Tuesday 27 November 2012

EXISTENCE by Abbi Glines

Pagan is a teenager, in her senior year at high school, who looks like a normal girl, but Pagan is different. Pagan sees souls. These souls have no other way to make contact as they have no voice,so  Pagan, unable to help them in any way, chooses to ignore them until they leave.  When Pagan soon notices a soul lounging on table in the school yard, she's not surprised. What does surprise her though is that he talks and not just directly but she can hear him in her head.  This soul seems taken back that Pagan has been able to see souls for as long as she remembers. For the first time a soul  is following her every move.

At lunch, when left alone by her friends, Pagan is approached by Lief, the school's star footballer. He asks for her help as a tutor.  Put off by his arrogant attitude Pagan says no.  Only to later rethink her judgemental reaction, Pagan finds Lief she accepts his plea for help.  Lief makes his move and he and Pagan start to date, even though her hearts not in it. The next conversation Pagan has with the soul is his warning for her not to leave school that day.  Pagan dismisses the warning and is in a serious accident that should have taken her life. Somehow Pagan knows that the soul is the reason she survived.  Now all the rules are broken and things begin to change.  There's a new student at school, meet Dank (that's right I said Dank!  In my head I changed to Drake, worked much better for me!), Dank Walker, who as the lead singer in the famous rock band "Cold Soul" causes quite a stir.  While both Dank and Pagan are dating others  the connection and pull between them remains. Will Pagan find out who Dank really is?  Will Dank and Pagan end up together?  Will Dank pay the price for Pagans' survival?  Is there more to Lief than meets the eye? What will it cost Pagan to make a stand and claim Dank for her own?


I find this book difficult to review, there a parts of it that make me want to rant on and on and parts that deserve a rave..  First and most important in my mind, is Pagan.  The storyline would have been much better served if Pagan was shown as a stronger more confident character.  Somehow whining and self doubt don't a heroine make.  The other problem I had with the book were the frequent repetitions in dialogue, I found it very distracting  while trying to follow the storyline, my mind kept saying didn't we just do that!.  With all that taken into consideration, I must confess that Ms. Glines still pulls it off.  So here are aspects of this book that deserve a rave.  The storyline is great and the other characters do not suffer from Pagan's shortcomings.  There are unexpected twists and turns, not to mention a cliffhanger ending perfect for making you yearn for the next book.  Abbi Glines is a young gifted writer with huge potential and under the guidance of a good editor has a very bright future.  For my money, definitely worth the read.  3.8 out of 5 Stars

Sunday 25 November 2012

DARKER AFTER MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian

Book Nine - The Midnight Breed Series

Hidden by the dark of night, a blood war is raging.  For centuries the Breed have maintained their secrecy while existing along side unaware humans.  A horrendous act of violence and retaliation puts the entire vampire nation at risk of exposure.  It falls to The Order, a network of Breed warriors to stop the evil forces who seek total domination over all. The featured character of this book is Sterling Chase, a Breed warrior who is battling his own demons and the addiction of Blood lust that's driving him hard toward his final destruction.  Hope suddenly glimmers on the horizon when Chase meets Tavia Fairchild, a beautiful young woman who may be much more than she first seems.  Will Chase be able to overcome his agonizing addiction?    Given her past can Tavia accept her attraction to Chase and bring him back from the brink?  Will Tavia be able to face the truth of who and what she truly is?

Any dramatic change in the well established world of a series is tempting disaster. Rarely does an author manage not to destroy the backbone of the storyline. That said, not only did Lara Adrian pull this off successfully, but this is the best book so far, by far, in an incredible series.  Ms. Adrian has not only made the changes work within the fabric of the story, she has opened it to a line of nearly endless possibilities.  There are thousands of authors who write paranormal romance but out of that number there is only a handful of those that are genuinely worth reading and Lara Adrian is definitely one of them.   If you have somehow missed reading the "Midnight Breed" series, start now!
5 out of 5 stars

THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield

Vida Winter, the most noted and reclusive author in England, who's health is failing, is in need of a biographer she can trust. She approaches the young writer Margaret Lea, with an offer to hear her life story and pen her biography.  Barely familiar with the ageing author, Margaret digs out her father's prized copy of Winter's "Thirteenth Tales of Change and Deception" and sits down to read.  Finding herself enthralled in the book Margaret discovers it contains only twelve stories.  Fascinated by Winter's prose and now curious about the author, Margaret agrees to a meeting.

