Book Review: Potential (The Potential Series Book 1) by M.L. Ridener

Title: Potential
Author: M.L. Ridener
Series: Potential #1
Pages: 169
My Rating: ❤❤

"It's been three hundred years, now is the time..."

Eighteen year old Aribelle Weever has been on the run for the past two years. She and her cousin are being hunted by a group of crazed panther shifters. Ari is a Potential. It is said that Potentials unlock a great power from within their fated mates. The panthers don't care about fate though, only power. She will not give up her freedom without a fight, but she can't shake her fear. Everything changes when she moves to the little town of Winago Heights...

"...when the time is right, you will find the one that fate has chosen for you."

Connell O'Reilly has been plagued by the death of his parents for the past eight years. The attack was meant to destroy his brothers, but he was able to save them. Because of the total destruction of the pack that night, he was thrown into the roles of father, provider, and Alpha. It wasn't easy for a boy at fifteen, but you play the hand you're dealt. Life has been quiet, that is until his brothers meet the new girl in town...

When I read the description for Potential, I knew that I would like the story. The plot involved shifters, prophecies, and some hot guys, what's not to love? So, of course I had high expectations for this story, and maybe they were a bit too high. The story was a fun, fast read, but I found myself wanting so much more!

I wanted details! The characters had the potential to be great, but I wasn't really able to get to know them very well. Specifically, I wanted to know more about their past and their feelings. I firmly believe that there is so much more to the characters than what this book offered. I would have loved to meet Chloe's mom. She was hardly mentioned, and when she finally appeared in the book she only said a few words, and that was it. In addition, when the characters would mention the terrible things they had went through, it was at random times. The story would be moving along happily, and then all of a sudden someone would hit the brakes and start getting serious. Then, someone would hit the gas and we would be all hunky dory again. This part just needed to flow a lot better for me.

Despite the technical problems with the book (such as grammar), I still thought it was a nice fast read. For the two hours it took for me to read it, it did keep me entertained. My only hope is that the series gets more detailed as it goes on.

Book Review: Blue Violet (Svatura Book 1) by Abigail Owen

Title: Blue Violet
Author: Abigail Owen
Series: Svatura #1
Pages: 260
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Book #1 of the Svatura Series

Ellie Aubrey is a centuries-old gypsy princess whose extraordinary abilities once inspired her Roma ancestors' fairytales (or nightmares). Along with her twin-brother, Griffin, Ellie has spent most of her life hiding from the Vyusher, a rival tribe who destroyed their entire powerful family. But after a mysterious dream, Ellie risks discovery in order to find and watch over the Jenners, another group of similarly gifted people. She refuses to let them suffer the same fate.

Alex Jenner has come home to protect his family. His adopted mother can sense danger coming, but not who or when. Suspicious of the new girl in town, Alex challenges Ellie in ways that will spark one of two possible outcomes: they'll spontaneously combust, or she'll lose control of the one power she's fought so hard to contain.

When the Vyusher once again threaten everything she holds dear, Ellie will have to face her worst fear, and Alex will have to face an impossible decision. In this fairytale, the dragon that the prince must slay is also the princess who holds his heart.

* I received a free copy of Blue Violet in exchange for an honest review *

Blue Violet  follows Ellie, a girl who has had only the company of her twin brother Griffin for the majority of her life, and by life I mean over a century. Ellie and her brother are not normal human beings, they instead belong to an ancient mystical race that has almost been completely wiped out.

Although Ellie does enjoy her brother's company, she yearns to be around other people like her. Being around the same person (and no one else) for years on end can get a bit boring. So, when she gets a strange vision showing her that more of her kind does exist, she jumps at the chance to find them. However, she is not the only person searching for them.

Even though Ellie is supposed to be over a century old, she does not act like it at all. Actually, none of the characters do. I don't know if this is correct or not, but I really liked that about this book! The characters were not depressed and brooding around throughout the book, but instead were a lot of fun. They seemed to get themselves into one sticky situation after another, which was super entertaining!

In addition to having these "old" characters not act their age, I also really liked Ellie and Griffin's relationship. They knew each other extremely well, and some of my favorite parts were when Griffin would make comments about Ellie's behavior! The bickering was absolutely perfect!

"She'd read tons of books with female heroines who swooned at the sight of their true love and had thought them to be incredibly wimpy. Now here she stood, barely able to keep herself upright. Not that she was in love...far from it. But a girl could appreciate a bona fide hottie when she saw one, right?"

