Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Priceless ( Rylee Adamson #1) by Shannon Mayer






Priceless( Rylee Adamson #1)by Shannon Mayer










Synopsis from Goodreads:


“My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker.”




When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I’m the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.




I’m on the FBI’s wanted list.




I have a werewolf for a pet, a Witch of a best friend, and have no need for anyone else in my life.




But when a salvage starts to spin out of control, help comes from a most unexpected direction. One that is dangerously dark, brooding, and doesn’t know a thing about the supernatural.




One whose kisses set me on fire



My Review
3/5 Stars





I picked this story up because I was in between books and thought a chick who kicks butt looks for abducted kids and has a werewolf for a pet sounds awesome.




And it was good. It got right into the action and it was non stop constantly moving. At times the dialogue seemed off but for me it didn’t take too much from the story. I just went with it and enjoyed the fun at times humorous action packed adventure .




Loved the take on werewolves and harpies.




Anyway great twists, great action, love the take on the paranormal and fantasy creatures we are introduced to.






Action! Butt Kicking Heroine! Ogres! Vampires! Harpies! Werewolves! Witches! Good Looking cranky FBI investigator. This book in my opinion was fun and a good start to what looks like will be an interesting series. I’m hoping it keeps getting better.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1 by Eric Shanower, Gabriel Rodríguez











Little Nemo:
Return to Slumberland #1
by Eric Shanower, Gabriel Rodríguez










Synopsis from goodreads:


An all-new, all-ages series full of magic and whimsy from award-winning creators Eric Shanower (Adventures in Oz) and Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key)! Spinning out of Winsor McKay’s brilliant early 20th century strip, Little Nemo in Slumberland sees King Morpheus’ daughter, in the Royal Palace of Slumberland, select her next-playmate: Nemo! Only Nemo has no interest in being anyone’s playmate, dream or no dream!



My Review
4/5 Stars





I kind of went all nostalgic with this graphic novel. I remember loving the movie Little Nemo Adventures in Slumberland when I was young and I remember spending hours playing the video game with my brother.




This is a continuation of the older Nemo (main character is not the original Nemo but a boy named Jimmy with the middle name of Nemo) story and I found it to be a cute adventure that I think children would like. As an adult I personally enjoyed it for the messages it sent to kids ( or what I perceived the messages to be), nostalgia reasons, the artwork was vibrant and well done, and it was a cute little adventure. Yet, as an adult I found the story at points boring ( especially the beginning where he’s trying to get into Slumberland. I mean I understand perseverance and everything but sheesh I thought it was a little drawn out. Once I got about half way through I thought it picked up the pace more and I enjoyed it more.






I personally give it 3 Stars for the cute adventure, nostalgia and the beautiful artwork. But! I read this with my 5 year old son and he loved it!

Friday, March 27, 2015

Zeus: King of the Gods (Olympians #1) by George O'Connor





Zeus: King of the GodsOlympians #1
by George O’Connor




Synopsis from Goodreads:


George O'Connor is a Greek mythology buff and a classic superhero comics fan, and he's out to remind us how much our pantheon of superheroes (Superman, Batman, the X-Men, etc) owes to mankind's ORIGINAL superheroes: the Greek pantheon.




In OLYMPIANS, O'Connor draws from primary documents to reconstruct and retell classic Greek myths. But these stories aren't sedate, scholarly works. They're action-packed, fast-paced, high-drama adventures, with monsters, romance, and not a few huge explosions. O'Connor's vibrant, kinetic art brings ancient tales to undeniable life, in a perfect fusion of super-hero aesthetics and ancient Greek mythology.




Volume 1 of OLYMPIANS, ZEUS: King OF THE GODS, introduces readers to the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon, telling his story from his boyhood to his ascendance to supreme power.



My Review:

5/5 Stars




I adore mythology. All mythology, but I am usually pulled in by Greek Mythology. Since my kids were young I’ve read them many books and a lot of the books have to do with Mythology. My oldest has adopted my love for it so when I saw this graphic novel I new he’d like it. As soon as he was finished he handed it to me and said “ You HAVE to read this! and I NEED the next one.” So I sat down while they had their TV time and read this wonderful graphic novel.




First thing I opened the book and get the Olympian family tree. Dude! How great is that for a kid! ( and me! I thought it was awesome that it was in there as well) . Then you get the story from the beginning ( you know where stories usually start) with mother earth ( Gaea) and Father sky ( Ouranos). Everything from the defeat of Ouranos, Who the Titans are, What Kronos did to his children, how Zeus came to be, how he rescued his siblings and the overthrowing of Kronos. Its all in this kid friendly ( at least for my kids) format. It has great action scenes and my son and I enjoyed the artwork and the depiction of the characters.




