply explained, with straightforward strategies that parents can apply to issues of all kinds.

My Review:

I’ll be honest my immaturity kicked in when I saw the title and was like: Hehehe parenting naked and picturing this would be a book about nudist parents. Which is all good but still I’m rather immature at times and naked people make me giggle.

As for this book she doesn’t shun what type of parenting style you do. She pretty much gives you strategies and ideas on how to be maybe a more effective parent. Let’s be honest we all have those times where we are at a lost on what to do when it comes to our kids and we have run out of ideas. Leah gives helpful suggestions and how we can help our kids become confident well rounded adults.

I for one, found some ideas I plan on implementing in my own home. I also like how she describes how to get control back from the kids instead of letting them run the home. Also the extras at the end are helpful.

I would never tell someone how to raise their kids. I believe that it takes many types of parenting techniques to make the many different people we have in the world and as long as you’re not abusing your kids I don’t care how you raise them. This book really does have some useful techniques that I believe could be implemented in any parenting raising style.

A short helpful read with wonderful parenting suggestions.

 

The Grey God (War of Gods #4 )by Lizzy Ford

The Grey God
War of Gods #4
by Lizzy Ford
Reviewed By Ashley Rowe
5/5 Stars

My eyes hurt... I'm pretty sure I have kids around here. I think I fed them and kissed their heads and told them I loved them... Coffee has been my constant source of food since yesterday. I might need sleep  :-)  Anyway, It was worth it....  On to the review.... - Ashley Rowe

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Grey God Darian can’t quite shake off the dark streak remaining after the thousands of years he spent enslaved by evil – or the memory of how the only woman he loved betrayed him. When given a second chance at life and love, Darian struggles to leave his past behind, before it destroys his future. The warrior destined to become his mate, Jenn, is accustomed to fighting – and defeating – dangerous men. But Darian isn’t just another powerful man, he’s immune to her mind reading talent and completely unpredictable, a trait sure to get anyone near him killed. Jenn feels trapped between the wild god and his enemies, who learn her fate long before Darian does. Rather than embrace her destiny at his side, Jenn defies it in an attempt to protect him and her own heart.

My Review:

LOVED this one! This one was my favorite in the series!

Darian the Grey God finally finds himself. He has better control of his powers and he’s just amazing in this book. I like that we find out more about the whole backstory to the Immortal world in this book and what happened. Also, theres more Xander who still may not be my favorite character but like The Others and The Watchers he intrigues me.

When we met Darian he was betrayed by the first woman he loved and was thought to be dead but was in fact enslaved by the previous Black God. Throught out the series he had a long way to come back from being broken and it was great to read about his transformation a little at a time in each book. He’s definitely the best male character of the series in my opinion. Even through all the horrible stuff he has been through he has a great sense of humor about it and probably the sweetest disposition out of them all. Yet! he can still kick some serious butt! Of course he deserves an amazing “mate” and Jenn is definitely it. She’s Dusty’s spy and is working with the Black God to figure out what vampires are betraying him. She had a sad past in the immortal world before the Schism happened and it makes it hard for her to love someone especially if there is a chance she might lose them or hurt them. Jenn uses her mind control and her body to get close to her targets, she’s great at hand to hand combat and she has a soft spot for people who need help and who can possibly be saved from their dark selves. The flirtatious banter between them was great. And I like when Darian started giving it back to her. These two were the best couple in this series.

The story was great! The characters had to make tough choices and the fight scenes really brought out the kick butt side of Darian, Jenn, Charles and Yully. Also, there were still plenty scenes to make me giggle. It leaves you hanging on Xander and I want to know what happens with The Others and The Watchers. Also, what about Charles and Johnny ( The Black God)?


An awesome ending to a great series! Action packed, page turning, funny, paranormal romance. I do believe I’ll be picking up the spin off to read next..I need sleep first I kind of binge read this series.

Damian's Immortal ( War of Gods #3) by Lizzy Ford

Damian’s Immortal
(War of Gods #3)
by Lizzy Ford
Reviewed by Ash Rowe

4/5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Book 3, War of Gods series. The White God’s most trusted friend, Jule, has his powers stripped by the Watchers. They give him an impossible mission: find the mysterious Magician and kill her, before she reopens the gateway between the realms. Jule quickly discovers the beautiful Magician is not what the Watchers claim. Afraid of her own powers, the Magician has lived a sheltered life, a near-prisoner of someone determined to use her magic to destroy the human world. The Magician, Yully, must choose between her loyalty to the man she views as her father and Jule, the man whose touch brings her hope and happiness after years of fear.