"I just finished running, and I look and smell like nothing very pleasant. Why, oh, why did he have to bump into me now?"

Book Review: Runners & Riders (Treasure Chronicles Book 2.5) by Jordan Elizabeth

Title: Runners & Riders
Author: Jordan Elizabeth
Series: Treasure Chronicles #2.5
Pages: 258
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Juliet loved growing up at the seaside, although it meant lonely hours chasing after the other beach rats while her mother worked as a seamstress. Juliet never expected her seaman father to inherit a fortune and move the family to New Addison City. Suddenly her mother is a socialite and Juliet is best friends with a strong-willed girl who actually likes her. When Juliet’s new friend welcomes her to the Runners, a gang that has plagued the East Coast for years, Juliet sees it as the opportunity to fit in, learn tricks, and make eyes at one of the hottest members. What the gang does isn’t really wrong…right? She’s used to being a pawn for the Runners, but she starts to question what she sees as harmless fun when the gang uses her to attack a young officer.

Jonathan Montgomery vowed to end the Runners after they murdered his family. He joined the Riders, an elite police force dedicated to stopping the Runners’ crime spree. They have put him in New Addison City, but rookie mistakes follow Jonathan as he struggles to accomplish his goal, until a young woman feeds him inside information to bring down the Runners.

Between murders and secrets, Juliet will need to find her strength to help Jonathan, before the founder of the Runners crawls up from the sewers amongst her inventions to burn down the city.

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

Runners & Riders is considered to be book 2.5 in Jordan Elizabeth's Treasure Chronicles series. However, it can be read as a stand alone, although, after reading Runners & Riders you may want to pick up the rest of the series!

This was my first steampunk book and I absolutely loved it! It had all the bells and whistles that you associate with steampunk, kind of similar to Will Smith's Wild Wild West film. Be aware, that comparison is just the first one that I could come up with, because Jordan takes steampunk to a different level that makes it seem not as fanciful as it was in Wild Wild West. The plot and situations seemed entirely believable and surreal at the same time. I know that I'm not giving the idea justice, so you'll just have to read it to see what I mean!

In addition to the world that Jordan creates, the characters and plot are amazing! I think everyone could identify with Juliet. She is just a girl who wanted a friend, so when a rich girl shows her attention, then Juliet does anything to impress her. Haven't we all done this at one point in our lives?

Juliet finds herself sucked into this girl's world that is full of thievery and deception. This then begs the question, is this new girl a true friend to Juliet? I mean, that's all that Juliet has ever wanted, a true friend. She later finds what she has always wanted in a Rider (think member of an elite police force), who's sole purpose is to bring down the world of thievery and deception that she is a part of...

So, if you love books that have romance, crime, twists, turns, and a touch of clever innovation, then you definitely need to check out Jordan Elizabeth's Runners & Riders!

"She reminded Juliet of the parrot the shopkeeper owned. Both the woman and bird belonged in cages, preferably the same cage, so the bird could poop on all that velvet and lace."

"Juliet wondered if the woman even knew what a Rider was. She made loud noises and loved jewelry. Other than that, Juliet couldn't think of a way to describe her."

"Never let people tell you what to believe in. No one knows everything."

"Her plan seemed somewhat delusional, unreal, and utterly delicious." 

"...they left a scar that would fade but never vanish."

Book Review: Burden (Bayou Bear Chronicles Book 1) by Lila Felix

Title: Burden
Author: Lila Felix
Series: Bayou Bear Chronicles #1
Pages: 296
My Rating: ❤❤❤

In the depths of the Louisiana swamps, clans of bear shifters roam freely. Hawke Turnclaw, the Alpha over all of his kind, is drowning in the legacy left to him by the Alpha before him, his own father. When he goes on a rescue mission to save a rogue Black bear from the clutches of a Grizzly clan, he finds more than just a Black bear, he finds his mate.

Echo has always been told she's an anomaly, a fluke. She's the only bear of her kind and that makes her a hindrance to her clan. She's tried to run away, but they keep her tethered through guilt and a shock collar around her neck.

And then someone shows up claiming he's her mate. Now belonging to a new clan, will she ever be able to understand that she's so much more than just a burden?

Hawke is in way over his head. After his father's death, he is forced to become alpha of his black bear shifter clan. His dad wasn't the best of alphas and, needless to say, the clan was left in financial turmoil. Also, kids are skipping school and a lone black bear has been spotted in grizzly shifter territory. Hawke just can't seem to catch a break.