Margaret has already decided not to accept the offer made by Vida Winter, but reconsiders after the ageing author pleads for Margaret to stay and promises family secrets, a mystery involving two twin girls and the revealing of three verifiable truths.  The deal is struck when Margaret starts to recognize a common thread between the author's history and her own. As Margaret records Winter's strange story she becomes total immersed in the tale. What are Vida Winter's three truths and family secrets?  What happens in the troubling tale of the two twin girls?  Will Margaret ever hear the missing thirteenth tale?

The Thirteenth Tale is a remarkable debut novel by Diane Setterfield.  It's a Gothic romantic story full of secrets, ghosts,obsession, murder and madness, what more could you ask.  You will be swept away by the richness of Setterfield's daring tale and filled the satisfaction of a great read when your done. 
This is a book that will earn it's place in your permanent library, to be read again and again.  Don't Miss It!  5 out of 5 Stars

BEAUTIFUL DISASTER by Jamie McGuire

Abby Abernathy is a girl who's come to college to leave her past behind.  She's determined to walk the line, be a top student and do it right.  Enter Travis Maddox, by day the campus' infamous heartthrob who loves the girls and leaves them just as fast, and by night, the top bare fist fighter in the campus illegal  floating fight ring.  Travis's lean, ripped, tattoo covered body and rugged good looks make this bad boy hard for Maggie to resist, but resist she does. Intrigued by Maggie's resistance to his charms, Travis sets up a bet to manipulate Maggie into his life and his apartment for one month.  Their relationship starts out platonic enough but slowly turns into more, despite the denials on both sides. Will either Travis or Maggie be willing to change enough to make their relationship work?  Can Travis and Maggie ever be honest with each other and confess how they really feel or will the gap between them prove to vast to conquer?

I loved the excitement, the banter and the sexual tension between Maggie and Travis, as well as Maggie's strength of character.  What concerned me was Travis' aggression and possessiveness.  I don't like condoning that kind emotional instability toward women, even in a novel.  I would have been more comfortable had Travis' reactions been toned down a little and I don't think the story would have suffered if it was.  With that said, I'll get down off the soap box and openly admit that I loved everything else about the book.  It was an exciting, fun, humorous and very sexy read.  I will definitely be picking up Walking Disaster, the same story but from Travis's perspective, Jamie McGuire's next book, to be released in April 2013.  One more thing, just so I'm sure I'm being clear, this book is still a grest story and one I definitely recommend.   4 out of 5 stars 

Saturday 24 November 2012

ONYX by J. L. Armentrout


Book Two - Lux Series

Katy's still unconvinced that Daemon's sudden change of feelings for her isn't just this crazy alien connection they share. He only thinks he cares, but surely his feelings will fade with their connection or when he gets bored with the little human girl, namely Katy.  Daemon on the other hand is trying to curtail some of his attitude and sarcasm to show his "Kitten", what he feels is real. At school Daemon repeatedly makes public gestures to prove to Katy his feelings are genuine and the more Katy tries for self preservation by pushing him away, the more she finds herself falling for him.  Katy's resolve is fading when a new boy by the name of Blake, shows up at school.  Blake is Daemon's opposite, brown hair, blue eyes and human, not to mention pretty hot.  Blake's real surprise though, is just how much he knows about Katy and Daemon, and Katy's emerging and uncontrolled powers. Will Blake come between Katy and Daemon?  How does Blake know all the Luxen secrets?   Will Daemon and Katy learn who all their enemies are?  Will there ever be time enough for Daemon and Katy to reveal their true hearts to each other?  So many questions remain.