Now the back of the book after you finish the story ( especially if you read it with a kid or if your kid read it) The author includes pictures of Zeus, Metis, Kronos and the Cyclops with interesting facts, G(r)eek notes explaining certain things in the panels from the graphic novel ( they have page number and panel number so you can flip back and check it out), a For Discussion page ( which I actually like those because it helps me make sure my son is understanding what he is reading and it gives us something to talk about when we are in the car or just sitting at dinner) also a bibliography and recommended reading ( for young and old).




I personally find graphic novels a fun way to introduce kids into reading especially if the kid is against reading because some books look like they have too many words or not enough pictures. This one introduces the Greeks Gods in a kid friendly manner with great pictures and a great story. We look forward to reading the rest and I look forward to rereading them with my youngest.






All in all, Great retelling for kids who are interested in mythology or even superheroes , Nice introduction to the Greek Gods and the story of how Zeus came to be who he is, I thought the artwork was wonderful. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Hardcore: Volume Three Staci Hart






Hardcore: Volume ThreeStaci Hart




Synopsis from Goodreads:


It’s time. Time to tell the truth. Time to face her past and step into her future.




Starting with Van.




Cory will wait to the beat of the ticking clock for him to come back. To see what she’s done and make the final judgment. As much as she holds onto the small hope that he’ll still want her, she’s ready for rejection, ready for the pain. As ready as she can be, at least.




It’s time to make things right, not only with Van, but with Jill. With Jade. With everything.




No more running.



My Review:
5/5 Stars





Perfect ending for a wonderful series.




Still hanging on that cliff from Volume 2 when I got this one and finally got to dive in and figure out what happens between Van and Cory and with the rest of the girls.




We get to finally see how the girls manage to possibly get away from Jade and what happens with Cory and Jills relationship after Jill knows how Cory makes a living.




We find the answer to what will Cory do next if she isn’t a thief anymore? Can she play it straight?




I love the world building you can definitely get a sense of the city and picture things clearly.




The characters are easy to emotionally get involved in and boy does this series give you a wonderful emotional roller coaster of a ride.




Cory is such a strong character I liked that she took the time to fix herself before she tried to fix the other things in her life. I like that we get more of the background on how she and Jill were raised and why she has been paying for Jill to go to a better school.




I got pulled in from Volume 1 and deeper after Volume 2. As soon as I saw the email that Volume 3 was out I put down what I was reading and stayed up until I finished it. I had to know!






A great easy to read series that finally has the great ending the characters deserve.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Stone Cold Touch ( The Dark Elements #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout





Stone Cold Touch
The Dark Elements #2
by Jennifer L. Armentrout




Synopsis From Goodreads


Every touch has its price




Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.




But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay



My Review
5/5 Stars





The last book had me loving Roth and this book had me loving Zayne….until the end where now I’m confused and mad and ahhh I think she should just run away with both and they live together happily or semi happily..




There were some epic action moments. Great bantering. Some heartbreaking moments and some hopeful moments. Layla is totally kick butt awesome but still vulnerable and makes mistakes. There was moments where my heart wrenched for Layla and where my heart swelled.




We get introduced to some witches in this one! I’m interested in how that all pans out. And what exactly was offered up at the end.




The story was wonderful. It had action, humor, mystery and some great twists. Also a wonderful cliffhanger of an ending! When I got to the end I was like… Whhhhhaaaaattt? what? WHAT? No!! What? I kept trying to turn the page in hopes that more would appear on my kindle.. I think my heartbroke a little at the end.






This is a fun filled action pack, emotional roller coast of a ride. Wether your team Roth or Team Zayne it’ll definitely have you at the edge of your seat and not wanting to put the book down and respecting both guys for how much they adore Layla in their own ways ( I stayed up till 4 am reading it.) .

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly




Monstrous

MarcyKate Connolly







Synopsis from Goodreads


The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and Bryre’s inhabitants live in fear. No one is allowed outside after dark.


Yet night is the only time that Kymera can enter this dangerous city, for she must not be seen by humans. Her father says they would not understand her wings, the bolts in her neck, or her spiky tail—they would kill her. They would not understand that she was created for a purpose: to rescue the girls of Bryre.


Despite her caution, a boy named Ren sees Kym and begins to leave a perfect red rose for her every evening. As they become friends, Kym learns that Ren knows about the missing girls, the wizard, and the evil magic that haunts Bryre.


And what he knows will change Kym’s life






My Review

4/5 Stars



I bought this book for my son for his 8th birthday. I might have bought it for him for me to read though because I couldn’t not read it. A girl who is put together with animal parts along with human parts is helping save a city from an evil wizard. Yup, I was sucked in. I waited for him to pick it up, but he was already reading another book so I said I was going to read it to make sure it was okay for him to read. So I fibbed a little. I felt guilty buying a book for him then reading it before him but to be fair I now know I can push this one on him because I know he would enjoy it.