The lone black bear turns out to be his one and only true mate, Echo. She however, doesn't really know about the whole mate thing, actually she doesn't know about any black bear traditions or history. The Grizzly clan she has been living with since she was a baby constantly berates her and treats her as an outsider. That doesn't stop them from making her cook, clean, keep inventory, do laundry, deal with finances, and guard the perimeter. Her life is miserable, but she can't escape due to the large metal shock collar around her neck, that is until she meets Hawke.

Echo is so thankful that Hawke rescued her, but she starts to feel like a burden. That's all she has ever been told that she was. A burden. Their actual relationship (I mean they are mates...) develops rather slowly. It is pretty adorable, yet awkward at the same time. You have to remember, Echo is completely unfamiliar with black bear customs and is learning about all of their mating rituals for the first time. As you can guess, there is a whole lot of blushing!

My only real problem with Burden was how things were worded. Some of the dialogue just didn't seem all that natural. I just wanted a bit more, especially some lingo from the bayou! That would have been REALLY fun to read! But, other than that, Burden was a cute story. I really loved the plot and thought that Echo and Hawke were really great for each other. Both of them were extremely thoughtful and caring.

Also, I absolutely loved the character of Martha. She was completely relatable and super sweet!

"It wasn't like there was a dating and mating website for bear shifters. If there had been, its mascot would have been that yellow Care Bear with the heart on its stomach."

"This was more than the mate-claim. It was more than love. More than a fluttering of our hearts, or a tingle when she entered a room."

"She paced back and forth while I rinsed and decided to face the music - or the Echo." 

Book Review: The Billionaire's Counterfeit Girlfriend (The Pryce Family Book 1) by Nadia Lee

Title: The Billionaire's Counterfeit Girlfriend
Author: Nadia Lee
Series: Pryce Family #1
Pages: 302
My Rating: ❤❤❤

Curvaceous beauty Hilary Rosenberg doesn't believe in love. She only goes out with nice guys who won't expect passionate romance--until a notorious womanizer demands she repay a favor with four weeks of counterfeit dates.

Billionaire playboy Mark Pryce doesn't do relationships. In fact, he's never been with the same woman for more than three months. But when his matchmaking mother tries to sabotage his bachelorhood, he needs a stand-in girlfriend. Luckily, Hilary owes him big time. But as they start to spend more time together, he finds himself wanting to break his first rule: never get too close...

The Billionaire's Counterfeit Girlfriend was a cute fluffy read. At times, it did delve into some hard topics, but didn't really flesh them out. One of my favorite parts was how Hilary was no stick. She seemed to be secure with her body type though, until people would make fun of her and talk bad about her. I will never understand what possesses people to do that. Some individuals are just mean.

Both Hilary and Mark have a lot of baggage, and I mean a LOT of baggage. They are so hung up on their past for the majority of the story. For them, the past pretty much dictates their future, and is the reason behind many of their decisions. For Mark, his parents' relationship is not loving. Instead, his mom is supposedly trapped in this marriage, while his dad cheats on her with just about every woman he happens across. As for Hilary, I won't get into too many details, but her family is Jerry Springer worthy. Let's just say her aunt and her mom have similar taste...

I think the author meant for Hilary to be in her late 30s, but the Hilary that I came to know in the book was not in her late 30s. Instead, I pictured Hilary to be in her late 20s, maybe early 30s. That just made way more sense to me. I know it's probably not what the author intended, but I'm just stubborn that way.

"Surviving is what any animal would do. It's making something of yourself that earns the badge. Nobody can choose how they were born and raised, but everyone can choose how they're going to live."

"Nothing's ever simple. I just don't want you to ignore possibilities out of fear. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, believing that somebody's going to catch you."

Book Review: The Phoenix (Daughters of Destiny Book 4) by K.R. Grace

Title: The Phoenix
Author: K.R. Grace
Series: Daughters of Destiny #4
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Star Allistar:

I always felt out of step with everyone else. I never dreamt it was because I was some sort of mythological freak.

My whole world has been flipped around with Drake’s return, Brighton’s aloofness, and my Phoenix-thing going on, but instead of having time to adjust to the latest developments in what has become the saga that is my life…I have to save the world once again.

Only this time, I have to save it from me.

K.R. Grace, you are an absolute rockstar! I am so glad I came across The Loner, because it introduced me to a world I absolutely love. The entire concept behind Star's story was amazing, I mean coming up with the idea of having a book dedicated to each suitor was pure genius! This series is definitely in my top ten!