Meanwhile, the young Black God is growing into his powers, with the assistance of a being that shouldn’t exist, and whose presence threatens to alter the balance of power between Good and Evil

My review:

Installment 3 of the War of Gods series. Now things are getting good! At least in my opinon.

Yully’s adopted father is an abusive man he has put it in her head that he is he only one that would ever like her and care about her because of her powers. Powers that she is afraid of . Jule has his powers stripped by the Watchers and they give him the task of finding the Magician and killing her. When he meets Yully he finds he can not and will not do that task.

I think this is one of my favorite books in this series. I like Jule and his laid back good guy personality. We find out more about him in this book and who he was in the past. There was some great scenes written. My favorite has to do with a car and someone getting hit with it. We are also introduced to Xander. He becomes an interesting character I’d like ( and will) read more about.

The action really picks up especially between The Guardians and The Others. Also, again we have the Grey God who is coming into his powers and getting a better grasp of himself. No longer going through the surely teen stage.


Out of all the females Yully is my favorite. She’s kind of a big deal :-) and the chemistry between Yully and Jule is only surpassed by one other couple in this series.

This book is action packed, funny, and had me reading into the morning. I could not put it down and when I did I picked up the next.

 

Damian’s Assassin ( War of Gods #2) by Lizzy Ford

Damian’s Assassin
( War of Gods #2)
by Lizzy Ford

Reviewed by Ash Rowe

3/5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:

With the White God in Europe, Dustin is left alone in Miami to protect the Grey God, a man-god struggling with his identity, and the White God’s mate. One of the Black God’s vamps in Miami suddenly goes rogue and starts killing humans by the dozen. Dustin initially doesn’t think much of the ruthless, human-hating thug, Talon, until it becomes clear that the vamp is receiving help from otherworldly beings whose intentions are nothing short of destroying humanity. To make matters even worse, Dustin’s begun to dream of his dead sister, who tells him he’ll be seeing her soon.

Dustin rescues Bianca and her troubled brother, a Natural whose mysterious talent makes him vital to Talon’s plans. Bianca, a woman as sunny and sweet as Dustin is hard and cold, has the rare Natural gift of healing. She can bring the recent dead back to life or turn a vamp back into a human. She can even reach Dustin’s heart, which he locked away long again after his sister’s death. Convinced he’ll be killed soon, Dustin won’t risk his heart or Bianca’s, despite their mutual attraction, and Bianca discovers even her incredible talent can’t save both the men she loves

My review

Book 2 in the War of Gods series we meet Damian’s long time assassin and adopted brother Dusty. Dusty is a control freak and a neat freak. While Damian the White God heads to Europe to tie things up Dusty is in Miami taking care of the newly acquired Grey God who is at the moment going through a teenage rebellion phase while trying to find himself. Dustin also has issues with a vampire leader Talon. Dusty ends up rescuing the sweet and loving Bianca and her brother. Bianca is the complete opposite of Dusty but she is possibly exactly what Dusty needs.

I liked Bianca I’m usually all about the heroic women who kick butt and might talk smack or at least have some sarcasm but Bianca is just plain sweet and I’m sure some would think that would make her a horrible character because she is kind of a push over and she is ever forgiving no matter what horrible things her brother does or what mean things Dusty might have said to her. She balanced the assassins coldness out nicely though and she was actually patient with him. Instead of running from how she felt she just seemed to wait till he felt the same. Like I said I think she made love interest for Dusty. Dusty however I at first didn’t like. He seriously seemed to have been written without a personality, but that was his personality he was a stone cold assassin and didn’t think he had long to live. He did what he had to do and what he was told to do.

I think though the Grey God stole the book for me. I was more interested in what he was going through and his friendship he built with Bianca and Sophi than I actually was in what was going on with Dusty and Bianca.

Since that is all said. The story was still really good. This book definitely kept things flowing nicely. We get more bad guys and more good guys and more in depth story. It might have its lull moments but they are not that bad. The action scenes were still good and it kept me moving on to the next book to find out what happens next.

If you like fun action filled paranormal/mythological romance this book is a great choice. Its a quick read and keeps you wanting to read the next book in the series.
 