This is usually where I list any flaws I find with the story.  That said, I have to admit that I don't really have a fault to find. The characters, the storyline and the way there are still so many unanswered questions all work for me.  J. L. Armentrout has again demonstrated that she writes far beyond most authors of the YA genre.  After reading "Obsidian", which I loved, I wasn't sure that Ms. Armentrout could keep the pace of the storyline and the vibrancy of the characters in "Onyx".  I should have known, it's not just as good . . .it's better!  Read It - Don't Miss Out.  5 out of 5 Stars.

OBSIDIAN by J. L. Armentrout

Book One - Lux Series
Arriving in a new town in West Virginia, Katy and her mom are making a fresh start, after the death of her father.  Slipping next door in need of directions, Katy meets Daemon.  Daemon is tall, dark, green eyed and gorgeous, he's also a Jerk!  Katy feels an attraction but she just can't seem to get along with the arrogant sarcastic boy wonder.  Then one night they run into real trouble causing  Katy to be saved by Daemon, doing something that should have been impossible. The drawback to the saving is that now Katy knows the truth, that Daemon and his family are aliens. Oh yes, and also Katy and Daemon now share an almost electric connection, one both of them constantly feel when near to each other.  If this weren't enough, Katy also learns that by having close contact with him, Daemon has marked her with an alien light trace.  For those who can see it, Katy glows.  It's the kind of trace that Daemon's enemies can track to find and eliminate them.  Will Daemon and Katy's new connection be their downfall?  Is this connection the real reason Daemon feels his attraction to Katy?  Will Katy's marking draw their now common enemy directly to them?

Comparisons to The Twilight Saga nearly kept me from reaching for this book . While I will admit that there are some similarities in the storyline like many paranormal romances, that's where the likeness ends.  Katy is what Bella never had the courage to be, an character capable of thinking for herself and sticking to her beliefs, right or wrong.  Daemon on the other hand is arrogant, sarcastic and irritating but also a young  man with goes after what he wants with determination and conviction.  If you add the Hot factor to that, Daemon makes Edward's character look like a prep boy with fangs.  All of J. L. Armentrout's characters have more grit and sense of self than those in Meyer's Twilight..  I loved this book and hope I have convinced all those sitting on the fence to take the dive.  You Won't Regret It!  4.5 out of 5 Stars  

Friday 23 November 2012

THE MARRIAGE TRAP by Jennifer Probst

Meet Michael Conte, the wealthy Italian business man with a reputation as a lady's man, who needs a temporary fiancee  FAST!  Family promises obligate Michael to marry first before his mother will allow his sister and her fiancee to enter wedded bliss.  Michael's sister and her boyfriend are a perfect match and should definitely be allowed to marry, but Michael has no current desire to enter wedlock and not one of his many dates would fit the role of temporary fiancee in the business sense only.  Enter Maggie Ryan, an independent, outspoken and sexy photographer and a woman Michael had an ill fated first date with.  Maggie is going to be in Milan on a photo shoot, what perfect timing.
Convinced by Michael and knowing she will only have to put up with him a week, Maggie agrees to the charade with the understanding that Michael will stay away from her married best friend permanently.
Once they're in Italy and amongst Michael's family however, things start to change. Both Michael and Maggie begin to see into the true character of their faux lover and the sexual tensions begin to ignite.  Has Michael finally found a woman who can keep his interest and his passions burning?  Has Maggie found the one man's love strong enough for her to truly believe in forever?  Maybe Mama knows.

Like most romance novels the plot is definitely predictable and I found the time line in Italy somewhat confusing.  What I did love were the family scenes, especially those with Mama, and the night spent with Michael's four young nephews, not to mention Dante the cat.  Again Jennifer Probst has penned a fun sexy romance with moments of laughter and delight.  If you loved "The Marriage Bargain" I'm sure you will once again enjoy the ups and downs of Michael and Maggie's stormy romance, but even as a stand alone solo read there is much to recommend in this light hearted novel.  4 out of 5 Stars