The Phoenix was so much more than I hoped it would be, and that's saying a lot, because I had super high expectations. The pace of the story was absolutely perfect! Things were happening quickly, yet slowly at the same time, which made for some extreme anticipation building. At one point I just decided I couldn't stop until I finished the book, I was that into it!

The built up anticipation and suspense really got to me. There were so many twists that I think my face may have froze in a position of shock for a while. Don't worry, it wasn't permanent. Eventually my expression changed from one of shock to one of pure happiness.

Even with all the shock-worthy moments and constant action, the story did manage to wrap itself up in a perfect package, complete with the perky bow and all. The ending had me grinning from ear to ear. I probably looked like the cheshire cat, but who cares! The story was just perfect. It's as simple as that. Perfect.

If you haven't read this series yet, do yourself a favor...READ IT!

"...and yes that was meant to be interpreted in a sarcastic bubblegum tone complete with clapping and jazz hands."

"Babe, I hate to break it to you, but you're one messed up mess."
"I know!" I exclaimed before breaking off into a fit of laughter. "I ought to be admitted or put on some serious medication or something."

"I invited Onyx to be my plus one. Of course she was all in when I added that Grandma A had a massive swimming pool and was within a short driving distance to a two-story bookstore."

"Seriously, why was it tradition to stand when the bride came in? It blocked her from seeing her groom, who was the only reason she was there in the first place."

Book Review: Escape from Witchwood Hollow by Jordan Elizabeth

Title: Escape from Witchwood Hollow
Author: Jordan Elizabeth
Pages: 178
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Everyone in Arnn - a small farming town with more legends than residents - knows the story of Witchwood Hollow: if you venture into the whispering forest, the witch will trap your soul among the shadowed trees.

After losing her parents in a horrific terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, fifteen-year-old Honoria and her older brother escape New York City to Arnn. In the lure of that perpetual darkness, Honoria finds hope, when she should be afraid.

Perhaps the witch can reunite her with her lost parents. Awakening the witch, however, brings more than salvation from mourning, for Honoria discovers a past of missing children and broken promises.

To save the citizens of Arnn from becoming the witch’s next victims, she must find the truth behind the woman’s madness.

How deep into Witchwood Hollow does Honoria dare venture?

I was asked to read Escape from Witchwood Hollow in exchange for an honest review. I read the description and knew it was different from my typical fluffy, angsty paranormal reads. But, I thought "Hey, why not?" and ended up giving it a shot. And yeah, this was different from my usual reads, but I actually really enjoyed it!

Going into this book, I didn't know that there is actually some switching between points of view. This absolutely made the story that much better! It reads like an awesome mystery, where you get random pieces, but finally towards the end, everything starts to click into place and make sense.

I absolutely loved how everything came together and clicked! This book definitely gave me one of those lightbulb moments where I just had to stop and think "Wow, so that's how all of this works!" And as for how exactly everything does work out, I've got one word for you...WOW! I don't know if there is any other possible way the book could have wrapped itself up. It was just meant to happen that way.

Elizabeth truly managed to weave together a young adult story not about angst, but about grief. There was no whiny teenage girl, but instead one that is broken and completely relatable. Escape from Witchwood Hollow shows just how important and what individuals will go through for family and a sense of belonging.

"The school should teach a class on deciphering obscure images in bad photography. Amanda's photos could make up the textbooks."

"The darkness became an envelope and she the letter, seeking a destination she couldn't foresee." 

Book Review: Pisces (Zodiac Twin Flame Series Book 1) by Rachel Medhurst

Title: Pisces
Author: Rachel Medhurst
Series: Zodiac Twin Flame #1
Pages: 265
My Rating: ❤❤❤

The bracelet around my wrist was a permanent reminder of my mission. The silver charm that was attached to the leather cord was stamped with my birth sign. Mission: Unite with my twin flame soulmate in this lifetime.

My brothers, sisters, and I were each named after the star sign we were born under. We knew that our soul purpose was to fall madly in love and battle through the obstacles that led to that true love.

Antony crept up on me and caught me unaware. He was nothing like I'd imagined my twin flame soulmate to be. When he started to run, I found that I had to give chase. I had to complete my mission.

Medhurst creates a whole new world that I, a lover of all things fantasy & paranormal, have never heard of before. She introduces the unique idea of zodiac signs into the fantasy genre. Who would have thought?

