Book Review - Night Rising (Vampire Babylon, Book One) by Chris Marie Green

Book Description
In this first book of an all-new trilogy, life proves stranger than the movies when a Hollywood underground coven of vampires comes to light-and gets targeted by the tough-as-nails daughter of a sexy screen siren.

Stuntwoman Dawn Madison hasn't been on the best of terms with her father since her movie star mother died. Still, he is her dad, and when he vanishes while investigating the bizarre sighting-caught on film-of a supposedly long-dead child star, she comes home to Tinseltown to join the search for him. Working with his odd colleagues, she discovers an erotic and bloody underground society made up of creatures she thought existed only on the screen.

***

April 26

I'm having a hard time coming up with my thoughts on this book. I did like it and will read the next one, but there was just something off about the whole thing. Maybe because there were a bunch of loose ends at the end of the book than was necessary, but who knows. I didn't get the whole promiscuous thing, mostly because it didn't feel like it belonged in the book. Yes, I am a bit of a prude, but since it's fiction that doesn't come into play much. In this book, I just didn't get it and felt like it was added for the whole "sex sells" thing. I mean that thing with "the Voice" was just plain weird and creepy. Quite few times I thought Dawn needed to get over herself and quit whining about her mother. She's twenty-four, she needs to act like it, not like some angsty teenager. I get it - it's hard to grow up with a beautiful mother who died too young and being compared to her when you're only average looking is hard (Although the cover model is above average looking. Marketing? I think so. :P), but deal with it already. I really didn't care about her and thought overall that Kiko was the best character of the bunch. Hopefully in the next book they are all developed better and Dawn grows up.

You can tell the author has taken some things from other medias: The Crow, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, especially with Dawn being the "key" and probably from other things I haven't seen or read so can't compare. I think that detracted from the book because I don't want to compare the stories; I'd rather the book stood alone as it is.

Nearer the end it had me wondering about a certain character and if that was a hint to what's to come in future books. That's probably the main reason I'll read on, although there are some interesting concepts in the book too, especially the vampire world. It is very interesting and they don't appear to be only good or only evil, as most other books make them, there are some of varying degrees of good and evil - like humans - and they're just trying to survive without being found out - at least that's how I took it. All in all it was a decent read, just slightly better than the average urban fantasy book.

3.5 stars

***

Here is part of an Amazon review that I agree with:

3.0 out of 5 stars I'd like to read her second book perhaps, February 19, 2007
By R. Kyle (Knoxville, TN)
"Meanwhile, a rash of current stars are starting to die mysteriously. The Vampire Underground is investigating Limpet. Dawn is feeling attraction both to her boss and Matt Lonigan.

"Night Rising" had a lot of promise for a first novel. Ms. Green introduced some interesting and quirky elements, but the blend of fantasy-mystery-thriller didn't quite come off.

For starters, there wasn't enough procedural knowledge doing both the PI and crime scene work to actually qualify it as a mystery.

Additionally, I didn't feel that Ms. Green's world was as fully realized as it could be.

While Green's characters were interesting, they were more 'paper tigers' than real people. She needed to work on depth and motivation of the characters instead of just giving them toss-off lines, etc.

Pacing was also slow--for a book with thriller elements, this was a slow read. Action scenes needed to be shortened. Better hooks needed to be planted to keep the reader moving forward.

I did not feel that the world was as complete as it could be. The hierarchy of vampires was interesting as well as the interaction of their human servants. I'd like to see a little more developed world in a published book. I have hopes that Green will do more work on this aspect in future works.

Finally, Ms. Green did not fully sum up any of the plotlines. While I am very willing to buy serial fiction, I prefer at least one major line of the story being resolved with a few teasers added to bring me back to the author's world. The summation felt like just an invite to buy the next book."

Book Review - Hatfield and McCoy (Part of the Destined for Love Antholoy) by Heather Graham (Pozzessere)

Book Description
The search for a missing child brought psychic Julie Hatfield and FBI agent Robert McCoy together. But was the powerful, sensual attraction between them enough to stop their feuding and join them forever?

***

April 24

The first book, Hatfield and McCoy, by Heather Graham was a nice, fast-paced read. While Julie and McCoy's bickering might annoy some, I felt that there wasn't too much to irritate me. The story was interesting and just light enough that I had an easy time reading it, which is great since my concentration hasn't been the best lately.

4 stars

Book Review - Rising Darkness (Dark Enchantments, Book 2) by Cynthia Cooke

Book Description
CAN TRUE LOVE TRIUMPH OVER EVIL?

Demon hunter, vampire and member of the Cadre, Damien Hancock has come to Wolvesrain to help Emma McGovern defend herself against a powerful demon. For if Emma finds love - and consummates that love - the demon Asmos will fulfill a generations-old curse and claim her soul. Damien knows just how powerful the ancient demon is, but he never anticipated the all-consuming effect courageous Emma would have on him.

Having led a sheltered life within the walls of her ancestral estate, Emma senses that Damien, like her, carries too much pain and loneliness in his heart. But as their attraction proves impossible to resist, Emma fears it is the curse that is drawing them together. Can the love she has found in Damien's strong arms now help her fight the rising darkness?

***

April 24

I'm having trouble forming sentences from my thoughts so I'm just going to list them instead. :)

Emma and Damien were likable enough characters, even if their 'woe is me' routines got a bit annoying, luckily that got progressively better as the book went on. My main problem was that their romance took a bit of a backseat to the curse and vampires and I didn't quite buy it at the end.
The concept of the Cadre was interesting and I'd like to read the other Dark Enchantment books for an expansion on the organization.
Some scenes were rather graphic and took me a bit by surprise because I don't usually find those things in a Silhouette book, but they weren't such a big deal.
The writing was very good, even if some spots were a tad boring, and I'll be sure to look for more Cynthia Cooke books in the future.
Overall it's not the best paranormal romance I've read, but it kept my interest and entertained me all the same.