Anyway so lets get to the review and not my guilty confession…


This was a great middle grade read. Kymera can only go out at night because humans will not understand why she has wings, bolts in her neck, claws and a spiky tail that she can sting with. The reason she goes out at night is to save the city girls who are being poisoned by a wizard. Every night she eludes guards when she can and sneaks the girls out to her home. On night she gets caught by Ren a boy from he town and they become friends.

Ren knows about the poisoned girls that are being kept secret, the wizard and the hidden king and the rest of the stuff he knows makes Kym start questioning things and making some life changing decisions.

Kym also becomes friends with a dragon who also is in hiding from the wizard who accepts her spike tail, claws and all.

Kym although she might look monstrous was an endearingly innocently sweet girl who was just trying to listen to her father and do good. When she finds out that something is amiss she fights to fix it. I enjoyed reading about Kymera and her struggles to get control of her animalistic appendages, figure out why people would be so cruel to judge her as a monster when all she was is a sweet loving girl, discovering her friendship and deepening her friendships with Ren and Batu, how she handles the haunting memories that come to her and the action filled adventure she goes on to make thing right.


There was some parts where my heartbroke for the sweet girl and parts where I was smiling about how she handled things and how brave she was.


This book was great. It had adventure, action, mystery, mythical creatures and a message for kids not to judge a book by its cover. Great story, Great characters. had a dark fairy tale vibe to it that I enjoyed.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Adapted For Film by Stacey Rourke


Adapted For Film
 by Stacey Rourke



Synopsis from Goodreads:

Aubrey Evans is living every author’s dream; her sizzling romance novel is being turned into a blockbuster film. She would be celebrating this momentous event, if she wasn’t busy fighting over every tiny production detail with the maddeningly cavalier director, Kole Camden. 

When news of their heated rivalry hits the gossip columns, drastic measures must be taken to save their sinking project. In an elaborate PR hoax, she is publicly linked to Greyson Meyers, the swoon-worthy star of her movie. A whirl-wind love affair is staged for the couple to mirror the steamy chapters of her own books. 

Can the introverted author resist the charms of Hollywood’s sexiest leading man? Or will love find her in the City of Angels?


My Review
4/5 Stars


This book was an adorable romantic comedy.

Aubrey was a cute character she was witty and very adamant about how things should look on the set of the film for her book. She speaks her mind to the point where she probably shouldn’t speak her mind because she says some of the most off the wall funny things that had me giggling. I adored her. 

Anyway, it was an adorable quick  fun entertaining read.   I found the banter between the characters fun and the story enjoyable.  I think the only twist that caught me off guard is what we find out about Mateo. 

There were points that I was so in to the story I would laugh out loud or even grimace for Aubrey. 

I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great romantic comedy.The romance is light but there is a lot of flirting.  

Friday, March 20, 2015

Jet ( Marked Men #2) by Jay Crownover


Jet

Marked Men #2

Jay Crownover






Synopsis from Goodreads


With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.




Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.




Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?






My Review


3/5 Stars





Nice for a quick light read to get lost in.




Ayden got on my nerves but whatever the poor girl was trying to turn over a new leaf and not let her heart take over. I did like her take no crap attitude. I understand her I can do this myself mentality but I think it just got tiring so I was happy when she finally accepted Jet.




Jet was a great character to easily swoon for. He was understanding and completely sweet even his reason for avoiding Ayden was just a nice guy thing.




I liked that there was also more of the other characters in this book especially Rowdy I’m looking forward to reading his book. I also enjoyed the fact we still got to see some of Rule’s and Shaw’s relationship. That even though this was about Ayden and Jet they others were still in there and drawing my interests.




The author did a wonderful job bringing out both points of views of the characters and even at times when I thought they were being stupid I still could understand possibly why they would do what the did. I think where she lost my interest is some of the repetition of stuff like Aydens legs, Jets tight pants and Jets abs. I got it.. She’s leggy and beautiful and he’s hard core hot.






A great quick read that has a little mystery, lots of romance, It’ll play with your emotions and has a wonderful ending.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Hardcore Volume 3 Release Day Blitz

11075176_876006655792533_8510326667860505839_n HC3
  ea4a1-add2bto2bgoodreads 6c0d2-synopsis

** Part three of a three part serial **
It’s time. Time to tell the truth. Time to face her past and step into her future. Starting with Van. Cory will wait to the beat of the ticking clock for him to come back. To see what she’s done and make the final judgment. As much as she holds onto the small hope that he’ll still want her, she’s ready for rejection, ready for the pain. As ready as she can be, at least. It’s time to make things right, not only with Van, but with Jill. With Jade. With everything. No more running.