Thursday 22 November 2012

THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN by Jennifer Probst

Faced with the loss of her family's home, Alexa takes a desperate step.  In hopes of making her prince charming suddenly appear, with all the attributes she listed including the needed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, Alexa casts a love spell.  But she never dreamt fate would send the one man who years ago had shattered her heart. Enter Nick Ryan, the extremely wealthy architect who finds himself  also in desperate need of a spouse if he is to claim his uncle's corporation  Without a wife he can't inherit this long held dream.  Alexa's best friend, Nick's sister Maggie, brings the two together to negotiate the solution to both their problems, a marriage of convenience. A marriage set up in name only with no involvement, one that will follow the rules they have agreed upon for the one year term of the contract.    Sounds simple but of course the arrangement meets snag after snag as the couple tries to deal with their ever growing attraction and constant sexual tension.  Will Alexa allow herself to trust Nick a second time?  Will Nick be able to let go of his childhood experience and truly give his heart?

The book does have it's flaws, however.  Alexa frequently seems indecisive and somewhat foolish for a grown woman who successfully runs her own business and Nick's character doesn't always ring true to his actions . But remembering this is a romance novel, a genre where the outcome is always a given from the start and a marriage of convenience isn't an uncommon theme, the book still holds it's own. Jennifer Probst has demonstrated her gift for heat, humour and conversational banter that lifts this book above a lot of her competition.  I look forward to the sequel and hope that again I will be made to  smile a lot and on occasion laugh out loud. 4 out of 5 Stars    

Wednesday 21 November 2012

THE DARK HEROINE by Abigail Gibbs

Abigail Gibbs has put her own spin on the vampire genre and it's one I truly enjoyed.  It was refreshing not to have the vampires turn into prep school boys with fangs. I liked the idea of them being dark beings who feel no remorse for who they are. The other aspect of this book that is worthy of praise is the extravagant and dangerous world of the kingdom of Varnly.  The social and ruling class of the vampires comes to life with a sense of decadence and rich pageantry.  This is impressive work considering the tender age of the author, seventeen.  That said the book does have it's flaws.
Violet repeatedly seems to make rash decisions that are given little or no explanation in the book, not allowing the reader to follow or support her choices.  As for Violet's relationship with Prince Kaspar,  Ms. Gibbs has not been able to give it the depth it needs to be much more than the physical attraction we are first introduced to.  Attraction, passion and sex, yes. But a deep love giving her cause to leave everything she knows and loves behind, no . Perhaps it's just a little more maturity the author needs or maybe it's a better editor.

The story ends leaving all sorts of doors open and many possibilities for a sequel to follow. I will definitely read  it when it comes out.  I look forward to seeing Ms. Gibb's style mature and feel confident this is a budding talent with many more tales to tell.  4 out of 5 Stars.  

Sunday 18 November 2012

UNDER THE VAMPIRE MOON by Lynsay Sands

Carolyn and Christian's story is set on the sun drenched isle of St Lucia.  Carolyn is here with the girls to heal from a bad marriage and a worse divorce.  Only around every turn is another couple  madly in love and the only available men, if she was interested, seem just too young. 
This includes the gorgeous rock violinist with the smouldering eyes.  Not only that, Carolyn learns that, Christian, the hot violinist, prefers boys!  But here's the twist, Christian needs Carolyn's help.  He implores her to play the part of his fake girlfriend for the next week to appease his unliberated father.  Having had experience with this through a back home long time gay pal and having a less than stellar vacation anyway, Carolyn agrees. Now the only problem Carolyn is having is being so close to Christian and playing lovers seems to be clouding her judgement. He's gay for Pete's sakes! Meanwhile, Christian who has taken on this facade as a way of getting closer to Carolyn without scaring her off,  will have to find a way to undo it when the time is right.  For now Christian is reduced to repeatedly dream walking into Carolyn's arm's but Carolyn is confused and horrified that she can have such fantasies about a much younger gay man. Trying for the control that seems so illusive when it comes to Christian, Carolyn decides to make a pass at the older and more appropriate Captain Jack.  Captain Jack soon discovers, Carolyn's protest to the contrary,that her heart already belongs to Christian.  Accepting that this means no chance for him, Jack delivers Carolyn to Christian's door. Can Christian convince Carolyn that their attraction is real?  How does he break the new that he's a vampire? Will Carolyn give Christian her forever?
 Linsay Sands' Argeneau Series is always a light hearted read, full of sexual tension, fun and good humour. If this is what you are in the mood for, few do it better.  4 out of 5 stars 