3.5 stars

Book Review - The Seance by Heather Graham

Book Description
A chill falls over Christina Hardy's housewarming party when talk turns to a recent murder that has all the hallmarks of the so-called 'Interstate Killer' murders from fifteen years before. To lighten the mood, the guests drag out an old Ouija board for a little spooky fun—and that's when things become truly terrifying.

Summoned by the Ouija board, the restless spirit of Beau Kidd, the lead detective—and chief suspect—on the original case, seeks Christina's help: the latest killing isn't a copycat crime, and he wants his name cleared. Back in the real world, cop-turned-writer Jed Braden is skeptical of Christina's ghostly encounters, but his police sources confirm all the intimate details of the case—her otherworldly source is reliable, and the body count is growing. The spirits are right. The Interstate Killer is still out there, and Christina's life is hanging in the balance between this world and the next.

***

April 21

The Seance was one of those books that I just could not put down! Addictive, fast-paced, thrilling, and thoroughly fun, it had everything I wanted to read - mystery/suspense, romance, paranormal - and reminded me of R.L. Stine for adults. Of course it's not 'serious' fiction, who wants that when picking up a book that looks like this? It's fun brain candy, plain and simple, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I haven't had an easy time finding books to read because my concentration level has taken a nosedive, but this book had me hooked from the back synopsis - and kept me hooked throughout. Yes, there are some editing issues, coincidences, red-heads seem to be the main population, redundancies (e.g. victims are attractive red-heads, beautiful red-heads, gorgeous red-heads, and did I mention Christina's a beautiful, attractive, gorgeous red-head also? Argh, it was annoying! I got it the first time; I don't need it repeated ten million times.),and I figured out who was behind everything in the first-seventh of the book, and who could have used more of an explanation for the why at the end, but my problems are eclipsed by the engaging plot.

After Christina called Gen, I wondered if there was a previous book with her, Thor, and Adam, and there is called The Vision, and I've already ordered it from the library - I can't wait to read it! I'm thinking Heather Graham's romantic suspense novels might just be the key that'll keep me reading all the way to the end of a book, while keeping my attention along the way. :) So, overall, I liked the characters, the story was great, and even though it isn't even close to Hallowe'en, I would still recommend it for a thrilling good read.

5 stars

Book Review - The Good Girl's Guide to Murder (A Debutante Dropout Mystery, Book Two) by Susan McBride

Book Description
Website designer and high society rebel Andrea Kendricks would never have gotten involved with ego-in-pumps lifestyle hostess Marilee Mabry if it weren't for the underhanded machinations of Andy's upper crust mama. But thanks to Mother Cissy, Andy's donning designer duds to attend a launch party at the intolerable domestic diva's new Dallas TV studio - and she's on hand to witness the celebration site go up in flames! Then a body turns up in the rubble, the victim, apparently, of some very foul play. Even though iron-willed Cissy isn't about to let her social calendar be upset by a little inconvenience like murder, her sometime-sleuthing daughter's got a more pressing engagement - namely, hunting down a killer. But there are more than a few nasty messes tucked away in the Mabry closet - and a craven assassin who has the Big D elite quaking in their cowboy boots may soon be burying Andy in hers!

***

April 20

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first in the series, Blue Blood. The mystery was okay, but it was a very slow start and took over one-hundred pages for the book to actually get anywhere, and I began to get bored and wondered if I could continue. This could have been accomplished in maybe twenty or thirty pages. Luckily for the author, I persevered. Also some research and editing could have been done. For example, if Andy had ever been interested in animal rights, which she was, she would know that Iams tests on animals and wouldn't buy any to donate. The author should have just said bags of cat/dog food instead. Another thing, I've never heard of knitting a crocheted throw blanket - there's crocheting and there's knitting - they're two different things. I should know since I crochet myself and am into animal rights. Just little things that should have been edited. Otherwise, the mystery was, again, easy to figure out, and the book ended almost the same as the last one. I sincerely hope the others don't follow in the same pattern. Still, after I got to the meat of the story, it was light, fast, and easy to read, but ended up a disappointment after the debut of this series.

3.5 stars

Book Review - Blue Blood (A Debutante Dropout Mystery, Book One) by Susan McBride

Book Description

To the dismay of her high society mother Cissy, Dallas heiress Andy Kendricks wants no part of the Junior League life -- opting instead for a job as a website designer and a passel of unpedigreed pals. Now her good friend Molly O'Brien is in bad trouble, accused of killing her boss at the local restaurant "Jugs." Though no proper deb would ever set foot in such a sleazy dive, Andy's soon slipping into skintight hot pants and a stuffed triple-D bra to gain employment there and somehow help clear Molly's name. But Andy's undercover lark is soon bringing her into too-close contact with all manner of dangerous adversaries -- including a shady TV preacher, a fanatical Mothers Against Porn activist ... and a killer who is none too keen on meddling rich girls.

***

April 18

A great start to the Debutante Drop-out series. Fast moving, fun, and with a thoroughly likable protagonist in Andy. The characters that needed to be were well-developed, the plot interesting - so the mystery is easily figured out for lack of suspects, but I didn't notice any plot holes! - and overall, the book was just plain good. I'm looking forward to reading the others and am so glad that I have the next one right here. :)
4.5 stars

Book Review - Fortune's Fool (Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 3) by Mercedes Lackey

Product Description
The seventh daughter of the Sea King, Ekaterina is more than a pampered princess—she's also the family spy. Which makes her the perfect emissary to check out interesting happenings in the neighboring kingdom…and nothing interests her more than Sasha, the seventh son of the king of Belrus. Ekaterina suspects he's far from the fool people think him. But before she can find out what lies beneath his facade, she is kidnapped!