Damian’s Oracle (War of Gods #1) by Lizzy Ford

Damian’s Oracle
by Lizzy Ford
Reviewed by Ash Rowe
3/5 Stars

(War of Gods #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Inspired by Slavic mythology, Damien’s Oracle is the entree into the ongoing battle between good and evil over the fate of humanity. The White God, Damian, and his Guardians protect the world from the Black God and his monsters while rescuing Naturals – humans with extraordinary paranormal gifts - from the Black God, who would kill or convert them.

Caught in the middle is cool-headed Sofia, a Natural whose gift will tip the scales in the war. Sofia begins her transformation from human into oracle, the first in thousands of years. Damian rescues her from the Black God in time to complete a ceremony that will bind her to him for eternity. Sofia struggles with her new world and her role as an oracle and Damian’s mate while haunted by a mysterious man from Damian’s past who’s supposed to be dead. Unbeknownst to her, her link to the dead man may be all that saves Damian, his Guardians, and the fate of humanity.

While he wants nothing more than for the petite beauty to take her place at his side like the oracles of legend did his White God forefathers, Damian can’t quite rationalize having to win her over instead of command her. Further complicating his life is the sobering realization that there are spies in his organization who are helping the Black God take out his Guardians. Damian must help Sofia reach her potential fast, especially when a threat from his past returns.


My review:

I liked that it was inspired by Slavic mythology. With all the Greek and Norse mythological type books it was cool to read one based on a different pantheon. It has inspired me to look more into the Slavic mythology and get it know it better.

In this book I’m honestly not the biggest fan of Sophia, at least not at the beginning. She tends to be a little whiny but I can see in her situation I would probably be whiny too. I do like that she does end up getting a hold of her power and “womanning up” and start taking control of things and not seeing what she is as a total bad thing. As for her relationship with Damian. It was definitely one of those insta love type deals but how could she not fall in love with White God who is not what she expects “dressed in leather pants with a tight black Pearl Jam T-shirt, his hair braided, a chain from his spiked belt to his wallet, and heavy black boots.” and he takes the horrible visions away when he touches her. She at least tries to fight it. And I like the defiance in her. She definitely has her kick butt moments and a few good comebacks that I enjoy. I my eyes she redeems herself towards the end.

Again at the beginning not the biggest fan of Damian. Something about him irked me. And no it was’t the whole “alpha-male” thing. Maybe it was just some of the things he said or how he was written. Towards the middle and end I did start warming up to him and enjoyed how he was trying to be sweet towards Sophia and he was patient with her when he knew she was his true love and well she just didn’t want to admit it or pursue it. He did say some funny flirtatious things to her which had my laughing.

I think I just really liked the ending of this book. It was a good beginning of a series book. Set up the characters well and the story line is wonderful. It had some fun action scenes. The book was interesting, quick, fun and different type of mythological read.

I'd recommend this to someone who likes action and mythological/paranormal romances. Especially if you plan on continuing the series.

The Fall of Sky City by S.M Blooding

Fall of Sky City
(Devices of War #1)
by S.M. Blooding


5/5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:


In a world governed by the opposing forces of the mystical House of Tarot and the tribal Great Families, Synn is caught in the crossfire. He witnesses the slaughter of innocent people, and the devastating murder of his father. This act awakens his Mark of power, a Mark greater than any the world has seen in a very long time.

Queen Nix thought she won a great prize when she destroyed Synn’s father, the leader of the strongest Great Families. She had no idea she’d be doubly blessed by capturing his son. However, before Synn can become her treasured weapon, before she can use him to bring the rest of the world to its knees, she must break him and bind his soul to hers.

She does her job with brutal brilliance. Synn’s mind is broken and his soul is seared to hers in an unbreakable bond.

That doesn’t stop him from wanting to be free. She may have broken his mind and claimed his soul, but he will find a way to destroy her.

Experience a world of ships that sail the clouds and cites buried beneath the ocean, and survive the fiery battle brought forth by those who control the forces of nature!

My Review :

I got this book in exchange for an honest review:



I LOVED this book. At first it was a little slow but still interesting. When Synn finally gets to see just how horrible Queen Nix is and when he gets his “mark” things really start to pick up and it became a book I didn’t put down until I forced myself to at 5am. Only to pick it back up a two hours later to finish it.