LOVER REBORN by J R Ward

Tohr isn't over Wellsie's death and somehow that feels right, that he just can't let go of his one true love and their unborn child. It isn't until Lassiter explains, that either Tohr finds a way to release them and move on with his life, or the ones he loves most will fade from existence in the In Between and never reach the safety of the Fade. Enter No'One who is staying with the Brotherhood in an attempt to finally know her daughter, Xhex.  Knowing that Tohr still mourns his wife makes it easier for her to befriend him than the other males. Again it's Lassiter's encouragement that brings about No'One's offer of blood to Tohr, when he is in need.  It's from here their relationship starts down the long road  of  finding the way into each others hearts.  No'One is not one of J R Ward's usual confident heroines, she's shy, subservient and broken.  What I do find appealing about this couple is that their relationship is an arduous journey they both must take in order to gain the love and healing they  so desperately need.

The other subplots in this book are as compelling as the main story line. Taking place at the same time are the difficulties faced by Xhex and John Matthew. Now with both of them back in the field John Matthew must come to terms with being a bonded male who's female is also a warrior.  His mate is not sitting at home keeping the fires burning, she's repeatedly putting herself in harms way. Xhex meanwhile must find a way to deal with John's fears if their relationship is to survive. As two of my favourite characters in the series I can't help but feel their anguish and frustration as they try to work through the problems they face.  The other aspect of this book I love is the Band of Bastards and all the possibilities they represent.  I anxiously wait J R Ward's next book, the chance to revisit all these characters and discover which road they'll travel and what next they will whisper into J R Ward's ear.  This is the beat book in the series since Lover Mine.  Don't Miss It.  5 out of 5 Stars

GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn

This is a story of a marriage made in Hell.  Our tale opens on fifth anniversary of Nick and Amy, to all a seemingly perfect couple. It is also the day Amy disappears. Being presented in two separate views the story continues, first from Nick in the present with flashbacks of memory, then second, as a diary narrative from Amy covering the previous seven years including the day she disappears. Each of them revealing entirely different version of their life together.  With whom does the truth lie? There are lies, secrets and omissions through the book so pay close attention.  It is not often that I find myself surprised by the twists or turns a plot takes but to my delight Gillian Flynn has succeeded in doing just that with this book.  Along with marriage and family Flynn takes a hard look at the media and the role they can play in public opinion through manipulation and misdirection of the news for  the sole purpose of sensationalism.
Whodunits are not my usual cup of tea but Gillian Flynn's prose is vivid, dark, fascinating and at times difficult to read.  It kept me riveted to the edge of my seat until I had devoured the last page. Read It!
4.5 out of 5 Stars

Saturday 17 November 2012

DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE by Gena Showalter

Noelle and Hector first meet when Noelle joins "A.I.R.", the Alien Investigations Removal agency, with her best friend Ava. Hector a dark, brooding, tatooed bad boy is one of it's instructors who is immediately taken by Noelle's beauty. Noelle projects the image of a spoiled rich girl, one she uses to keep people at a distance.  Slowly Hector begins to see the real Noelle and his attraction grows nearly unbearable.  Because of his "Power" Hector knows he can't be with any woman. He tried once and his Power killed her.  His guilt and fear of repeating that horror makes him keep his distance.  Regardless of Noelle's attempts at seduction Hector runs in the other direction.   A year later, a murder case involving missing girls sees Hector and Nicolle teamed together to investigate the crime. This making the attraction between them that much stronger.  Circumstances soon reveal that Hector could possibly  have a relationship without the the tragic ending and things heat up fast.   Leaving no doubt that  Gena Showalter knows how to write sexual tension and hot love scenes.  Two other scenes in this book deserve mention as they made me laugh out loud.  The scenes are when during a training exercise  Noelle thoroughly beats Hector, the unbeatable instructor and when Hector is attempting masturbation, considering his power not an easy thing to do.
The only part of the book that I didn't care for was Dallas' involvement. I found it both confusing to the story line and unnecessary.  But even with that kept in mind I have to admit that I did really enjoy this book.  Definitely Worth the Read !  4.3 out of 5 stars


