Trapped in a castle at the mercy of a possessive Jinn, Ekaterina knows her chances of being found are slim. Now fortune, a fool and a paper bird are the only things she can count on—along with her own clever mind and intrepid heart.…

***

April 13

As much as I enjoyed the previous two books, I think that this is my favorite of the three. But maybe if I read the others again, I'd change my mind - each time I read one of them! :P Again the book is much better than the synopsis on the book has you believe - they're always a bit misleading or incorrect.

The characters and settings just came to life and the love story was lovely between Katya and Sasha. Yes, the love scene didn't seem like it fit into the book, but the rest was so great I'll forgive that part. The secondary characters just added to the whole story, and I wish that I could visit with them again, even though I know it'll be a different kingdom in the next book. Oh well, I'm sure I'll love any book that Ms. Lackey writes in the Five Hundred Kingdoms Series. :)

5/5 stars

Book Review - The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux

Book Description
Darkly handsome and rich beyond imagining, Ranulf de Warbrooke was the bold conqueror they called the Black Lyon. Feared by men and women alike, he had no match -- until he met Lady Lyonene, the green-eyed beauty whose fiery spirit matched his own. And she dared to love the man no woman could tame...

THE GREEN-EYED LYONENE

Through a whirlwind romance and stormy marriage, she endured every peril to be by his side. And when jealousy and vicious lies drove her across the Irish Sea and into grave danger, only one man could save her -- the Black Lyon. He alone could destroy the ruthless plot that had driven them apart, and renew the bond of love they had vowed would never be broken.
Darkly handsome and rich beyond imagining, Ranulf de Warbrooke was the bold conqueror they called the Black Lyon. Feared by men and women alike, he had no match -- until he met Lady Lyonene, the green-eyed beauty whose fiery spirit matched his own. And she dared to love the man no woman could tame...

***

April 11

The Black Lyon was a nice, fast-paced read with likable main characters. The story moved briskly and had a lot of events happening, but it ended up working. Lyonene was a strong character who had her faults, as was Ranulf, and they were wonderful together. I loved the scenes when they first met and the last half of the book the best. So some of the writing was flowery and maybe a bit dated to when it was written, but I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more in the Montgomery series.

Note: This does contain what today would be considered rape, twice. They're early on, they happen really fast, aren't described in much detail, and the hero doesn't even realize he does it the second time and he does show remorse. Maybe not what 'modern women' would like to see, but I didn't have much of a problem with it, and rape isn't something I take lightly. The heroine doesn't see herself as a victim, but as a wife just doing her duty. Sounds horrible to my 21st Century sensibilities, but somehow it made me not dwell on the rape and move on to the rest of the book. Other authors have done worse in books written in this time period (70s/80s), and having Lyonene react that way added a touch of realism to the Medieval time period.

4/5 stars

Book Review - Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin Mystery, Book Three) by Casey Daniels

Book Description
Cemetery tour guide Pepper Martin never imagined she'd get to meet rock legend Damon Curtis, the bad boy poet who made millions of teenage girls scream. After all, he kicked the bucket years before she was born. But thanks to her newfound ability to chat up the dead, Pepper's got a front row seat perfect for swooning over the still-sexy Damon's latest lyrics. He's convinced that his former bandmate Vinnie Pallucci murdered him back in ‘71, and he's promised Pepper she won't get any rest or peace until she helps him prove it.

But when Pepper goes behind the music, she finds Vinnie with a knife in his heart and the rest of the band members running for their lives. And if Pepper doesn't snare the killer soon, Damon's next hit from the great beyond might be her swan song.

***

April 7

Another fun Pepper Martin mystery that's as good as the first and better than the second in the series. Again, the ghost is the best character, this time a 60s rocker who possibly died of an overdose forty years ago. I couldn't help but think he was a Jim Morrison prototype, especially with some of the lyrics.

Pepper was thankfully brighter in this book and figured things out at a good pace. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to figure out whodunnit early on in this series, for lack of suspects, but I liked how the author had Pepper go about it anyway.

I could do without the constant who-wears-what, how Pepper's hair or nails are done, everything she wears at every given moment, and most of all, I get annoyed at her overactive libido every time a hot guy - dead or alive - comes into contact with her. Get it together girl! What's your problem. Luckily, it looks as if she might (finally) get her act together for the fourth book. Hopefully it is not Quinn, because he is a boring, cut-out character that adds nothing to this series. However, I still look forward to the next book and hope it continues to get better.

4/5 stars

Book Review - Stolen (Women of the Underworld, Book Two) by Kelley Armstrong

Book Description
In Bitten, thirty-year-old Elena Michaels came to terms with her feral appetites and claimed the proud identity of a beautiful, successful woman — and the only living female werewolf.

In Stolen, on a mission for her own elite pack, she is lured into the net of ruthless Internet billionaire Tyrone Winsloe, who has funded a bogus scientific investigation of the “other races” and their supernatural powers. Kidnapped and studied in his underground lab deep in the Maine woods, these paranormals — witches, vampires, shamans, werewolves — are then released and hunted to the death in a real-world video game. But when Winsloe captures Elena, he finally meets his match.

***

April 5

Stolen was violent, bloody, twisted, and I loved it! Elena is a great character and the book is written with an easy style and some dry humor thrown in for good measure. Sure, it was slow-starting and there were some parts that were drawn out too long, but I enjoyed the ride when it picked up. I can't wait to get to Kelley Armstrong's other books.

4.25/5 stars

***

Book Description
Elena Michaels seems like the typically strong and sexy modern woman. She lives with her architect boyfriend, writes for a popular newspaper, and works out at the gym. She's also a werewolf.

Elena has done all she can to assimilate to the human world, but the man whose bite changed her existence forever, and his legacy, continue to haunt her. Thrown into a desperate war for survival that tests her allegiance to a secret clan of werewolves, Elena must reckon with who, and what, she is in this passionate, page-turning novel.