S.M Blooding wrote a wonderful world with great detail. Everything was easy to imagine and was not overdone. I loved the places the characters lived! Airships floating using a sky jellyfish type animal, Octopus that protect cities with in them and of course the technological advanced Sky City.. So imaginitive and fascinating. Even the evolved animals that get described are intriguing

Synn was an awesome character so brave and strong and yet flawed. What happened to Synn was horrible and heartbreaking he was broken by Queen Nix but he still managed to escape with his friends and try and help save the great families from the wrath of The House of Tarot.

Queen Nix is a wonderful bad “guy”. She’s down right evil and does not think she is in the wrong at all. She will take what she wants any way she can and she does some horrible stuff to get what she wants.

I can not think of one thing about this book I didn’t like. Seriously, Airships, plasma guns, people who can control the elements, great action scenes, friendship, a great adventure and some awesome characters ( the good and the evil ones).

This book was a wonderful steampunk/ fantasy that I did not and could not put down. I got sucked into this amazing world and enjoyed every minute of it. I plan on picking up the next one as soon as possible.  

 

Dash and Cinder by Bridget Ladd

Dash and Cinder
by Bridget Ladd
5/5 Stars 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

This short-story is a retelling of Cinderella with a sci-fi, Indian, steampunk, twist . . . where Cinderella may not be entirely human, with a setting in an alternate version of India, and where a young man will do everything he can to find the love that was once stolen from him . . 

My review:

First I have to say I read this story because I missed the world in the Rise of the Ardent series and since I'm anxiously waiting for book 3 of that series I thought I'd pick up Ladd's novella. I'm glad I did.

You know for being a short about 60 page story this packs a great story into few words.  It follows Cinder an android ( or something more?) she’s different than the other Cinders in the house that help take care of the evil lady of the house and her daughters.  

Danshu lost a Cinder he tweaked to make actually feel emotions and pain. He loves her and doesn’t want her to be in any pain so when he gets a lead on her he tries and find her to hopefully end her suffering, but what happens if he does find her? 

I enjoyed this version of Cinderella. I kinds of wish it was longer. That might be the only down side was I enjoyed it so much I wanted to keep reading about the world and the characters. 

Bridget Ladd has a real way with making this steampunkish India type world easy and beautiful to imagine. It was a quick, fun, and beautiful retelling of Cinderella that I wish I had more of.

And if you're wondering its more of a YA book.  Might even say family friendly ( at least I don't remember anything I wouldn't let my 7 year old read but I might have to read it again just in case that is if he shows interest in reading it). Now that I think about it. This would make for a really pretty alternate Cinderella movie. 

Black Moon Draw by Lizzy Ford

Black Moon Draw
by Lizzy Ford
4/5 stars
Reviewed by Ash Rowe

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A reader gets sucked into the book she’s reading and is trapped, unless she convinces the hero of the story to send her home. Just her luck - the book is unfinished, and its sexy hero is far more alpha male than she’s prepared to handle. 

What Naia doesn’t know: the story – and its hero – have been expecting her for quite some time, even though she has no idea what she’s doing there. 

Naia must learn quickly how to navigate the dangerous, magical world of Black Moon Draw and find a way to woo the unlikely, uncooperative hero of the story, who holds the key to returning her home

My Review

Poor Naia a bookwork/librarian who gets dumped before her wedding.  She spends the time she was suppose to be preparing for her big day reading and watching movies. Which doesn’t sound too bad to me.  She finds this book online by LF ( seriously took me to writing the review to realize hey look Lizzy Ford’s initial are LF too! ahhhh funny..) while she’s wallowing and reading this story thats getting posted on line and not to the speed she finds acceptable she’s also drinking wine. She passes out and wakes up in the world of the book she was reading. Black Moon Draw.

I really enjoyed this book. One: I still want to step Through the Looking Glass, so reading a story about a woman who gets sucked into a book world was great. Even though I don’t want her book world or want to get sucked in her alternates she would prefer ( No, unlike some women I would not like to be pulled into 50 Shades of Gray) I can appreciate how cool it would be. Two: It was a wonderful story full of  gems that tied into pop culture and how they get tied in you’d appreciate the sense of humor ( I’m still laughing about Lord of the Wings and the “square table”).  I enjoyed The Shadow Knights and Naias back and forth banter. The story was fun and imaginative.  

I’m not sure I care for Naia’s character there was just something about her that irked me (no not her lack of confidence but something) , but I think she works well in the story. She’s unconfident and needs to believe in herself to find the magic within her to help her knight save Black Moon Draw.