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9d0d2-about2bthe2bauthor
3eb83-staci
Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom; she has three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife; even though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f and ends with k.
From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2015

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride By Cary Elwes







As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
By Cary Elwes, Joe Layden, And a forward by Rob Reiner




Synopsis from Goodreads:


From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.




The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.




Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets, backstage stories, and answers to lingering questions about off-screen romances that have plagued fans for years!




With a foreword by Rob Reiner and a limited edition original poster by acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey, As You Wish is a must-have for all fans of this beloved film


My Review:

5/5 Stars





Like many other I adore The Princess Bride ( The book and the movie) so when I saw this at the library I snatched it up finally having some time to myself I sat down and read it in one sitting.




This was defiantly a fun behind the scenes look at the making of The Princess Bride from Cary Elwes point of view. There was also snippets from the other cast and crew members and the author of the book that made it even more enjoyable to read.



I learned so much information about the movie that I didn’t know and gained much more admiration for everyone that helped put such a wonderful movie together. It just shows how much people loved the book and that when they finally get a great director and amazing actors and crew member who most shared the same admiration were able to pull off such a wonderful film.




I loved reading all the stories Cary and the other crew members had about Andre the Giant. They all seemed to have adored him so much and it was hard not to pick up that adoration.




As for the writing itself it took me a bit to get used to. There was a lot of “ I’ll get to that later” or “ Thats another story for later” stuff like that that at first drove me sort of bonkers but as I kept reading it I got used to the informal flow of it and just started enjoying it. Even the snippets of dialogue on the side of the pages drove me crazy at first but I got used to it.




And of course after you get done reading it you’re going to want to put the movie on and pick out the parts that was talked about.






Definitely one for the fan of the movie and the book. Humorous, fun, informative, sweet read.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Full of the Devil ( Days of the New #2 ) Meg Collett






Full of the Devil 

Days of the New #2

Meg Collett










Synopsis from Goodreads


Set in the same world as the bestselling End of Days series comes the darkly comedic stand-alone serial spin-off, Days of New.

As an angel from the Throne choir, Camille knows war. It’s what she was created for. She’s captured and killed and conquered. She’s been on the frontlines of every angel battle ever fought since the creation of man. And she has the surly attitude to prove it.

But she’s never been in love before. What she feels for Clark is her greatest weakness, and she fears it’ll be her ultimate ruin. Because to love Clark is to stand in the shadow of the greatest angel ever made: Michaela, the Angel of Death. Camille highly doubts there is any room left in Clark’s heart for her.


Love hurts, and Camille is used to killing whatever tries to hurt her. Or looks at her funny.


Clark St. James has problems—problems that have landed him in jail with the most unlikely of…roommates. It’s not good timing all around. The Descendants of Enoch’s precious order is collapsing from the lack of leadership. The Nephilim are in disorganized shambles. And the refugees are panicking. It’s chaos. And Clark can’t do a damn thing about it.


But you better believe that Camille sure as hell will






My Review

5/5



I got this for my honest review

Picking up from where the first book left off. Clark is imprisoned, possessed and waiting for trial.

This book is more from Camille’s point of view. She’s in love with Clark but doubts that he has the capacity to love her. That doesn’t stop her from doing all she can to help save him. And of course being an angel from the Throne choir she knows how to kick some serious butt.

It was cool to read things from Camille’s point of view and see how deep and complicated her feelings are.Plus like I said she kicks butt and keeps the action going.

Action packed, hard to put down thrill ride that ends in a killer cliff hanger that makes me even more excited for book #3.

Monday, March 16, 2015

The Black Jester ( Kings of New Orleans Book 1) By Emily Ford







The Black Jester
(Kings of New Orleans Book 1)
By Emily Ford


Synopsis From GoodReads:


Kings of New Orleans, Episode One. Every King has his Jesters. In New Orleans, the Kings are ambitious men with clashing agendas who seized power after Hurricane Katrina, and the Jesters are their muscle.

However, one man has begun to peek behind the curtain and realize what’s happening. Detective Jenkins of the New Orleans Police Department is always one step behind the so-called Black Jester, a suspect in the murdering of dozens of shady businessmen in the city. On the run and scared, a young woman named Rose White finds herself caught up with the vigilante – and entangled in a much larger power struggle within the city.

The Detective must determine Rose’s role, if any, and find out who the Black Jester is before the body count reaches epic proportions.







My Review


3.5/5 stars





This book didn’t take me long to read. At 184 pages I read it at night in one sitting.




So I liked Rose I think she made a decent character and her predicament was one that was interesting and heartbreaking.


I like the idea of the Kings of New Orleans and them having Jesters to help protect the people. We seem to meet the Jesters when they are younger in the prologue and I liked trying to guess what name went with what Jester. The Black Jester of course being the star of the story was really interesting he seemed to be one of those dark troubled characters who deep down have a sweet side. He kind of has a crazy split personality which makes the story and him that more interesting.