***

May 22, 2007

I was fully thinking of giving this book a rating of 4 until the last hundred or so pages, so I upped it to 4 1/2. For most of the book, I thought the writing and pacing were both well-done, the characters interesting, and overall it was an enjoyable read. I didn’t realize that the romance was such a big part of the book, but I wouldn’t classify this as paranormal romance in the usual sense of the genre, it’s much more than that.

The reason I’m not giving this a ten is because of some things that bothered me: (1) the constant bickering between Elena and Clay was irritating, (2) all Elena wanted was a home but she already had it with the pack, and (3) Elena changing her personality to be “normal.” I can forgive number two because Elena would be the last person to figure that out since she’s the one who has the problem. I can also forgive number three because people do want to fit in and will change to do that. Just because I forgive doesn’t mean I can’t have a slight problem with them though. :P Another thing was that while I liked and sympathized with Elena, I didn’t exactly feel for her until around the two-thirds point.

I did think this was a very good and well thought-out werewolf tale, especially with the politics of a pack combined with the real world. Actually, I thought it was realistic and liked how the members had a bit of freedom. This was unlike some other books such as Kitty and the Midnight Hour, which I hated the way the pack was portrayed in that book. Also, there were threads of dry humor thrown in so seamlessly that they could be missed, especially because I didn’t notice them until about one-third of the way in; I liked that because they were almost exactly what I would have said/thought. I haven’t read too many werewolf books but thought this was an excellent interpretation and look forward to the next book.

4.5/5 stars

Book Review - Sex and the Single Vampire (Dark Ones, Book Two) by Katie MacAlister

Book Description
Allegra's Dictionary of the Paranormal

Dark One n. [Origin Czech, also known as vampires.] A Moravian Dark One is doomed to spend his lifetime cruising the singles' scene in search of the one woman who can redeem his soul. You think dating is hard? Try it when you're nine hundred years old and you've used every pick-up line in the book. Forming a lasting relationship is even more difficult when the woman who makes your heart sing sees dead people and likes to play with demons.

Summoner n. [Origin English.] Someone who summons ghosts, poltergeists, and demon lords. Summoners tend to hang around cities like London that are filled with portals to Hell, haunted inns, and other locations dishy vampires might be found lurking. Most Summoners are female, which makes for difficulties when it comes to explaining to the man who haunts your dreams and fills your soul with love why your pet ghosts can be found hovering around even in the most romantic of circumstances.

***

April 4

I enjoyed Sex and the Single Vampire much more than A Girl's Guide to Vampires. Allie was a refreshing change from Katie MacAlister's usual heroines - she was smart, not hyperactive, and an interesting person. And of course Christian was just as intriguing as he was in the previous book of the series; he made the perfect hero ('nuff said). The plot was very well-done, as was the pace. Unfortunately, Roxy was still an annoying, hyperactive puppy, but at least she wasn't in this book as much. The only reason I'm not giving this a five, is that I'm not quite sure if it's a keeper or not. Still, I think I'll hold on to it for a little longer.

4.5/5 stars

Book Review - Night's Edge Anthology

Book Description
Three new stories in one delicious volume of horror and romance

Her Best Enemy by USA TODAY bestselling author Maggie Shayne

Kiley Brigham refuses to believe there's a ghost in her house, but when an unseen hand leaves a bloody message on her bathroom mirror, she's forced to turn to local psychic Jack McCain. As the two work to uncover a long-buried secret, Kiley finds that she's haunted not by spirits, but by thoughts of Jack. . .

Someone Else's Shadow by Nebula Award-nominated author Barbara Hambly

Maddie Laveau worries about her young roommate, Tessa, when she stays late to practice ballet in the old Glendower Building. . .and when Tessa goes missing, Maddie enlists mysterious tenant Phil Anderson to help. But is Phil the white knight she needs, or the predator she fears?

Dancers in the Dark by Anthony Award-winning author Charlaine Harris

Layla Rue Le May is no ordinary dancer-her partner, Sean McClendon, is a three-hundred-year-old redheaded vampire. So when Layla Rue acquires a stalker, she's forced to face the music. . .and wonder if this will finally be her last dance.

***

April 1

I just finished Maggie Shayne's short story, Her Best Enemy, and enjoyed it a lot. Yes, the plot is rushed and I didn't believe they could love each other that soon at the end, but it was a really fun story! I would have liked it better if Ms. Shayne had left them just starting out in their promising relationship and not dropping the L-bomb at the end - it felt too forced and cheesy. But as I said before, it was very fun, and an easy and fast read too! :)
4/5 stars

Someone Else's Shadow was another very good story. I really liked Maddie, and while the love angle was again very fast, but at the end I appreciated that the author addresses how fast they fell in love. As with the first story, the ghost angle was creepy and made the whole atmosphere of the story come alive. The chemistry between Maddie and Phil was palpable and it did make me feel like they could in fact fall in love that fast. A great short story!
4.5/5 stars

Dancers in the Dark was yet another good tale in this anthology. Rue was a likable protagonist who had a horrible past, and while Sean could have been brought to life (ha!) more, he was still a good hero for her. The plot was well-done and I never got annoyed at Rue for feeling sorry for herself or anything, which can happen in stories similar to this. All-in-all it was a fascinating tale.
4/5 stars

Book Review - Shadows at Sunset by Anne Stuart

Book Description

House of Shadows

The house on Sunset Boulevard has witnessed everything: from the infamous murder-suicide of a '50s starlet and her lover, to the drug-fueled commune in the '60s, to the anguish of its present owner, Jilly Meyer, who is struggling to preserve the house and what's left of her wounded family.

Man of Shadows

Coltrane is a liar, a con man and a threat to everything Jilly holds dear. He is also her hated father's right-hand man, a gorgeous, loathsome snake who doesn't care whom he uses to get what he wants. And he's made it clear he wants Jilly. But the question is, what does he want her for?