All in all a fun story with some humorous parts that even I was laughing out loud at A love conquers all type story.  It really had to be a lot of fun to write this book and I think Lizzy Ford had fun with it. 

Its an adult story so there is some sex and sexual references.  

Soldier Mine ( Sons of War) by Lizzy Ford)

Reviewed by Ash Rowe
4/5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A wounded war hero afraid to risk his heart...

A waitress with a troubled past. 

Petr’s life changed overnight when an ambush not only killed his twin, but left him wounded beyond repair as well. A year and a half later, he has built a new life but still struggles with the fear he didn’t deserve to be saved and purposely won’t risk having his heart broken again. 

Until he meets Claudia, the sister of a troubled boy Petr meets during a recruitment trip to a local school. Claudia has her own demon in the form of an abusive ex-boyfriend who won’t stop stalking her. She’s weary of starting over in a new place every other month and working to make ends meet to support her younger brother, who she fears is going to take matters into his own hands soon by confronting the man chasing them. 

Can a man who views himself as broken, and a woman unable to trust, help each other heal? 

Standalone novel in the Sons of War military romance series

My Review:

  Petr was a recruiter who got wounded in a war and also lost his twin brother. He comes back and does a lot of volunteer work and helps out his hometown community. Him being rich hasn’t stopped him from being a great hardworking, down to earth person.  He meets Todd doing a high school visit. Todd seems troubled and he tries to help him out. We meet Todds sister Claudia she’s untrusting and running from a dark past while trying to protect Todd and give him some kind of decent life.   Petr is extremely persistent and patient which in the end proves that not all nice guys finish last. 

Claudia is an older sister who works hard to keep her and her younger brother alive and away from “the monster” that is following them.  She meets Petr who is also trying to help out Todd who just wants to learn how to protect himself and Claudia. Petr is persistent and  patient with Claudia when it comes to her indecisions. Its a romantic story so you know love blooms.

I adored the characters and Claudia and Petr’s interactions. They were funny and it was sweet to watch them slowly trust each other.  I enjoyed reading about how these two got over their individual obstacles ( Claudia with her trust issues and Petr with his ego blown from how his ex reacted to his wound thinking no one would love him) Petr’s father was hilarious and kind hearted even his character was fun to read just to find out what he said or did next.  

Definitely a wonderful book about learning to trust and love and seeing people for what they are on the inside not the outside. I would recommend this one to anyone who likes a great romantic book. Its a quick, sweet, entertaining read. 

Would-Be Witch( Southern Witch Series book 1 )By Kimberly Frost

3/5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In the small town of Duvall, Texas, the only thing that causes more trouble than gossip is magic.

The family magic seems to have skipped over Tammy Jo Trask. All she gets in the way of the supernatural are a few untimely visits from the long-dead, smart-mouthed family ghost Edie. But when her locket—an heirloom that happens to hold Edie’s soul—is stolen in the midst of a town-wide crime spree, it’s time for Tammy to find her inner witch.

After a few bad experiences with her magic, Tammy turns to the only one who can help: the very rich and highly magical Bryn Lyons. He might have all the answers, but the locket isn’t the only thing passed down in Tammy’s family. She also inherited a warning…to stay away from anyone named Lyons…

My review:

Tammy Jo is a cute southern chick who isn’t perfect. She has a temper, kind of ditzy and still at the age of 23 has not got her powers. She’s still susceptible to her Ex Husbands Charm and they have an on and off again relationship.  She seems to really like her “alpha” males because the other guy Bryn who she’s attracted to is kind of an a*hole to her and she pretty much takes it and comes back for more.  I have to say if you make it through to the end both guys do end up having redeeming qualities. So if you like a “love triangle” this book has a decent one because you kind of hate both guys but towards the end you kind of like both. 

I like her cat Mercutio. I’d like to know how he came to be and how he got to her besides what Bryn told her. That alone will keep me reading the series.

I’m not sure how I feel about the story in this book alone. It introduces us to a lot of the characters and what these characters are towards her but the story itself seems kind of lost ( I'm not sure if thats the word I'm looking for but thats what pops in my head). We start off a hunt for a lost locket of hers that she needs back to save a dead relative from pain. Then we get pulled in the direction of her being introduced to the witching community and having to figure out if she has a smidgen of power. At the end though you get back to the lost locket. It does all go together just to me it was not very smooth. 