So it didn’t draw me in like some books are apt to do but it did keep my interest even though at points it was slow or repetitive or even if the flow just felt off. I’ll more than likely read the rest that come out in this series because of the whole concept of the Jesters and the Kings alone. I’m hoping this series picks up on the action and gets better because I really do like the concept of it.



Great ending that make you look forward to the next book, interesting characters, Intriguing story, light romance, some action.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Phoibe (#3, Omega Beginnings Miniseries) By Lizzy Ford


Phoibe

(#3, Omega Beginnings Miniseries)

By Lizzy Ford


Synopsis from Goodreads


With a speech impediment and learning disability, the frail six-year-old Crown Princess of Greece is constantly being told she’ll never live up to the woman her mother was. She’s the only descendent of the sacred Bloodline, the royal family touched by the Greek Gods ten thousand years before, and protected by international law.




But Phoibe doesn’t care about any of that. She wants to be loved by someone, and that someone is a mysterious shadow named Lantos who talks to her when no one else will.




Before leaving, the gargoyle Mismatch made her promise never to speak aloud again, or she’ll seal her fate, and the family curse will claim her. She obeys him – and faces the wrath of cruel caretakers sworn to ensure the curse comes to pass.




When Mismatch doesn’t return to save her, young Phoibe must make her first grown-up decision: accept the curse or trust the shadowy creature who tries to help her.


My Review



5/5 Stars





Although extremely short I can not help be pulled in by the characters in this book. The more we get a deeper look into them the more excited I get for the series to come out. The author has not only gave us a more in depth look at sweet little Princess Phoibe but introduces another intriguing character in this short story that has me already trying to guess how all these characters fit together and what is going to happen in the series they will be starring in.






Sweet story on how Phoibe has started taking some control of her fate.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

The Sculptor by Scott McCloud


The Sculptor
by Scott McCloud






Synopsis from Goodreads:


David Smith is giving his life for his art—literally. Thanks to a deal with Death, the young sculptor gets his childhood wish: to sculpt anything he can imagine with his bare hands. But now that he only has 200 days to live, deciding what to create is harder than he thought, and discovering the love of his life at the 11th hour isn't making it any easier!

This is a story of desire taken to the edge of reason and beyond; of the frantic, clumsy dance steps of young love; and a gorgeous, street-level portrait of the world's greatest city. It's about the small, warm, human moments of everyday life…and the great surging forces that lie just under the surface. Scott McCloud wrote the book on how comics work; now he vaults into great fiction with a breathtaking, funny, and unforgettable new work.



The Review

5/5 Stars




I LOVED this!


The story was tragic, beautiful, heartbreaking, humorous, hopeful


It made me think of times that I have said or I have heard other says “ I’d give my life to… or to be able to….. “ Would we really give our lives for something? David gives his life to be able to sculpt anything from anything. He’s completely down on his luck and he gets his wish and gets 200 hundred days to live. Even if that seems ideal what happens if your work still doesn’t get you the reputation you want to be known for? Unless he makes a reputation for himself to him he is just another David Smith… “ No not that one.” It also had me thinking about what people are taking out of their lives are we enjoying what we should be? Am I enjoying what I should be? We are all selfish in someway but in the end how will we feel about the choices that we made? Do we take enough time away from the work and our passions maybe to spend time with those that we love? Yet, will we achieve something that will make us memorable? Not just another name? Is there a balance that can be achieved? Might just be me but thats what I kept thinking about when I read it and even after I read it.

At first I was hoping he’d make this amazing art and make this huge name for himself and everyone would love him and he’d meet interesting people along the way and have a great 200 days but then he met Meg and I got to watch there romance unfold. For him it was instant when they finally got to be together we find out she has some demons. He of course stays with her and he seems to be good for her although he still couldn’t convince her to go on her meds. But he also wasn’t the best for her the more he got obsessive about his work the more she seemed to dive downward. At that point his days were becoming severely numbered and I just wished and hoped he’d focus on this relationship that he wanted so badly instead of pushing her aside for his work. I would like to think that if my days were numbered the people I love in my life would be my main focal point and not making a name for myself.


I found Meg and David to be flawed but wonderful characters that I enjoyed reading about. Even if their relationship was a work of fiction it was interesting, joyous and heartbreaking. The sculptors that David created I thought were wonderfully done and emotionally filled.



The ending was heartbreaking… beautifully heartbreaking.



The artwork with the blue, black and white tones I thought was eye capturing and pleasing and helped move the story along and backed up the emotions of the story ( does that make sense? It just all felt like it went together well).