Shadows at Sunset

Somehow Jilly has to stop Coltrane from destroying everything she cherishes. Including her own vulnerable heart. And the only way to do that is to uncover what Coltrane is really up to, and that could mean upsetting the explosive secrets of the past.

***

March 30

I picked this up looking for a romantic suspense novel, sadly it was lacking in both aspects. I did find it an entertaining book that was a nice, light escape, but I really was looking for more suspense. This was more light mystery, and even that was easy to figure out early on. I think Ms. Stuart took too much time in the beginning with Coltrane and Jilly, and I never felt they liked each other much, let alone loved each other by the end. I liked them well enough but wished for more romance with less arguing and lust. I never completely got the point of the ghosts but thought it was cute all the same. Too bad there wasn't another book with Rachel-Ann and Rico, that sounds like it would have made for a good book. As I said before, a nice and easy read, but nothing I'd remember too much down the road.

2.5/5 stars

Book Review - Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book Three) by Patricia Briggs

Book Description
When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.

***

March 24

Iron Kissed was just as good as the previous books in the Mercy Thompson series, if not better. Since I've been reading a lot of urban fantasy-type books lately, I have to admit to a bit of confusion at the beginning in remembering this world and the characters. Luckily most of it came back and I was able clear everything up. I was worried going into Iron Kissed, with the love triangle and was so happy when Mercy finally chose someone, as opposed to dilly-dallying for the next few books. I don't mind the romance angle, but I can get sick of everyone falling in love/lust/or whatever with the main character (even if Mercy kicks-major-youknowwhat!) in this genre of book(s). If only I could be so lucky. LoL Only in fiction. Anyways, the ending did disturb me and turn my stomach, which is a credit to the author, but it really added an element of realism to the book and especially to Mercy's character. I hope to see Mercy stronger than ever in the next book. Can't wait for it!

5/5 stars

***

Book Description
Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

***

September 9, 2007

For some reason I didn't review Blood Bound, but I know I loved it, as I have the other two.

5/5 stars

***

Book Description
Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.

***

September 1, 2007

What a great, great book! I loved this from start to finish, even if I was confused in the beginning, what with all the species and their codes of conduct and all. Mercy was a very put together character; not too weak and not too strong to be unbelieveable. While I do wish that authors in this genre would quit with the multiple love interests, I do think Patricia Briggs managed it quite well, and I look forward to those developments (although I'm partial to Adam myself :P). I've already ordered Blood Bound from the library, and I just can't wait to get my greedy little hands on it and other future installments! :)

5/5 stars

Book Review - A Girl's Guide to Vampires (Dark Ones, Book One) by Katie MacAlister

Book Description
Joy Randall's Top 5 Tips for Vampire Hunters

1. Location, location, location. Remember, if you wouldn't be there, neither would a bloodsucker. They won't be found dead (ha!) in places like discos, ten-minute lube shops, or Switzerland. Check the Czech Republic.

2. Trust your eyes. You know the handsome, annoyingly arrogant, self-assured man in the shadows with long hair and a cleft in his chin? He's your vampire.

3. No matter how tempting it might be, DO NOT "ACCIDENTALLY" ACQUIRE A PAPER CUT AND SUGGEST YOUR VAMPIRE KISS YOUR FINGER TO MAKE IT BETTER. What you offer as a snack, he might take for a four-course meal.

4. From here on out, play it cool. Don't offer to accompany your prince of the night on the talk show circuit and WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T OFFER HIM YOUR HEART.

5. And most of all, remember - being a vampire is nothing to laugh about.

***

March 14

A Girl's Guide to Vampires was a nice and pleasant surprise. While I do get tired of Katie MacAlister's same heroine in every book I read, I could tolerate Joy more that most others. But lord can they be moronic, and not in a good way. I do wish she could expand her female leads to be different in both of their physical and mental aspects, and not be the same old monotonous ones over and over again. Always my gripe.

Now on to the rest of the book...
The storyline was interesting, there was some hilarious moments, and overall I enjoyed it better than most of the contemporary romances Ms. MacAlister has written. I am very intrigued by Christian and can't wait to read his book in this series. Roxy, on the other hand, reminded me of a little, annoying, rabid yappy dog. Yes, she could provide entertainment, but if I knew someone like that, I'd go insane, or else commit homicide. Otherwise the book was fine entertainment but not a keeper for me. Probably the main reason I read the whole book was because of the intriguing Christian and wondering about his fate.

3.75/5 stars

Book Review - Kiss Me Forever (Walk in Moonlight) by Rosemary Laurey

Book Description
HE'S HOT. HE'S SEXY. HE'S ROMANTIC. HE'S IMMORTAL.

If there is one thing Dixie LePage does not need in her life, it's complications. And the man sitting across the table from her in a crowded English pub, the one offering to buy the library of her inherited estate in a small English village, is a major complication. For starters, there's the broad shoulders. The slightly amused smirk. That smoldering look that makes it impossible to concentrate. And that infuriating, old-fashioned, and well, okay, incredibly appealing sense of chivalry. No doubt about it, the guy is hot and sexy.

Of course, there is one wee little problem: He claims to be a vampire named Christopher Marlowe, as in THE Christophe Marlowe, famous playwright, contemporary of Will Shakespeare. Right. Amend that to hot, sexy, and totally insane. Please see "no more complications." So why can't Dixie seem to resist the warmth of Christopher's charm, the protective feel of his strong hands, or the tempting pull of his full mouth when the sun goes down . . . ?

***

March 7
(This review is only for the first romance)

Kiss Me Forever
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Being as I am fascinated by the mystery of Christopher Marlowe and love vampires, it was the perfect book for me. Kit was to die for and is now one of my fave vamps of all time. Dixie was a smart heroine, which was nice, without being a Mary Sue. The humor was right up my alley and I just loved almost everything about it.