It is a good first book and I believe/hope it will become better.  To me it was like Stephanie Plum ( which I find to be a cute series) in the supernatural world. 

This book has your witches, werewolves, zombies, vampires ,mermen and southern charm. You’ll laugh at some parts and cringe at others. The action scenes are short but decent. 

I’ll read more of this series because although it didn’t really grab my attention and at some points I found it dull there was enough saving it and enough to peak my interest to make me want to keep going.

Captain Marvel: Higher, Further,Faster, More by Kelly Sue Deconnick and David Lopez

MARVEL NOW : Captain Marvel: Higher, Further, Faster, More

by Kelly Sue Deconnick and David Lopez

5 out of 5 stars

  I’ve recently started reading graphic novels/comics. Always been a big fan of superheros and being a chick I’ve been the biggest fan of female superheroes. Especially if they can hold there own. There is  something wonderful seeing female superheroes be feminine and kick butt. Protecting civilians from injustice just like their male counterparts. Of course the first ones I enjoyed where She-Ra and Wonder Woman .  As I explore more into the Marvel and DC universe I’ve come across some really cool ones.

Before I picked this graphic novel up all I knew about Captain Marvel was she was apart of the Avengers and she was supposedly bad a**. I have to say she hits all the points in what I like in a female superhero. Witty, Strong, Confident and Loyal

Captain Marvel/ Carol Danvers seems to be at point in her life where she doesn’t know what she wants. She’s restless and needs to clear her head. When the opportunity to go to space and be the go between with the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy she took it.  Captain Marvel was in charge of taking a young alien who fell to earth in a capsule and was in a coma back to her home. This brought Captain Marvel to team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Get swept up in some galactic politics, some great action scenes including a bad ass stand off  and in the end gains some friends.

As my first Captain Marvel comic/graphic novel I very much enjoyed it. The story line was great. The characters we are introduced to are wonderful. Captain Marvel herself was funny, loyal, strong,charming and completely kick a**.  There was no cliffhanger at the end, but you know you can expect more wonderful adventures. The artwork was great. And I think Captain Marvel has the best costume out of all the super heroines so far that I’ve seen.I’ll be picking up the and keeping up with this version of Captain Marvel.

I’d recommend this to anyone who maybe new to the whole comic/graphic novel thing. I’m not sure how those who read the past ones feel about this but being a new fan I love it. Its fun, visually pleasing, has great action scenes and a great story.

Ruin : Revelations by Lucian Bane

4 out 5 stars

Synopsis ( from Amazon)

  Ruin, a Carnificem and Angel of Judgment is being sent to Earth to Judge and Execute. At least that's what he thinks. In this part of the journey, he must tear down Isadore's walls that are perverting his judgments. But with every bad judgment he executes comes a price to be paid. And if Ruin doesn't get a hold of his powers, judgment is coming for both of them.

Review:

4 out of 5 Stars

A light, quick, steamy paranormal read.

Usually books like this are a little to risqué for me. I don’t mind some sex scenes in the stories I read, but the ones that could possibly be classified as erotica sometimes to me seem to throw a loose story around steamy scenes.  

Now saying that, there are few books out there that can pull off some wonderful steamy scenes and have wonderfully written stories. This is one of those books/series. Lucian Bane writes a wonderful paranormal sexy story.  Ruin’s and Isadore’s relationship is complicated. They can not seem to keep their hands off each other but there is some secrets making things difficult.   I enjoy Ruin’s and Isadore’s back and forth banter. Like the last book Ruin has tasks he gets sent to do but these ones seem to have more of a focus on Isadore’s past.  Then you also have the complication of Ruin’s jealousy and him using his Judgment for bad as oppose to good that was an interesting turn about to find out what the ramifications of that was ( The Ruinator?”). 

I find myself really intriqued by Ruins and Isadores relationship. What exactly is going on there? How is it going to turn out? Will they ever get through the “walls” and complications that have been brought up? Will Ruin figure out what love is? and of course how is this all going to end?

I would  recommend it to those who like the whole erotica and paranormal genre. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series. Start with book 1 though or you'll be missing out.

Christmas/ Holiday Time 2014

 As Christmas and the holiday are hitting us I figured I would share what tends to be my go to gifts for my nieces and nephews as well as my own boys.

 I do not think you can ever go wrong with a book, especially for kids. Its not too expensive and if you pair it with a cool toy that goes along with it, it makes a fun gift.