I haven’t read many graphic novels or comics usually when I think of them I think of superheroes and action. This was an amazingly beautiful heart wrenching tragic story with well done artwork. If I had to recommend it to anyone it would be to anyone who enjoyed a beautiful story with flawed characters and wonderful artwork. You do not have to be a fan of graphic novels to enjoy this book.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Heaven's Scent ( Book 1) by Tania Cooper and Ricky Cooper


Heaven’s Scent

Book 1

By Tania Cooper and Ricky Cooper





Synopsis from Goodreads:




They should walk away, they know their love is forbidden, they know their deep connection could destroy both their worlds. No! Good and evil should never collide.

But fate has other ideas.

A lustful encounter will lead to the greatest love to ever exist in their immortal worlds. An Angel and a Demon, two halves of the same coin drawn together by an unstoppable force, their fate intertwined by design but held worlds apart.

With pleasure will come pain, with happiness will come grief. Two missing pieces finally together creates an ecstasy that will rock the ground they walk on. But as their love becomes stronger their worlds will start to fall apart.

Can their sinful love truly conquer all? Will they catch the scent that lingers and find the ties that bind even the deadliest of enemies?


Lines will blur and hearts will shatter. In a battle of good versus evil not everything is always black and white, for even in heaven, shades of grey hide in the shadows






My Review:


4/5 Stars



A while back I participated in a cover reveal for this book and as I was putting it out there I decided it would probably be best if I actually bought the book and read it and reviewed it also.

This book was written by two authors. I’ve never read either of their books. That being said. I personally think they did a great job keeping the flow of the book consistent and not seeming like there was two authors.

I enjoyed reading the story from both Arianwen the Angel and Albion the Demons point of view and like I said above it had great flow and at least for me it was not confusing as some books can be when written in dual point of views.

. Its your star crossed lovers romance story. She’s a sweet Angel with a unique gift of being able to pass into purgatory and help those souls who might be stuck there and need a guiding hand. He’s from hell who in tortures those souls but Albion has always protected Arianwen from the other demons when she was in purgatory. Their story love story is ugly and actually beautiful at the same time. They have some barriers they have to overcome because sometimes the heart wants what it wants no matter what.


This book is such an emotional roller coaster. There were parts where no matter how much Albion needed or wanted to be with Arianwen he was just so evil and at time horrible that I didn’t want him to smudge her but…. There is something different about him that you hope Arianwen sees and pulls out the goodness in him.


It left me with the thought of sometimes not all are what they seem to be. Sometimes good people can have some serious evil going on and sometimes those who seem evil might deep down have some serious goodness in them that needs to be brought out.

Action filled, gripping , romantic emotional roller coaster of a book. Good -vs- Evil, Angels -vs- Demons , hard to put down, and if you need those steamy scenes it defiantly has those.


I look forward to the next book in the series.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Lucas Mackenzie and the London Midnight Ghost Show BLOG TOUR!













Title: Lucas Mackenzie and the London Midnight Ghost Show

Publication date: November 18, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Steve Bryan
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Synopsis:




Lucas Mackenzie has got the best job of any 10 year old boy. He travels from city-to-city as part of the London Midnight Ghost Show, scaring unsuspecting show-goers year round. Performing comes naturally to Lucas and the rest of the troupe, who’ve been doing it for as long as Lucas can remember.



But there’s something Lucas doesn’t know.



Like the rest of Luca’s friends, he’s dead. And for some reason, Lucas can’t remember his former life, his parents or friends. Did he go to school? Have a dog? Brothers and sisters?



If only he could recall his former life, maybe even reach out to his parents, haunt them.



When a ghost hunter determines to shut the show down, Lucas realizes the life he has might soon be over. And without a connection to his family, he will have nothing. There’s little time and Lucas has much to do. Can he win the love of Columbine, the show’s enchanting fifteen-year-old mystic? Can he outwit the forces of life and death that thwart his efforts to find his family?



Keep the lights on! Lucas Mackenzie’s coming to town.


Add It to your Goodreads! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT STEVE BRYANT:




Steve Bryant is a new novelist, but a veteran author of books of card tricks. He founded a 40+ page monthly internet magazine for magicians containing news, reviews, magic tricks, humor, and fiction; and he frequently contributes biographical cover articles to the country’s two leading magic journals (his most recent article was about the séance at Hollywood’s Magic Castle).




Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Goodreads












~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Don't Forget the Giveaway!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~






a Rafflecopter giveaway










              And Finally! My Review!!





3.5 Stars






I love the title and the cover.



This book is probably like a middle grade young YA type book. I wouldn’t let me 8 year old read it yet only because of some of the talk about kissing in cars and the curves of the triplets and such as that but if he were to pick it up and read it I wouldn’t be opposed mostly because he watches the Marvel and DC movies which tend to be more risqué than talks of making out in the back seat of cars.