I only have a few minor quibbles - some editing, a bit of the plot seemed to change around the 290 page mark (but it kinda makes sense), and the remark that Ohio doesn't have that much sun. Seeing how the author lives in Ohio, I don't get how she could write that. We have some killer sunlight, especially in the summer, and it makes no sense to me whatsoever. No biggie, but it boggled my mind anyway, and gave me a bit of a chuckle. LoL

Still, overall it was a great, intelligent paranormal romance that while keeping 'typical' vampire characteristics, still made them fresh and innovative. A wonderful read with terrific characters! I cannot wait to get to Tom and Justin's stories.

4.5/5 stars

Book Review - Winter Moon Anthology

Book Description
Mercedes Lackey
"She'll keep you up long past your bedtime." --New York Times bestselling author Stephen King

In an isolated land where the lure of the "Moontide" leads to shipwrecks, a woman is torn between obeying her father or her king. When she chooses to follow a Fool, she discovers magic she'd never expected . . . at a price that might be too high . . .

Tanith Lee
"Few writers today can match the sheer beauty and inventiveness of Tanith Lee's writing." --Millennium Science Fiction and Fantasy

Struggling under the curse of a dead comrade, Clirando, a warrior priestess unready to face the powers trapped within her, must face "The Heart of the Moon" to reveal what has been hidden . . .

C.E. Murphy
"A swift pace, a good mystery, a likeable protagonist, magic, danger -- Urban Shaman has them in spades." --Jim Butcher, author of the bestselling series The Dresden Files

In "Banshee Cries," ritual murders under a full moon lead Jo Walker to confront a Harbinger of Death. Maybe this "gift" she has is one she shouldn't ignore -- because the next life she has to save might be her own!

***

March 3

I've only read the second story by Tanith Lee so far because I wanted to read at least one of the books in Lackey's Five Hundred Kingdom series before I got to that one. For the first fifty pages, The Heart of the Moon was slow going, but after that it got progressively better and interesting. I think it would be nice to read about Cliro's burgeoning powers. I'd give it a four out of five.

Moontide by Mercedes Lackey was an absolutely wonderful story! After reading The Fairy Godmother, I went on to read this short story before I read the next two in the series. Moira was a great character, as was Kedric in as much as he could be with his small role. I was very sorry after I finished it and would have loved to read more with these characters. A great short story!
5/5

I was a little disappointed in C.E. Murphy's story, Banshee Cries, but it did have it's moments. Joanne is a great character who I can't help but to relate to - she's so realistic - and I love Gary, he's priceless. The plot was fairly interesting but it faltered and could be a bit slow at times. It was still good though and I can't wait to read the others in the series.
4/5

Book Review - Vamps and the City (Love at Stake, Book Two) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Book Description
Who says a vamp can't have it all?

Darcy Newhart thought it was a stroke of genius – the first–ever reality TV show where mortals vie with vampires for the title of The Sexiest Man on Earth. As the show's director, Darcy's career would be on track again. And she can finally have a life apart from the vampire harem. Okay, so she's still technically dead, but two out of three's not bad. Now she just has to make sure that a mortal doesn't win. If only she wasn't so distracted by a super–sexy and live contestant named Austin...

But Darcy doesn't know the worst of it. Austin Erickson is actually a vampire slayer! And he's got his eye on the show's leggy blond director. Only problem is, he's never wanted any woman – living or dead – as badly. But if he wins her heart, will he lose his soul? And if it means an eternity of hot, passionate loving with Darcy, does that really matter anyway?

***

February 26

I enjoyed Vamps & the City more than the first book in the series, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. Only a few things bothered me in this book; one being that Austin was being a judgmental jerk about vamps, (2) how easily Darcy forgave him, and (3) the whole vamps don't have a shadow thing. I know that last one has been used in other medias, but I have never gotten it - that or no reflections. Especially because I'm sure if you hold a corpse up to a mirror, you'd see their reflection. How can something solid not have a shadow anyway? In the book they are technically alive at night so they could have a shadow and reflection. Illogical, but I guess so are vampires (or are they? LoL), but I'm just nitpicking. :P

I did think that the whole flow to this book was so much better than in the first. So overall, I thought it was a fast, fun, and interesting read.

4/5 stars

***

And here's my review for the first in the series, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire.

Book Description
So what if he's a bit older and usually regards a human female as dinner, not a dinner date? Yes, Roman Draganesti is a vampire, but a vampire who lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop–sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan either...After witnessing a gruesome murder by the Russian mafia, she's next on their hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her...

***

December 23, 2007

A fast and fun vampire romance read. While it's not very original, it has its own charm, all the characters are likable enough, if slightly undeveloped (but the Highlanders are great!), and the plot moves along nicely, although the Stake-Out groups addition to the story was weird and unnecessary to the plot. I do feel that the title and cover misrepresent the book, but luckily, it looks as though the next three covers are better. One small quibble: since Shanna had brown hair (dyed or not), it would be impossible for her to go platinum blonde w/o first stripping the color out. Like I said, not a biggie, but faulty nonetheless. There were some interesting aspects: mainly the science part, but unfortunately there wasn't anything overly special about the book. Oh, and two scenes in particular were very funny; they were the blood shuffling one and when Shanna wakes up. Those two were about the only times I laughed out loud, but there were a few other amusing things too. Overall, the book was light, easy to read, and a nice diversion. I look forward to Be Still My Vampire Heart with Angus - I do love me some Highlanders! ;P

3.5/5 stars

Book Review - One Good Knight (A Tale of the Five Hundred, Book Two) by Mercedes Lackey

Book Description
When a dragon storms the castle, what should a (virgin) princess do?