In this world, people do not know what true love really looks like, instead all they know is chaos. It is up to Pisces, and her 11 siblings, to show them what true love really looks like. To actually do accomplish this feat, they must find and unite with their twin flame, better known as their soulmate. However, there are those that like the chaos of the world and wish to squash the zodiacs (Pisces and her siblings) attempts at exposing the world to true love.

What I liked about this book was the creativeness behind it all. The concept was extremely new to me, and I found the mythology interesting. However, I felt like so much more could have been done. Their mission is to show the world that true love exists. That’s it? There’s no impending doom that they have to save the world from? But I love that impending doom!

Besides the part about their mission, I also had a problem with the pace of the story. Some things were solved super quickly, while others were drawn out, way past their expiration date.

My overall favorite part of the book was how there was not this instant getting together of the main characters. Instead, it was drawn out, because they were both super scared. This is where one of the most important messages of the book came into play. Love is not easy, and it needs work…constant work. It will not always be sunshine and rainbows. That was just such a perfect message to me, because so many books make love look easy, but it definitely is not.

Overall, Pisces was an interesting read. Especially if you are looking for something different from your typical werewolf and vampire mumbo jumbo! Also, it is kind of similar to Storm by Brigid Kemmerer, so if you like Storm, you may enjoy Pisces!

"I considered his words. They went in one ear and out the other."

"I didn't know anyone who wasn't a sucker for dimples."

"People were only allowed to see a part of me. There was a lot more to me than any of them knew."

"Only when you're ready to learn will you seek what you need to find."

"It's not about trying to find something, Pisces. It's about allowing it to find you at the right time."

"Even Scorpio had a frown on his face. Although, to be honest, Scorpio frowning wasn't uncommon."
 

Book Review: Hope(less) (Judgement of the Six Book 1) by Melissa Haag

Title: Hope(less)
Author: Melissa Haag
Series: Judgement of the Six #1
Pages: 352
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Gabby's brain is like a human fish finder. It comes in handy when she wants to avoid people. Mostly men. They seem to like her a bit too much. It's lonely being different, but she's adapted to it. Really. She just wishes she knew why she is different, though.

In her search for answers, she discovers a hidden community of werewolves. She immerses herself in their culture, learning about their world until she meets Clay. He's unkempt, prone to mood swings, intense without saying a word, and he thinks Gabby is his.

It's going to take every trick she knows to convince Clay to go away, and every bit of willpower not to fall for him when she discovers the man beneath the rough exterior.

Judgement has begun...

I needed a break from Helen Harper's Blood Destiny series and decided to pick up Hope(less), thinking it would be a nice change. Who knew that once I started it, that I wouldn't be able to put it down until 3:16 in the morning! The entire night I just kept telling myself that after one more chapter I would go to bed. That went on for several hours. I just couldn't put the book down!

Hope(less) has intrigue and humor! I expected it to be similar to all the other werewolf books that I have read, but was pleasantly surprised to find out how different it actually was. In most werewolf books, there is this immediate instant-love connection. Don't get me wrong, Hope(less) does have an instant connection thing going on, but it is pretty different from the norm.

We actually got to see the main characters getting to know about each other at a more gradual pace. And believe me, that was a welcome change from characters proclaiming their love for one another within 15 minutes upon meeting. I know I'm probably going to get sappy here, but I do love the whole idea of finding your soul mate and sometimes the insta-love tactic works, but it was nice to see Melissa Haag put a different spin on it.

For Clay, it was super easy to get to know Gabby, because you guessed it, she can be super Gabby! Okay I know that was super cheesy, but I'm full of cheesy jokes. On the other hand, Gabby struggled to get answers out of Clay, because as Gabby elegantly stated, he is not a chatterbox. She is not exaggerating. Clay takes the strong silent type to a whole new level (you'll see what I mean...).

Clay's actions speak much louder than words. He cooks, he cleans, and he manages to slip his way into your heart without you even knowing it! Despite her many protests, he is exactly what Gabby needed!

"I know I'm asking a lot. You'd need to start talking, stop growling, and bathe. No offense meant, but you look like a crazy man the way you are."

"If a guy doesn't trip over himself to get to me, I'm not interested. I don't want to waste my time chasing what doesn't want to be caught."

"If Sam told him, I'd have to kill Sam. Since I didn't have the stomach for outright murder, I'd break his coffee maker."

"I could tell he was concerned, but trust, once lost, took longer to earn back."

"You don't need to talk to get to know someone. You just need to listen."

"Actions speak louder than words...He's there when I need him, he's kind and caring, he keeps me safe, and as you've seen, he cooks and cleans. What's not to like, Rachel?"