THE WINTER SEA by Susanne Kearsley

For those of you who love a romance with depth you are in for a real treat.  Susanne Kearsley's novels seamlessly intertwine two romances, one contemporary and one historical, that thread together making  a remarkable single adventure.  In the contemporary romance a 31 year old author, Carrie McLelland, arrives in Scotland near the ruined castle called Slains, to research her novel.  As she settles into her rented seaside cottage she meets two brothers, the sons of the cottage owner, who vie for her affections.  Gradually Carrie is drawn to Graeme, the quiet more reserved of the brothers and their relationship develops as Carrie learns more about the castle, it's history, and her own connections to it.  As she begins writing she experiences dreams of a girl named Sophie, who lives in the 18th century, the time Carrie is researching.  These dreams are vivid and compelling driving Carrie to look into them further.   She then discovers that the visions from her dreams are historical fact. It appears that Sophie is speaking to her across time.    In the historical story line we meet Sophie and her love John, who because of the rebellion of 1708, have an uncertain and dangerous future. Even though records show that Sophie will be married to David Mclelland a few years later, the how and the why of Sophie's relationship with John is still a mystery for Carrie to unravel.

This is not a new release but one of the books in my permanent library that I recently had the joy of rereading.  It's a marvellous read, one I am sure, you like me, will return to again and again.  5 out of 5 stars

Friday 16 November 2012

TOUCH by Jus Accardo

Deznee is a fearless adrenalin junkie who is reckless and mouthy but you can't help loving this vibrant character.  She deliberately antagonizes her distant father, her only parent, just to get a ressponse out him, any response.  Late one night at a party, after finishing a hair raising stunt on her skateboard Deznee decides to head home.  On her way through a wooded short cut Deznee meets Kale, as he falls at her feet.  Kale is being ruthlessly pursued by several men in uniforms.  Deznee decides to aid Kale with his flight and takes him home as a means to get a rise out of her father.   Along the way we get insights into just how strange and mysterious Kale really is.  The only stranger realization for Deznee is when her father shows up, gun in hand, and knowing more about Kale that he should.  Deznee soon realizes that nothing in her world is as it seems, from  the strange boy who refuses to touch her until threatened by her father to her father himself.

The Denazen Corporation, her father's employer and the company Deznee always thought to be a law firm, turns out to be anything but.  It's an organization that "collects" special gifted kids called "Sixes" and uses them as weapons for profit.  Kale has been their prisoner his entire life, coersed and blackmailed into using his talent to do the Corporations bidding.  Kale's talent - his touch - it Kills!

Deznee has a world full of new experiences to show Kale and Kale has secrets about Deznee's mother and the Corporation to share.  The couple ally themselves with a group of rogue Sixes in an attempt to take down Denazen.  Part of their plan is to expose Deznee's biggest secret to her father in hopes of giving them a needed advantage and a way inside the Denazen Corporation. Will Deznee and Kale succeed?  Can they win against the Denazen Corporation with the rogue Sixes help? Does their new found romance survive?  This is an engaging story with a rich assortment of characters and more than one unexpected twists to the plot. Jus Accardo has penned a winner.  4.5 out of 5 stars

THE DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor

This is a story about a girl, Karou, who has no idea who she really is.  Her only family is made up of demons and creatures that would strike terror into the hearts of others. Karou is an artistically talented seventeen year old who helps her "family" collect teeth.  Though why, she doesn't understand. So much of the family's life is held in secret.  While out rounding up a collection of teeth , Karou sees an angel who is marking doors on the routes she travels and is bent on destroying the teeth trade and those who traffic in them.   Seeing Karou, the angel Akiva, understands that he should kill her but her likeness to his lost love makes this impossible.  A forbidden love is given a second chance in this rich exotic world.  Karou embarks on the discovery of not just who she is but the long history between the angels and her own people.   Will Karou and Akiva be able to hold on to their love or will the conflict between these worlds destroy it?