Why, turn to her studies, of course! But nothing practical-minded Princess Andromeda of Acadia finds gives a definitive solution. The only Traditional answer, though, is soothing the marauding dragon by a virgin sacrifice. Things are going fairly smoothly with the lottery -- except for the women chosen, of course -- until Princess Andromeda herself is picked!

But facing down the dragon doesn't go quite as planned, and now, with the help of her Champion, Sir George, Andromeda searches for the dragon's lair. But even -- especially -- in the Five Hundred Kingdoms, bucking Tradition isn't easy. It takes the strongest of wills, knowledge, quick wits and a refusal to give up, no matter what happens along the way . . .

***

February 23

Another wonderful book in this series! Andie was truly a great character and I loved the outcome. My only quibble is that I feel the epilogue could have been longer and had more info on Andie and her paramour. Also, the title is misleading, but that's all I'm going to say. ;P A fast, fun, and thoroughly entertaining way to pass the time. Ms. Lackey created a world where I feel like I'm in it as an invisible watcher - quite a feat. :)

5/5 stars

Book Review - Fairy Godmother (A Tale of the Five Hundred, Book One) by Mercedes Lackey

Book Description
From the bestselling author of the Heralds of Valdemar series comes an enchanting novel.

In the land of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, if you can't carry out your legendary role, life is no fairy tale. . .

Elena Klovis was supposedto be her kingdom's Cinderella--until fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! So she set out to make a new life for herself. But breaking with "The Tradition" was no easy matter--until she got a little help from her own fairy godmother. Who promptly offered Elena a most unexpected job. . .

Now, instead of sleeping in the chimney. She has to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who keep trying to rise above their place in the tale. And there's one in particular who needs to be dealt with. . .

Sometimes a fairy godmother's work is never done. . . .

***

February 23

I love, love, loved this book! This is my first Mercedes Lackey book and it most definitely won't be my last! If all - or even most - of her other books are as good as this one, I'll be a fan for life! I do think the synopsis is a bit misleading, it's not exactly how everything happened, especially since the prince doesn't enter the picture until halfway through the book. Maybe hardcore fantasy readers won't enjoy it as much as those who love both fantasy and romance, but I thought it was a very smart and interesting twist on the usual fairy tales. I loved the epilogue and thought that added to the whole 'moral' of the story. I can't wait to get to the others in the series. :)

5/5 stars

Book Review - Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love by Lorri A. Greene, Jacquelyn Landis

Book Description
Written by a psychologist who is a leader in the field of pet bereavement, this practical but sympathetic guide validates the survivor’s often misunderstood feelings, explains the importance of the human-animal bond, and offers strategies for working through the grieving process. Some of the coping techniques include memorializing the pet, recognizing problematic thinking, and finding support. The book also covers dealing with guilt and explaining the pet’s death to a child.

From the Publisher
This is a book for loving pet owners who have lost a pet. Often friends and family downplay the sorrow one experiences over the loss of the pet, but this new book helps pet lovers of all sorts, including those with working animals, deal with all levels of grief. It not only includes cognitive self-help tools to help readers truly understand and work through their grief, it is is also written by a psychologist who is a leader in the filed of pet bereavement.

From the Inside Flap
No matter what your friends and family might think or say, you know that the sorrow you feel about your pet’s death is real and very painful.

Until now, not much help has been available for those who have lost a pet. Saying Goodbye to the Pet You Love, written by a psychologist with twenty years of experience as a pet-bereavement specialist, helps you understand the very special human-animal bond, which, in turn, can help you deal with your terrible loss.

You will find solid psychological bereavement techniques here that will support you in your grieving process and help you find your own unique path to recovery. This book includes chapters on coping skills for easing a child through pet loss, and for those who accidentally killed, or witnessed the death of, their pets. The special needs of the guardians of working animals are also addressed, as are self-help resources for the elderly.

***

February 9

This was a good and interesting book about dealing with the loss of your pet. I didn't want a religious view of pet loss, which there seems to be a number of, so this was ideal for me. While I didn't need to read every chapter because they didn't apply to me, I still thought the rest was well-written and helped me. I thought it interesting that there are three kind of grievers, and it gave me insight into how some people can say the things they do to those who are feeling the loss more. I think it's sad how it's not 'ok' to grieve for a pet in our society. Why is it any different than a human? I'm so glad there are books out there like this that can help me and others know that we are allowed feel the way we do when we lose a dear pet.

4/5 stars

Book Review - Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Book Description
YOU KNOW YOUR LIFE IS BAD WHEN YOU MISS YOUR DAYS AS A POISON TASTER. (STUDY BOOK 2)
Yelena is on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago. Although she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways, and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better. Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magical training. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince, and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians. If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with her new enemies.

***

February 8

As much as I loved the first book, Poison Study, I loved this one even more! Somehow it just clicked more with me than with the last. Ms. Snyder seems to be developing her world and characters more solidly. For some reason I found Valek a little more unnerving and frightening in this, maybe because he's not in it as much and I took off my rose-colored glasses and actually saw his role as assassin. Who knows? I did miss the 'Power Twins', Janco and Ari and wished they could have been in it more, but overall it was a great book that I could not put down. I'm so glad the next book is only a month away, as I cannot wait to get to it!

5/5 stars

Book Review - Urban Shaman by C. E. Murphy

Book Description
Joanne Walker has three days to learn to use her shamanic powers and save the world from the unleashed Wild Hunt.

No worries. No pressure. Nevermind the lack of sleep, the perplexing new talent for healing from fatal wounds, or the cryptic, talking coyote who appears in her dreams.

And if all that's not bad enough, in the three years Joanne's been a cop, she's never seen a dead body -- but she's just come across her second in three days.

It's been a bitch of a week. And it isn't over yet.