The story was cute. A 10 year old looking ghost boy who helped run the London Midnight Ghost show. He pretty much managed the acts of a ghostly magician, a beautiful 15 year old mystic. a talking and floating skull and A huge green man who passes as Frankensteins monster and quotes stuff from Shakespeare along with other famous authors and many other interesting characters. At one point Lucas decides to try and figure out where he is from and more about his family that he just started remembering. While touring he quests for this information about his family and the group had acquired the attention of a ghost hunter.

So struggling with being in love with the 15 year old mystic yet not able to age past 10, stage managing the performers, and helping keep the Midnight Ghost Show in business. Lucas has some run ins with vampires, a ghostly postal master and goes on a quest to save Yorick. As well as try to find his family.


All in all the story was fun and interesting. The characters were funny and I enjoyed the ending. Only gripe is it was set in like the 1950’s ish time frame. So, not sure if some young kids would be able to really understand who Shirley Temple is and what the Addams Family is. Plus some of the words and other character/ historical figures referenced are pretty old.




Cute, Fun story with a 10 year old struggling to figure out who he is and who he was along with going on some quests and just enjoying his otherworldly family. I’d recommend it to middle school age kids.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Hopebreaker by Dean F. Wilson



Hopebreaker
(Great Iron War Book 1)
by Dean F. Wilson






















Synopsis from Goodreads:


In the world of Altadas, there are no more human births. The Regime is replacing the unborn with demons, while the Resistance is trying to destroy a drug called Hope that the demons need to survive.

Between these two warring factions lies Jacob, a man who profits from smuggling contraceptive amulets into the city of Blackout. He cares little about the Great Iron War, but a chance capture, and an even more accidental rescue, embroils him in a plot to starve the Regime from power.


When Hope is an enemy, Jacob finds it harder than he thought to remain indifferent. When the Resistance opts to field its experimental landship, the Hopebreaker, the world may find that one victory does not win a war.


My review:

4/5 Stars


I received the ebook for my honest review


For me this is one of those books that I looked at the cover and decided I have to read this. I mean look at the cover! Its simple and has a cool tank like vehicle for me it was an attention grabber. Then I read the synopsis, a book about a world were there are no more human births and unborn are being replaced by Demons, unless you get an amulet that has to be smuggled in. Also these Demons survive on a drug called Hope. Yup, you got me. I have to read it.


Main character is a charismatic sarcastic and rather anti hero-ish amulet contraceptive smuggler with a coil ( money) addiction. The action starts up from the beginning where the main character Jacob end up in the same place as The Whistler. From there he meets other characters and to only feed his greed ( supposedly) and the mutual hate he has for the Regime he becomes a fighter in the Resistance.


I liked how the action started right from the beginning and continued through the story, so there wasn’t a point I felt the need or the want to set the book down. But, I felt like I was missing something. I think what I needed was more of a beginning

I enjoyed the characters they were interesting and have their own type of mystery about them. But, I could have used a little bit more to make them relatable I suppose. I’m not sure how to put this. They were well written but I felt like something was just left out or that maybe the story with all the action was going too fast that I couldn’t get a grasp on the characters ( This probably makes no sense to anyone). I enjoyed them but they left me with a so what feeling at points. Maybe its all the mystery behind the whole WHY are they in the Resistance besides the obvious going against the drug pushing unborn human swapping Demons.


All in All an intriguing story with some interesting characters. It has your steampunk, dystopian , war , with humor and slight romance. It was a book that I read from 9pm until I finished it around 4am the next day. Action, adventure and the need to know what is going to happen next kept me from putting it down.

I look forward to the continuation of the story and I liked it so much I am putting the other series this author has written in my "to be read" list.

If you like a light steampunk, action adventure with a world being taken over by Demons using Hope as a drug/ weapon and intriguing characters fighting this war against them this book will not disappoint.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

First Frost ( Waverley Family #2) by Sarah Addison Allen


First Frost

(Waverley Family #2)

Sarah Addison Allen






Synopsis from Goodreads


From the New York Times bestselling author of Garden Spells comes a story of the Waverley family, in a novel as sparkling as the first dusting of frost on new-fallen leaves...




It's October in Bascom, North Carolina, and autumn will not go quietly. As temperatures drop and leaves begin to turn, the Waverley women are made restless by the whims of their mischievous apple tree... and all the magic that swirls around it. But this year, first frost has much more in store.




Claire Waverley has started a successful new venture, Waverley’s Candies. Though her handcrafted confections—rose to recall lost love, lavender to promote happiness and lemon verbena to soothe throats and minds—are singularly effective, the business of selling them is costing her the everyday joys of her family, and her belief in her own precious gifts.




Sydney Waverley, too, is losing her balance. With each passing day she longs more for a baby— a namesake for her wonderful Henry. Yet the longer she tries, the more her desire becomes an unquenchable thirst, stealing the pleasure out of the life she already has.




