Review: Cast in Faefire

Cast in Faefire by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Man, I'm glad things appear to have taken a pretty spectacular turn in this book. Marion was really starting to bother me with her lovestruck teenager vibe. On top of that - Seth is awesome! Why can't he ever catch a break? This book shows a lot of sacrifice, even more bloodshed, and everyone's true colors.

We begin this book with Marion and Konig still planning their wedding (or rather, Konig's mom and secret mistress are planning it). For someone who supposedly loves Konig, she sure spends a lot of time not knowing what she wants for this magical wedding. It hurt lots and lots to watch this happen while the reader knows all the horrible things that are going on behind her back. I also suspect that the memories Marion lost contain a not so pretty history between the two of them.

On top of that - Seth! They clearly love each other, but after the little vampirey meltdown he had, he is obviously in self punishment mode at the start. I get that he also has some literal wounds to heal and is trying to hide his big reveal from the last book, but I wish these two would just accept it and move on. Fate (or the gods?) seem to have it out for these two star-crossed lovers, though. You never get a really happy ending in this series, but I'm still hoping for one at the end. Maybe Seth will finally get something that is exclusively for him and not some other guy. I hate watching him play 2nd best when he is clearly the guy who deserves his happily ever after.

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Review: Awakened by Fire

Awakened by Fire by Erin Kellison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow - this book was really great! I kind of forgot how good this universe was in the previous book and was surprised all over again by the wonderful world of the Blookin.

Samantha was raised in the household of the Voclains and her father continues to work for them as one of the most trusted employees. Unfortunately, they are hiding a pretty big secret that could change everything. While Samantha always knew that she should avoid coming back "home," being a bridesmaid kind of requires you to attend the wedding. Warrick Voclain, the fuel for many of Samantha's teenage fantasies, ends up dragging her into some very dangerous family drama, she should know better than to get drawn in.

Warrick always thought that he would marry another dragon as a matter of business and didn't even bother hoping for love. His family has been traumatized enough by strong emotion that he is better focused on strategy. There are some attempts made on Bloodkin that force Warrick into Triad-mode which isn't really helped by the fact that Samantha is apparently hiding some pretty massive (and illegal) powers. Oh, and there's some steamy sexual chemistry going on between them, too. With nobody to trust, these two end up making a great team. Samantha isn't just he damsel in distress, though - she's the true hero of the story.

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Review: Hanging by a Moment: Keeping Score Trilogy Book Two

Hanging by a Moment: Keeping Score Trilogy Book Two by Tawdra Kandle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow – this series just won’t quit! The first book definitely gave you the truly heartbreaking high school experience. This book gives you a look into the college experience, with the twist of becoming a bit of a local sensation.

Quinn and Leo are forced to reconnect following the death of her father. How could he possibly stay away? Poor Nate, who has been her steady and constant companion, just can’t be what she needs like Leo can. The beginning of the book, while horribly gritty and “real,” gives us what I wanted at the end of the last book – Quinn and Leo reconnecting and putting the “small stuff” aside. The freedom that comes with college ends up giving them both a glimpse of what their future together would actually become. Sadly, this isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Again, these relationships have such a gritty realness (with the exception of the famous football player angle) that I was able to easily relate to their strife.

Nate, still tragically in love and dealing with his terminal illness, actually has a glimpse of a normal life in the form of living on campus. His roommate was a fun addition to the cast of characters and I can’t wait to see if we get more from his story. Sadly, we get more bad news in this book that forces Nate to be even more honest than ever before. Quinn, the dutiful friend, also has to make some tough choices. This ending might be even more depressing than the last one, but I’m optimistic that things will turn around. They will, right???


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Review: Snowbound with Ghost

Snowbound with Ghost by Ani Gonzalez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is adorable and fun and if you aren't reading it, you're really missing out on a good time.

Sebastian Franco is part of the already introduced Franco family. He went to California after high school, leaving behind his small town girlfriend, Lily, to pursue fame and fortune. While he managed to accumulate said fame and fortune, his girlfriend out in California turned out to be using him for the roles and publicity that came along with. To avoid some more "I told you so"s and lick his wounds, he thought a trip to his cabin back home to get snowed in seemed like a great idea. That seemed fine until he spotted another vehicle already there. Lily was tasked by Sebastian's mother to redecorate his cabin. It would seem weird if she wasn't the town's most well known decorator.

These two meet and sparks almost immediately start flying. What could be more romantic than a nice snowy cabin scene? Sure, they've got some baggage to sort out, but with some otherworldly help, these two get the HEA that you can't help but root for.

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Review: Endangered

Endangered by Dani Hoots
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a blend of mythology, YA, and action-adventure. When the daughter of Hades sets out on an adventure on Earth, what could go wrong?