***

February 6

I loved this book! Fast, fun, and spirited (in more ways than one!), it was a great, interesting, and unique read with a wonderful heroine. I liked that it deals with both Celtic and American Indian ways, which is really different in the urban fantasy scene. Joanne was very realistic, the plot fascinating, and her sidekick, Gary, was a nice change of pace. While everyone won't like this, I highly recommend reading it anyway. I can't wait to get to get to the sequels, this is definitely one of my favorite new urban fantasy series!

5/5 stars

Book Review - Silhouette Shadows Anthology

Book Description
Three romantic stories from the dark side of love...
ANNE STUART
HELEN R. MYERS
HEATHER GRAHAM POZZESSERE

From the back cover:

THE MONSTER IN THE CLOSET by Anne Stuart

It was Sebastian Brand's job to terrify people, and he did it very well - but only on the screen. Or so Emma Milsom hoped. Because someone was stalking her, someone who wanted her dead, and it was her heart's deepest desire to cast dangerously appealing Sebastian in the role of savior - and spend forever in his arms.

SEAWITCH by Helen R. Myers

Psychic, siren... or witch? The townsfolk of Cliff Point, Maine, spoke in whispers about Roanna Douglas, the beautiful, mysterious woman who haunted the local seashore. Some people said she'd killed her husband. But that didn't stop Hunter Thorne from loving her... as though his very life depended on it.

WILDE IMAGININGS by Heather Graham Pozzessere

Rising out of the murky English moors, Fairfaven Castle housed dark secrets... and handsome, brooding Brian Wilde. But even as Brian's touch filled lovely Alyssa Evans with fire, his enigmatic manner chilled her with fear. Could she discover the castle's secrets before it was too late?

***

February 5

The Monster in the Closet by Anne Stuart
Besides being a Heather Graham fan, I'm also an Anne Stuart fan so I was glad to see this included in the anthology. I absolutely loved it! Both Sebastian and Emma were great and while it was easy to figure out who was behind everything, for lack of suspects, the reason was fresh and interesting. The whole atmosphere of this story, along with the romance, made this my favorite of the book.
10/10

Seawitch by Helen R. Myers
While this had a good plot, I felt there was something off. There were two big problems for me: (1) too much was going on for the length of a short story, some things needed to be taken out and (2), Hunter. I just could not like him, he was a bully and he didn't seem much better than Roanne's husband.
4/10

Wilde Imaginings by Heather Graham Pozzessere
I thought this was a fairly interesting story. Both Alyssa and Brian were interesting characters, but for some reason the story fell a bit flat. They seemed to fall in love awfully fast, and I know that happens in short stories and usually it doesn't bother me, but for some reason it did in this story. It must be because of how it's written. I think some of it is because they're related, however distant it might be. Maybe if they hadn't, even though the author says a couple times that they could be more related to a stranger on the street than to each other, I would have felt easier about it, especially in the epilogue when Alyssa sees the portrait and all is revealed to the reader. Something about it just turns me off the story. I'm not going to go into a whole anthropological study into how and why, but that's the main thing that bugged me.
7/10

Book Review - A Snowflake in My Hand by Samantha Mooney

Book Description
A miracle of a book--a joyous celebration of the unspoken but deeply felt bond between animals and people and, in Roger Caras's words, "a celebration of life in the face of death".

***

January 27

A heartwarming (and breaking) book about many of the cats that went through Sam Mooney's life. Ms. Mooney certainly knows cats and she takes you into brief sections of their lives so you get to know and love them too, even though you've never met them. I loved this book (even if I wished it had been longer so I could have spent more time with it!) and it's helped me a bit since the sudden loss of two of my cats. The author's beautiful writing shows us, the reader, that life does go on and their memory will always stay with you. Every cat is special and has an integral part of their owner's life, and anyone who's ever known them. Excellent book.

5/5 stars

Book Review - Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Book Description
CHOOSE: A QUICK DEATH OR SLOW POISON. (STUDY BOOK 1)
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered a reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace, and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and she develops magical powers she can't control. Her life’s at stake again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear!

***

Read January 24

I haven't read many books, if any, that deal with a poison tester, so I found the premise in Poison Study very interesting. The plot, the characters, everything was so well-done and fascinating that I became immersed into the story so much that I didn't notice anything that went on around me. Ms. Snyder has a lovely, uninterrupted, and smooth style of writing that is very easy to read. I can't wait to get to Magic Study next! :)

4.5 stars

Introduction: How do you do?

I just thought I should introduce myself a little bit before I start blogging away.

I am a voracious reader, but lately it has been really hard to concentrate on much more than a fast-paced show. It has really put a damper on my life. Not just because I can't read, but because I've had to drop so many classes and finally I just had to take some time off from college to get everything under control. I've gone to doctors and have pretty much ruled out everything except allergies and depression. I've been taking allergy drops for about six months now and have an appointment to see the doc in just a little over a week to see if everything is working alright. They said it could take up to a year. Also I'm just starting medicine for depression. It's too early to tell right now if it's working but I haven't had any side effects yet, which is a great sign. Especially because the medicine I tried right before it did not work whatsoever and left me with several serious side effects. Unfortunately I've had problems concentrating for about a year now and didn't get diagnosed until January. It's the kind of depression where I don't feel depressed. I've never had that before so it was kind of a downer. Literally. LoL

I can be sarcastic, witty, moody, snarky, nice, fun, boring and all of that. Which, now that I think of it, is pretty much like most people.

I love my cats and the two closest to me passed away on September 15 and December 15, 2007. They were mother and daughter. Sati (pronounced Say-tee) was a stray who came to the back deck pregnant. Of course she didn't show at the time and two months later she had her kittens. I think she might have been nine or ten when she died, but that's just a guess. B'Elanna (Buh-lanna) was only seven when she followed her mother to Rainbow Bridge. She died in the midst of playing of a coronary embellism (sp?). Both were very unexpected deaths and hit me hard. I still miss them and it is very hard at times to know they're gone.

Sati is the Tuxedo cutie and Lanna is the black beauty