"If I'd spoken, even just one word, I would have never been able to hold back what I feel for you. You would have run." 

Book Review: Blood Politics (Blood Destiny Book 4) by Helen Harper

Title: Blood Politics
Author: Helen Harper
Series: Blood Destiny #4
Pages: 220
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

You'd think that life would finally be dealing Mack Smith a kind hand. Living in London, and with the opening of the new improved city version of Clava Books mere days away, things appear to be settling down. Other than the terrible nightmares about dragons, that is. Or the fact that she's being constantly tailed by a string of mages, shifters and faeries, all of whom are constantly demanding her attention. And that's without even bringing the temptation of Corrigan, Lord Alpha of the Brethren, into the equation.

Then, when a local dryad asks her for some help, things really start to fire up. There are some long hot summer days ahead...

All I could think about while reading Blood Politics was just how perfect the title was for the book. It is extremely political, and no, there is no campaigning, but the rest is still there. Power struggles. Lies. Deceit. Manipulation. Greater Good. You know, the messy part of politics. Even though in school I have always hated politics (and preferred to happily daydream during those particular lectures...), I found myself extremely invested in the politics of the Otherworld. By far, this is one of my favorite books in the Blood Destiny Series!

I cannot help it, I love books that are filled with action and Harper does not disappoint! There were just so many twists in this one and I happily just read along, sometimes I sported a big goofy grin, while others I had my lips squished together trying not to cry (what can I say, I am an extremely expressive reader). Harper just has me way to invested in Mack's life, and at this point I don't think I can go back. I have definitely already committed. My favorite little dragon better have a happy ending.

Also, for those of you that have already become just as invested in Mack's life as I have, I will go ahead and tell you that the moment happened. It actually happened! This is one of those times I referred to earlier, you know where I had a cheesy grin on my face. However, I will warn you, Harper just absolutely loves twists and turns...

"Great, now he'd woken up the neighbours. I'd only moved in four days ago; it was hardly time to start pissing them off just yet."

"Another car drove past, horn blaring as its occupants caught sight of me. Some guy leaned out and wolf-whistled. Solus didn't look at them, but he jerked his wrist and there was a loud bang as the rear tyre burst and the car skidded off to the side, slamming into the side of a nearby building. I smirked"

Book Review: BloodMagic (Blood Destiny Series Book 2) by Helen Harper

Title: Bloodmagic
Author: Helen Harper
Series: Blood Destiny #2
Pages: 228
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

After escaping the claws of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the Brethren, Mack is trying to lead a quiet lonely life in Inverness in rural Scotland, away from anyone who might happen to be a shapeshifter. However, when she lands a job at an old bookstore owned by a mysterious elderly woman who not only has a familiar passion for herbal lore but also seems to know more than she should, Mack ends up caught in a maelstrom between the Ministry of Mages, the Fae and the Brethren.

Now she has to decide between staying hidden and facing the music, as well as confronting her real feelings for the green eyed power of Corrigan himself.

BloodMagic picks up a few months after the events that took place in Bloodfire. Mackenzie/Mack/Kitten/Red (for someone that doesn't like nick names she sure has a lot of them!) essentially left her family. Now she is on the run, just picking up odd jobs and making enough cash to stay alive. Eventually, she thinks she has found the solace she is looking for in a little town in Scotland. However, her past, and what she is has a way of catching up with her.

During this whole being on the run ordeal, she is starting to learn more about herself and her mysterious dragon blood (well 1/8 to be exact). But, as it would go, the more she learns about herself and her "powers," the more questions pop up that just need to be answered.

As with the first installment, Mackenzie has some major character development. She is actually somewhat complex. She has dimension! Her emotions and thoughts are often conflicting and she tries her best to do what is right by those that she cares about. Including those who, somewhere along the way have managed to wiggle their way into her heart without her consent...

Book Review: Bloodfire (Blood Destiny Book 1) by Helen Harper

Title: Bloodfire
Author: Helen Harper
Series: Blood Destiny #1
Pages: 246
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Mack might be, to all intents and purposes, a normal looking human, but she lives with a pack of shapeshifters in Cornwall in rural England after being dumped there by her mother when she was just a young child. She desperately wants to be accepted by her surrogate family, not least because a lot of them hate her for merely being human, but for some reason her blood just won't allow the transformation to occur.