It is rare to read a novel, any novel, that can create a world and characters not just different but truly unique and original.  Laini Taylor has done just that.  You embark on a story with the depth and detail found only with the  fantasy greats.    Laini Taylor is an author who is always both dark and delicious, she is destined to join the ranks of the best in american fantasy literature.  I loved this book and I recommend it to everyone.   You won't read a better fantasy novel anytime soon.  5 out o 5 stars.

POINT OF RETREAT by Colleen Hoover

Slammed series Book 2

The second book finds Lake and Will still living across the street from each other, each raising their younger brothers.  Lake has just started college and Will is continuing with his graduate degree. The story begins by revealing some of the difficulties faced by the very young adults in daily living and in the raising of  two young boys.  It then moves on to the focus of the story, asking the question, is it the pain they share or true love that  brought them together?  Someone from Will's past re-emerges leaving Lake to doubt the very foundation of their relationship.  The road that finally reunites them is also the road that threatens not just their love but their friends and family.  Will Lake and Will ever have their happy ending or has fate other plans for them?  Read the book to find out.  It's a story full of warmth and heart that will make you smile one minute and cry the next, but it always leaves you wanting more.  4.5 out 5 stars

LIPS TOUCH - THREE TIMES by Laini Taylor

This is a collection of three short stories that each centre around a momentous kiss.

In "Goblin Fruit", a young girl longs for popularity and romance. This is the prey that goblins desire, not the pretty popular girls but those full of want.  Kissy is tempted by a goblin in a handsome boy disguise.  Ignoring all the warning signs learnt from her old world grandmother, Kizzy enters deeper and deeper into the goblin's temptation.  Will her first kiss be her last?

The second tale "Spicy Little Curses Such as These" is the story of Estelle whose broken heart brings her to Hell hoping for the return of her dead husband.  Once there, the deity Yama negotiates her release back into the world by having her accept the role of mediator, to reign in the demon Vasudev, who has a love of death and collecting souls, especially those of children.  To save the souls of 22 children who are otherwise lost, Estelle agrees to curse an infant at her baptism.  The young girl is doomed to kill whomever hears her voice, but the curse plays out  to a surprising finish.

In "Hatchling", a young girl of 14 years named Esme, awakes to the sound of howling wolves and finds that one of her brown eyes has shifted to an icy blue.  Esme soon discovers that her fate is intertwined with demons and dark secrets kept by her mother.

This collection is an amazing work of fiction.  Each tale is dark, dangerous and demonic!  I rarely enjoy short stories but this trilogy is addicting.  The haunting quality of Laini Taylor's prose is enhanced by the gorgeous artwork displayed in the illustrations of her husband, Jim Di Bartolo. I highly recommend this book to all!  5 out of 5 stars

Thursday 15 November 2012

GABRIELS INFERNO by Sylvain Reynard

Let me start by acknowledging Sylvain Reynard's research and knowledge of Dante's The Divine Comedy.  The ability to immerse the characters of her romantic tale with the passion of Dante's work make this novel stand out from the rest.  Rarely do romance authors bother to go to the depths that have been displayed throughout this work.  The reader is immediately immersed into Gabriel's life as his history gives greater insight into this sexy, complicated but haunted man. His introduction to Julia (his Beatrice) slowly unfurls a passionate affair that you are never sure will survive the complex flaws in each of these characters. Separately, both Gabriel and Julia are forced to face a past that must be overcome if they are to be free to love each other honestly. Gabriel is a driven man who has difficultly seeing how he affects and uses others. Julia is an emotionally injured young woman needing to develop a true sense of self.  They each possess a clearer vision of the other than they do of themselves. The passion and the sexual tension between them is undeniable.  How will they keep their relationship from destroying his career and her future?   How long can they resist the unrelenting desire that constantly tempts them?   Will passion win out no matter what the costs?   I loved this book and look forward to reading Gabriel's Rapture the next release in this love story.  Read This One!   4.5 out of 5 Stars