Chrys is the daughter of Hades and Persephone and has been kept a secret to avoid Zeus's punishment. Being confined to a palace doesn't sound like a bad thing, but when it goes on for a few lifetimes, even the most patient person would get a little antsy to get out. To try to appease his daughter, she is allowed tutors, the most recent of which is the very teenage and love-struck Huntley. After her mother makes her yearly appearance (complete with parade of lovers), Chrys is pushed to her limit. Her other BFF ends up convincing her that sneaking away to Earth is a way to blow off some steam and, for some angsty teenage girl reason, she agrees.

Huntley is pretty much the only voice of reason, and he's still a trouble making teen. They certainly cause some trouble on Earth while there for a short amount of time. The ramifications of their visit (and some horrible betrayal) haven't even been fully realized at the end of this book. What these teens are in for can only be guessed at until we read the next book.

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Review: Savage Urges

Savage Urges by Suzanne Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

We rejoin The Phoenix Pack, this time from the outside as we follow the adorably quirky relationship between Makenna and Ryan. These two were wonderfully entertaining to watch.

Makenna is a loner with a secret past that she prefers to keep that way. She finds new homes for loner shifters who have somehow ended up at the shelter. She's spunky, sarcastic, and tough as nails. Almost nothing scares her until she meets Ryan and feels completely drawn to him. Ryan is still recovering from his traumatic time at the hands of torturing monsters. On the outside, he is even more withdrawn than ever, but on the inside he is suffering. Nothing seems to ease the pain until he meets Makenna. For once, he and his wolf agree on something, and that something is Makenna.

As if a budding romance wasn't confusing enough, they've also got a lot of pack drama to handle. Makenna's friends and fellow volunteers at the shelter find themselves drawn into a territory dispute. The Phoenix Pack, not ones to leave the helpless on their own, jump in to help Ryan's lady love (and friends), which ultimately throws them into a pack war bigger (and darker) than they imagined. There's a big battle, lots of romance, and happy endings for everyone (except the bad guys). Another good installment in this series.

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Review: Lone Wolf: BBW Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance

Lone Wolf: BBW Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance by Tessa Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a relatively short read that had a big time romance jammed into a smaller package. There's shifters, family drama, and some sizzling chemistry.

Delany has just moved into town to become a country veterinarian when a housecall brings her to Leif's ranch. He's got oodles of baggage leftover from his time overseas and has become something of a loner (with the exception of a woman to warm his bed most nights). Even with that warning, Delany still can't deny the attraction between them. What begins as just a one night stand grows into so much more than either intended. This standalone story gives a good, solid HEA that is worth any drama leading up to it.

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Review: Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire

Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These books are like little wonderful candies. Sure, they deliver what you expected with little deviation from the formula, but I love them just the same.

This book gives us Russell and Jia. We met Russell a while ago and he has turned up every now and then to brood and swear vengeance against the leader of the “evil vamps.” I hadn’t given him much thought except when he swooped in to save the day without looking for reward. That was a little sneak peek at who he is beneath the gruff exterior. Jia is a sheltered (aka “caged”) princess among the tigers. She’s desperate for revenge and has somehow managed to join up with someone who wants it just as bad as her. Both Russell and Jia lost their family to the evil Master Han in very different ways. There’s a bit of mystery there for Russell and we spent most of the book waiting for the big reveal.

Yeah, there’s fighting and lots of supernaturals (angels and demons now, too?), but the real story is the adorable love story of Russell and Jia. Russell really tries to fight the attraction, especially because Jia has been promised to another tiger. Jia, on the other hand, is someone who just loves to dive into life. She knows she wants Russell, but is a little unsure if he wants her back. These two do a cute little dance of insecurity that ultimately ends up in a *fabulous* HEA. We even get to see all the characters from the previous books in an awesome set of reunion scenes. Is this the last book of the series? If it is, I’m super upset that we have to say goodbye to this world. While all the loose ends are tied up, I would’ve read anything set in this universe!


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Review: The Dark Vampire

The Dark Vampire by Kate Baxter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This series has been hinting at Jenner needing a mate for a little while now and I was super excited when I saw that he finally got the attention he deserved. Sure, on the outside he is a little rough and standoffish, but when you get down to it, he is just as loyal and worthy of a mate as the other two previous stories.

Jenner is a little bit broken. He was turned into a vampire and hasn’t yet found a way to master his desires. We’ve watched him be a pretty big vampire whore in the previous installments, but in the first few chapters of this book, we get to watch him react to suddenly becoming tethered. Don’t get me wrong – this is not an easy transition either. Why should anything ever be easy for Jenner, right? Even if life hands him something, he is bound to make an attempt at being difficult. Bria, on the other hand, seems like the most innocent girl in their world. She’s been sheltered and hid away because of some mysterious evil that is hunting her. She has barely been taught about vampires before she is suddenly tethered to the most intimidating vampire out there.