With a terrible temper to match her fiery red hair, Mack is extraordinarily useful in a fight, and when her pack alpha is brutally and abruptly murdered, she swears vengeance. Unfortunately, his murder also draws in the Brethren - the leaders of the shapeshifter world - who will slaughter everyone in Mack's small rural pack if they discover her true identity. Unfortunately Corrigan, the green-eyed muscle-bound Lord Alpha of the Brethren, doesn't let much slip by him...

Bloodfire isn't just another shifter book. It actually has everything! Vampires, gods, demi-gods, werepanthers, werewolves, and even werehamsters. Oh, and that's definitely not all, Harper manages to come up with all kinds of different creatures. Her imagination is just out of this world, and the descriptions are absolutely amazing!

There were definitely some crazy parts in Bloodfire, but the way Harper described things and the imagery developed actually made it believable (crazy, I know)! Her character Mackenzie is extremely developed. She is a fiery hot-head with a temper, but is also extremely loyal and caring. She will risk anything and everything to protect those that she loves. I dare you to read this book and not root for her!

I wish that I had gotten to know the other characters in the book better, but I guess I'll just have to read the next book to find out more. I mean it is a series, everything can't just be revealed in book 1. You need to be kept on your toes, and Harper does just that! I can't wait for more!

"I silently apologised to John for the lie but kind of also applauded myself for my genius."

"There were nineteen of us in total...It felt like a goddamn school outing. I wouldn't have been surprised if Staines had pulled out a little flag and started waving it around for us all to follow." 

Book Review: Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson Book 2) byDarynda Jones

Title: Second Grave on the Left
Author: Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #2
Pages: 316
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

If you hang around with dead people, life can get pretty complicated. Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper. Complicated is her middle name. The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible.

When Charley and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Cookie's friend Mimi disappeared five days earlier. Mimi then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling Cookie to meet her at an nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still missing. There is, however, a clue Mimi left on the bathroom wall: a woman's name. Mimi's husband explains to them that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old high school friend had been murdered. The same woman whose name Mimi had scribbled on the bathroom wall.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven...well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.

Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

Here is your signpost for the most hilarious read of the year: Second Grave on the Left.

In the second installment of the Charley Davidson series, Charley is up to her usual shenanigans. You know, drinking coffee, getting injured, and as always providing some snarky commentary.....the usual. After wrapping up the case she solved in First Grave on the Right, Charley has only a week to recuperate before she is dragged, and I mean literally dragged out of bed...in her bunny slippers, into another case.

With this new case, the stakes are even higher, because the missing person just so happens to be one of Cookie's friends. And she is in some major trouble. I couldn't even keep up with how many different men in suits were involved with this case!

However, if that's not enough, she still has the tall, dark, and mysterious Reyes Farrow to worry about. To put the icing on the cake so to speak, her dad is acting strange (stranger than usual anyway).

The case about Cookie's friend, Reyes Farrow, and a dad exhibiting abnormal behavior all caused Charlie, your favorite grim reaper, a ton (and I mean a TON) of problems. Which, of course made for an action packed story! I actually enjoyed this case a lot more than I did the case from the first book! This case had a few twists that I was definitely not expecting!

I found one quote from the book that just perfectly sums up Charley's attitude, "Is it sexy in here or is it just me?" Charley Davidson lives up to the name (crazy, I know!) and is most definitely my favorite grim reaper. I mean, come on, who knew the grim reaper had a sense of humor?

"Chocolate and coffee? Together? Whoever came up with that combination should have won a Nobel Peace Prize. Or at least a subscription to Reader's Digest."

"You're doing that weird thing you do."

"Sorry. I just can't seem to help myself. My brain is freaking out. Two predawn mornings in a row. It doesn't know what to think, how to act. I'll have a talk with it later. Perhaps get it into counseling."

"Denial really wasn't just a river in Egypt."

"...saying no to coffee would be like saying no to world peace."

"We were venturing into Denialville again, which was not really as fun as Margaritaville."

Book Review: First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson Book 1) by Darynda Jones

Title: First Grave on the Right
Author: Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #1
Pages: 310
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

This whole grim reaper thing should have come with a manual. Or a diagram of some kind. A flow chart would have been nice.

Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people. Really. And it's her job to convince them to "go into the light." But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley? And why can't she seem to resist him? And what does she have to lose by giving in?

With scorching-hot tension and high-octane humor, First Grave on the Right is your signpost to paranormal suspense of the highest order.

Charley Davidson is definitely someone you do not want to mess with, and know I'm not talking about who you think I am. I am referring to Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire. From an early age (a VERY early age) Charley has been able to not only see ghosts, but have actual conversations with them. Although she has yet been forced into an institution, she has made quite the reputation for herself.