Here are some I've bought in the past and they always seem to be a hit:

This was one I bought my nephew and he loved them. He gets a classic story and fun toys to play with.




My nieces all get a version of Alice in Wonderland. These are usually the two versions I give:


  and with these toys

 I got the blocks from Etsy.

As you can tell I'm a fan of the Funko products, but here is another combination I sent my nephew



This is one is awesome. One its by Neil Gaimen who I think is an amazing author and Two the book is cute and so is the little panda toy! Another gift that was a hit.




In other words what I am saying is there are a lot of great books out there that can be paired with cute toys kids would love. Encourage good reading habits and of course spoil the monsters with something to play with and love. 




You got a young adult reader?
This site http://www.hebeldesign.com makes some really cool jewelry for some really great young adult books .

Anyway, I hope everyone who checks this out has a wonderful holiday!

The Dark Realm ( Feyland #1) by Anthea Sharp

The Dark Realm 

(Feyland #1) 

by Anthea Sharp

3 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from goodreads): 

    What if a high-tech computer game was a gateway to the dangerous Realm of Faerie?

When a game…

Feyland is the most immersive computer game ever designed, and Jennet Carter is the first to play the prototype. But she doesn’t suspect the virtual world is close enough to touch — or that she’ll be battling for her life against the Dark Queen of the faeries.

Turns real…

Tam Linn is the perfect hero — in-game. Too bad the rest of his life is seriously flawed. The last thing he needs is rich-girl Jennet prying into his secrets, insisting he’s the only one who can help her.

Winning is everything…

Together, Jennet and Tam enter the Dark Realm of Feyland, only to discover that the entire human world is in danger. Pushed to the limit of their abilities, they must defeat the Dark Queen… before it’s too late.

Review: 

I was given this book for an honest review.

Jennet is a spoiled rich girl whose daddy helps design and market the Feyland and the gaming system it play on. She is the first to play the prototype and gets immersed in the fairy tale game. But, something goes horribly wrong. The game is not what she thinks it is.  Her father had to move to a new town and Jennet had to go with him because she needs to be with the game Feyland. She spends her time trying to find the best gamer in this poorer school she now attends. After finding him she has to convince him she shouldn’t be judged just because she has money and that she needs him to help her beat this game. 

Tam Lin is a quiet poor boy from the bad side or town. He keeps to himself and has family issues that keeps him from wanting to make friends. He is also the best gamer in town. 

Watching Tam-Lin’s and Jennets friendship was sweet. It had a lot of mistrust and secrets but slowly the began to trust each other and believe in each other. I enjoyed the whole Fey gaming world. I personally play video games and can become immersed in them ( or before kids I could now I’m a sporadic game player) . The gaming story was beautiful and imaginative it was not the sweet fairytales it was like the classic ones where there was good, bad, trickery and taught you a lesson.  I loved how she intertwined the ballad of Tam-Lin into the book. 

I enjoyed this book. I do not think its my age range but It was a good read. I would recommend this to any 12 year old or YA fans. Especially if they like gaming and Faery tales. I can see myself picking up the rest of the series for a fun, quick, light read. But like I said I would definitely recommend this to the YA/ younger YA gaming/ Faery Tale fans. 

Well written, fun, enjoyable, YA book. Love the gaming faery tale.

Update:

 I just grabbed the  Feyland: The First Adventure (Book .5) because I want to know how all this truly began.

Earth( The Invasion Trilogy #1)

Earth 

The Invasion Trilogy 

by Jessica Frances

4 out of 5 Stars

This book was given to me for an honest review:

Two brothers from the planet Oden come to Earth to do some scouting before the people of their planet invade and take it over. Marduke is ready to call his father and cancel the invasion because he actually sees kindness and love in humans and thinks we can be taught to take better care of the planet. His brother on the other hand has moved up the invasion date and it has begun. There is black outs in communication all across the world as machines start shooting blasters at humans.

In the beginning Marduke is all holed up in this apartment while his brother goes out and does reconnaissance He gets sick of being inside all day and goes out to a park where he sees Mattie running. He finds her extremely beautiful and from then on starts going to the park more often trying to get a glimpse of her or see if he develops feelings as strong as he had for Mattie towards any other female. Instead he sees a lot of caring, kind, loving humans who are worth saving.  Mattie is a girl from a different country going to college in Oregon. She has two close friends who mean the world to her. When the world goes black and the aliens start to attack Mattie joins her friends and other college students to fight these machines. Poorly and quickly trained Mattie, Lisa and Hank set off to head to Canada to see what is going on up there.