These two certainly hit some bumps in the road, but it is a happy ending well worth all the strife. Oh, and the smutty bits are certainly sizzling hot! These two spend the majority of the time fighting – either each other, the bond, their family history, or actually fighting for their lives. This book was a wild roller-coaster or a ride that took you to the lowest lows before giving you a cheerful HEA. This story certainly begins to lead into where the rest of the series will go, giving us hints and clues to who might be next in the mating game.


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Review: Ghost of a Chance

Ghost of a Chance by Ani Gonzalez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These books are adorable and fun to read. I'm having a good time rotating them in between some of the darker reads. This one brings us back to Banshee Creek to follow the tale of Elizabeth and Gabe. She's had a crush on him forever, but isn't going to let that stop her from trying to shut down his baby - the paranormal element. Yes, it seems to help the paranormal themed places, but as a real estate agent, Elizabeth's job is on the line. Who wants to live in a haunted house?

Gabe might have thought that his best friend's sister was off limits in high school, but he's having a harder time keeping his hands off her this time around. They've both grown up and could use something to shake their foundations. This big shake up comes in the form of some pretty disastrous house viewings that only end up bringing them closer together. There's oodles of baggage, but it was fun watching them get their happy ending. These characters are always so much fun!

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Review: Demons

Demons by Ednah Walters
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've been dying to get inside Eirik's head all throughout the original series. He kind of got sidelined and this series was something I've had on my "to-read" list for a while. I dove in, expecting the happy-go-lucky kid we originally met, but sort of forgot about all the crap he has been through. And his obsession with Cora was a little bit of a cruel reminder. This book may have ended up in a good place that left me wanting more, but it definitely took a little while to get there.

We start this journey with Eirik showing up at his mom's house. Sounds innocuous but his mom happens to be a pretty bad lady. Thrown into a cell before the day ends, he's being faced with some tough lessons. Celestia is a witch who goes to witch school somewhere that witches are apparently normal things. She's been gifted with the ability to project herself and help save people. Somehow she ends up as a soul in Eirik's cell and in for away more than she bargained for.

These two don't immediately have a good relationship. There is a lot of denial and fighting that happens and even when we think they are almost on the right path, they manage to mess things up all over again. Sadly, I had a pretty hard time enjoying their banter when I knew the entire time Celestia was with Eirik, her body was comatose. Eirik was a bit of a selfish bastard for not trying harder to help her escape and not have her family freak. These two are definitely still in the early phases of their relationship and the cliffhanger didn't help me much at all. I want to see where they end up, I just wish there was some payoff in between that made me like them more.

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Review: Blood Bond

Blood Bond by Heather Hildenbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book picks up right where we left Tara and her wacky love triangle situation (or is it a trapezoid?). Don't worry, for the most part, this book doesn't exactly face that head-on and instead worries about the chaos that the evil hybrids are bringing to the already tense CHAS/Cause situation. Tara and her friends are fighting to beat CHAS to the hybrids in the hopes that there might be some way to cure them and bring them back to the people they were before becoming infected.

On top of this monumental task, Tara's also got to say goodbye to Alex (who she might want to be with, but is decidedly torn), try to reconcile with her mother (and build some seriously busted trust), and find a mystery cure that only a crazy guy might know about. Yes, there is a lot of typical "rush into things and think later" situations that Tara gets into, but she's mostly a pretty tough chick throughout. She manages to sacrifice herself just enough to get the job done and then patch up quite nicely.

There's a bunch of twists and turns, some sad betrayals, and, yeah, a cliffhanger. This cliffhanger didn't seem to bother me as much as the last few. I guess it depends how invested you are in the character involved. For me, I didn't want to throw my kindle. I did, however, wish I could just keep reading. This book was pretty hard to put down.

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Review: Trial by Charm

Trial By Charm by Jolene Buchheit
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is filled to the brim with awkward teenage angst and mythology. As the start of a new series, it sets the scene for more books to come.

Julia is a strange teenage girl. She has absolutely zero interest in boys and a lot of interest in sleeping all the time. The sleeping thing might just be typical teenage behaviour, but the lack of interest in boys is concerning, even to her friends. All signs are pointing to her being asexual, until a night of mischief turns into something more magical and confusing. During a slumber party with her swim team friends, they decide to break into the school for a dip only to discover the hottest boys in school already there. Vander "ridiculous last name" Thelxinoe ends up trying to bespell all the girls into thinking they never saw them. Julia, however, appears to be immune to his charms.

While Vander tries to detective out why Julia is the exception to the rule, Julia rapidly discovers that she is the only one to remember that night the way it actually happened. Oh, and she gets suckered into assisting the guy's swim team (and Vander) for her troubles. Being forced to interact, Julia and Vander develop a very strange relationship filled with Vander being a jerk and Julia slowly becoming more attracted to him. Through even stranger events, these two end up inseparable. There's some fun mythology stuff, lots of mystery, and everything you could want in a romeo/juliet high school relationship.

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