GABRIELS RAPTURE by Sylvain Reynard


The story continues in Florence, Italy, where we find the lovers still holidaying now the conference has ended. Despite the romantic setting and the passion that has now become a part of their relationship, Julia is still shadowed by doubts that she will never be enough to hold Gabriel.  Returning to Toronto and all the difficulties surrounding their love, they try to keep their relationship hidden from everyone at the university. Sadly, a spurned student of Gabriel's, Christa, who doesn't take rejection lying down, lets jealousy rear its ugly head. Christa's anger at Gabriel and hatred of Julia takes the form of exposing them to the university administration.  Facing a tribunal both, Gabriel and Julia try to solely take the blame. Before the end of the investigation Gabriel makes a deal to spare Julia's future but part of the agreement is breaking all contact with her.  Julia is devastated by what she sees as Gabriel's betrayal, seeing only an attempt to save his own career at her expense. Gabriel tries to explain in a hidden communication but the message is missed by Julia. Gabriel then disappears and Julia believes the worst.  Though she realizes
Gabriel is gone she can't make herself let go and is still haunted by him. Gabriel's travels take him from his childhood home to the places in Italy that he and Julia shared.  His experiences along the way serve as life lessons and give him a  better understanding of himself and what he truly wants: a life with Julia based on love and complete trust. He returns, now the semester is over and his contract is expired, hoping to recapture Julia's love but fearful she won't be able to forgive him.  Once they reconnect Gabriel is convinced that Julia must find the trust to agree to marry him.  Will she be able to not just forgive him but trust him enough to believe in forever?   This is a great conclusion to the story. Read It!  4.5  out of 5 stars

SLAMMED by Colleen Hoover

Upon arriving in Michigan from Texas, Layken or "Lake", with her mother and her brother  meet their new neighbours, Will and his little brother.  The young boys become instant best friends and there is an immediate attraction between Will and Lake.  After only their first date a real connection is felt by them both and suddenly Michigan is a great place to be.  All too soon Will and Lake face an unmovable barrier to their blossoming romance.  While still being thrown together everyday they have no choice but to try and end their connection and deny what they feel.  As difficult as their situation is there  are still more heartaches and challenges ahead for Lake and her young brother.  Will is always there being a friend and lending support when needed but trying to be friends only and putting up a good front is harder than either of them thought.  Can Will and Lake surpass all of the obstacles in their paths and finally be together? Read Slammed and find out. You won't be disappointed. This is a unique story with with great characters you will want to meet again and again. 5 out of 5 stars

Wednesday 7 November 2012

Book Reviewed  -  Fourth Grave Beneath my Feet  - by Darynda Jones.
Let me start off by declaring that "I am a fan" of Darynda Jones.   I loved the "Grave Series" and "Charlie Davidson" from the start.  The story line and the characters have been strong and dynamic from the beginning of the series "First Grave on the Right".  So I was waiting impatiently for this book to be released.  I began this new release expecting to meet  Charlie as the bigger than life character she has always been in the earlier books.  Imagine my surprise when the character who has been through so much and still remained her unshakable self has been reduced to a shaken woman full of fear and self doubt by a mere human.  This struck me as totally out of character for Charlie and just didn't ring true.  The first quarter of the story seemed thin in plot and without much direction.  I was beginning to worry, where had the Darynda Jones I loved so well gone.   The early part of the plot needed to be better developed with more connections to all the main and secondary characters through the story line.  But to go further would only reveal too much of the plot for those yet to read this book.
  I am more than happy to let you know that the Darynda Jones style I am so fond of makes a full recovery in the second half of this book.  Charlie and Reyes both come back to life with all the colour and passion we have come to expect from them, restoring my faith once again.  My usual rating for  the series has been 5 out of  5 stars but with the somewhat shaky start to the fourth novel I  give it an honest rating of 4 stars, still worth the read but not her best effort.