In this story we get to watch as Mattie and her friends try to survive and help stop the machines from taking over. They meet up with Marduke and we get to watch as they accept him and his struggle between wanting to be accepted and telling them the truth of who he is. We get to read about Mattie and Mardukes relationship and watch it grow as they learn to trust each other. 

The book is told from both Mattie’s and Marduke’s point of view and I enjoyed it . It was nice seeing how they perceived everything and what they were thinking. The action parts were well written and made you want to keep turning the pages to see if the humans can take down the alien machines.  I enjoyed reading about Mardukes and Mattie’s relationship. The story is about survival, forgiveness, acceptance, love, and relationships ( not just Mattie’s and Marduke’s but their friendship with the other characters).The ending was heartbreaking but left hope. I look forward to finishing this trilogy and seeing how the people of Earth retaliate and what happens with Mattie, Marduke and the other characters I was introduced to.

To me it seemed like a cross between the TV show Starcrossed and War of the Worlds. I enjoy both of those so this book was great. 

This book contains some swearing and light sexual content. 

Enjoyable, fun, action filled, sci/fi romance read.

  

The God Organ By Anthony J. Melchiorri

Immortality is within reach.In 2063, a biotechnological revolution sweeps the nation. Behind this movement is Chicago-based medical giant LyfeGen. The company dominates the biotech industry with their Sustain, an implantable artificial organ designed to grant its recipients near-immortality. But many of those recipients are suddenly dying.

Biomedical scientist Preston Carter developed the Sustain to improve and save lives. Yet there are others that would see him fail. Extreme religious groups, radical movements, and competing corporations would prefer to see LyfeGen collapse rather than allow “the god organ” to fundamentally alter medicine and the human body. In a race against time, Carter must learn to trust resourceful journalist Audrey Cook. She may hold the key to discovering who is sabotaging the Sustain. And with the organ already implanted in his own body, Carter must uncover the truth before he’s killed by his invention. 

                                          My Review                                                

   4 out of 5 stars

A Futuristic Medical Mystery set in the year 2036. An artificial implant named Sustain helps grant those who can afford to get it near immortality.  Now those who could afford to get them are suddenly dying off. 

This book had me hooked in the preface. Not even into the first Chapter and I all of sudden was intrigued by what is going on. We take this thriller of a ride trying to figure out why these people who are supposed to be living longer healthier lives are all of a sudden dying. The story is written from many point of views of people who have crossed paths with or are actually affected by what is going on at Lyfegen and their issue with the Sustain malfunctioning.  Also it seems to touch on ethics. How far would you go to keep your job? What would you do to keep your friends? 

The twist and turns in plot was wonderful and trying to figure who or what causes the Sustain to fail was a fun mystery to try and solve. The ending was perfect.

 I also liked the whole aspect that this may be what our future is looking forward to It actually caused my husband I to have a wonderful discussion about immortality and the effects it would have on the economy and what would we do if we had the option to get something like the Sustain. 

This book was a very enjoyable science fiction medical mystery/thriller. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller.

                                                                                               

Excerpt:

Joel reached out to the glimmering incandescent light bulb and wrapped his fingers around it. It didn’t burn him, even when he clenched it tighter and his mind screamed at him to let go. Instinct was hard to shake. With an unquenchable curiosity, he squeezed the bulb and let out an embarrassing yelp as the glass shattered. Shards projected from his open palm as he rotated and examined his hand. Silver blood streamed between his fingers.

Stepping away from the holofield, he headed back into the main art gallery. He shook his head in quiet amusement and rubbed his hand against his black slacks. No blood actually seeped over his palm and no glass shards were embedded in his hand, but he couldn’t help trying to get rid of the mess. It was just another strange exhibit in the modern art museum, an illusion.



But the pain burning beneath his skull, making his vision swim, was no trick. He fell, his body going numb and his world going black.

                                                                                                                                                                

THE GOD ORGAN is a near-future medical thriller that takes the reader on a suspenseful ride filled with sinister conspiracies, intriguing biomedical science, and rampant corruption that will leave readers wondering just how dangerous becoming a god may really be.

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Anthony J Melchiorri is a writer and biomedical engineer living in Maryland. He spends most of his time developing cardiovascular devices for tissue engineering to treat children with congenital heart defects when he isn't writing or reading.

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