Sydney’s daughter, Bay, has lost her heart to the boy she knows it belongs to…if only he could see it, too. But how can he, when he is so far outside her grasp that he appears to her as little more than a puff of smoke?




When a mysterious stranger shows up and challenges the very heart of their family, each of them must make choices they have never confronted before. And through it all, the Waverley sisters must search for a way to hold their family together through their troublesome season of change, waiting for that extraordinary event that is First Frost.




Lose yourself in Sarah Addison Allen's enchanting world and fall for her charmed characters in this captivating story that proves that a happily-ever-after is never the real ending to a story. It’s where the real story begins



My Review


3/5 stars





I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.




This book was just as charming as the first.

Did the first book need a sequel… Not really but you know what, this was also cute. It was nice to see Bay grown up and growing into her magic. Also revisiting the characters from Garden Spells and seeing how their lives are turning out.


It was one of those books easy to wrap up in a blanket and get lost in. Like having a marathon of your favorite movies.


Again I love Evanelle and the fact that Fred is still with her and taking care of her made me super happy. And again she is one of my favorite characters in this book.


I think this book was more about Bay and her gift of just knowing where things belong and the fact that she knows who she belongs with. Even if this boy happens to be on her moms off limits list and she on his parents off limits list. But Bay, know where she belongs. At first I was worried about a young girl and the whole we belong together so I already love you type thing but this wasn’t it. Bay is pretty flipping mature about the whole thing and understanding. Even when she is made a joke.


So the book is just a sweet continuation of the Waverly Family. There was a part of a mysterious man and the problem with Claire doubting herself and her gift but honestly I think I enjoyed more of reading about Bay and her gift.


Cute sequel, perfect for those days where you just want to sit and read something light, sweet and fun.

Hopeless ( Hopeless #1) by Colleen Hoover




Hopeless
Hopeless #1
by Colleen Hoover







Synopsis from Goodreads


Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever







My Review

3/5 Stars




Wow… the author puts your emotions through the ringer with this story.


At first I was not sure if I was going to like this book at all. Holder was creepy and Sky still was wowed over him and felt an instant pull to him. Yet it turned out to be a really good young adult story.

I enjoyed Sky’s attitude towards others and life. I loved how she took the horrible notes left on her locker and was strong enough to make them into something funny instead of being hurt by ugly peoples words. She’s honest and always say’s whats on her mind. She’s pretty sheltered especially electronically and reading about her trying to use things like a cell phone was pretty funny. Holder…. yes creepy and aggressive and came off like a stalker at first. I’m pretty sure she even accuses him of stalking. Anyway he turns to be a funny, likable, misunderstood and adorable guy although very determined. I loved the banter between these two and reading how their story grows and how it came to be. The more the relationship developed the more I enjoyed reading this book.


I got absorbed into this book and could not set it down. And it wasn’t even just the romance that kept me reading it was the whole mystery behind Sky and her past and watching her make her way through her senior year in a public high school for the first time without her best friend there but the stigma her best friends decisions and the impact it had on her reputation and how Sky handled it.

I enjoyed this book and I see myself picking up other books by this author. I think anyone who is a hopeless romantic, likes a heart wrenching mystery would enjoy this book.

I think the only caution I have is that its totally the hot creepy guy book. Where I was like seriously!!? He has emotional issues! but its a work of fiction and if you can look past creeptastic Holder part and keep reading its a good story. To me he redeemed himself especially in the end.


Sad, heart wrenching, utterly romantic read. This author delivers a lot of gritty, emotional and heartbreaking scenes with some light humorous ones.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Karma Girl ( Bigtime #1) by Jennifer Estep


Karma Girl
( Bigtime #1)
by Jennifer Estep





Synopsis from Goodreads:


After getting dumped by her crime-fighting fiance, reporter Carmen Cole starts exposing the country’s most powerful heroes and villains. But when her life is threatened, she’ll have to rely on the city’s sexiest crime-buster to save her.




My Review

3 / 5 Stars




 I like Jennifer Estep’s other books. I Figured one with superhero’s and villains whose covers get blown by a reporter who was formally engaged to a superhero who cheated on her with his arch enemy sounded interesting.


It was interesting and at points super funny. But all in all totally cheesy. This is a book I like to read when my brain just wants pure junk food and characters and story that is interesting enough to keep me reading but not all together into the book. My filler book if you will. I read it at night on my kindle when I couldn’t read my paperback book.


It had action, it had humor and a decent story. It didn’t really suck me into the story but I did keep picking it up and reading to see what happens next and if I could match the people with their bad guy or superhero alter ego’s.


So it was mind numbing brainless cheesy fun. Yes I’ll more than likely read the next ones because you know what, sometimes you just need some groan worthy cheesiness. Plus I have high hopes for the next book.