Instead of avoiding the police, she works with them. She helps solve murders, kidnappings, you name it! Technically she runs her own private investigation company (consists of her & her best friend Cookie) and works with the police department as a consultant. It makes things easier.

As for the book, I had an absolute blast reading First Grave on the Right! One review I saw explained that stringing a bunch of wise-cracks together does not make a novel. Well I do agree with that review, stringing a bunch of wise-cracks together does not make a novel, it makes a HILARIOUSLY FUN novel!! I laughed my way through the entire book. And, it's not just one character that gets all the good one-liners, instead, quite a few of the characters have an actual sense of humor. In other words, not everyone is severely serious, stoic, and unemotional.

Charley Davidson herself is one of the funniest characters...and she absolutely LOVES coffee. Yay, I found my soul-sister!! I too feel like I need a caffeine drip! This book definitely kept things interesting, it was you usual who-done-it, but with a quirky supernatural twist! I mean grim reaper, come on! I cannot wait to just tackle the rest of the series (It's ten books and counting)! I'm really hoping to see a little more of Garrett, I just think there's a little more to him than what Charley thinks.

"I did that thing where you scratch your eyebrow and flip someone off at the same time. I'm good at multitasking like that."

"Sorry, Uncle Bob, I thought you were someone else."
"I'm often mistaken for Tom Selleck."

"I stood and walked around the desk so I could stand over him. Menacingly. Like Darth Vader, only with better lung capacity." 

Book Review: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls Book 1) by Kristen Painter

Title: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
Author: Kristen Painter
Series: Nocturne Falls #1
Pages: 370
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs and all.

After seeing her maybe-mobster boss murder a guy, Delaney James assumes a new identity and pretends to be a mail order bride. What she doesn't know is her groom to be is a 400-year-old vampire.

Hugh Ellingham has only agreed to the set up to make his overbearing grandmother happy. His past means love is no longer an option. Except he never counted on Delaney and falling in love for real. Too bad both of them are keeping some mighty big secrets...

I'll admit, I was a little hesitant to start The Vampire's Mail Order Bride, but I am so glad that I did! It is full of sweet sugary goodness!

The entire story was just light and fluffy and an overall fun read. I found myself smiling and laughing almost the entire time! I loved Delaney, Hugh, and Stanhill. Despite Stanhill being Hugh's "butler," he steals the scenes sometimes. He is just that funny! The humor is not obnoxious either, it just seems so natural for the characters. There are funny puns and great references.

One of my favorite parts was how the book actually made me crave something sweet. Delaney is a confectionery genius, and Painter has a way with describing all of the sweet confectionery treats that Delaney encounters. All I could think about wile reading the book, was I wish I lived in Nocturne Falls and could have Delaney make me some tiramisu!

If you are looking for a nice light and fluffy paranormal romance, then The Vampire's Mail Order Bride is perfect! I am just so glad that I came across such a fun entertaining read and am so glad that Painter has a few more books set in the town of Nocturne Falls, where everyday is Halloween!

"And wasn't that what love was about? Feeling something so deeply you were willing to risk everything for it?"

"'Germans eat twice as much chocolate as Americans.' She rolled her eyes. 'Shut up, brain. Now is not the time for useless facts about chocolate.' Everyone had their nervous tics, right?" 


 

Book Review: Walking Disaster (Beautiful Book 2) by Jamie McGuire

Title: Walking Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful #2
Pages: 433
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster.

Can you love someone too much?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster; the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

 

Going into Walking Disaster I expected to see Abby and Travis' story from a different point of view. In other words, I expected to see mostly all the same scenes from Beautiful Disaster, just from Travis' perspective, not Abby's. I wasn't wrong. Some scenes are indeed repeats from the first book, however, McGuire expands upon some scenes and manages to weave in a few new scenes.

I loved Travis "mad dog" Maddox in the first book, and felt the absolute same in this book. He is extremely rough around the edges, and we saw how much he changed when he was around Abby. This book gives you so much more than that. We are able to witness first hand the transformation he went through and how deep his feelings really are. It is absolutely fantastic!

The back cover explains that there are two sides to every story. It's not often that an author gives you both sides either. This seems to be happening more and more, and I am so grateful for it! Don't get me wrong, not all books and series need to do this. Even when an author switches between points of views in the book is enough.

McGuire was able to add a little something extra to Walking Disaster also...an epilogue! It was absolutely perfect and I wouldn't change it, not one bit! Although it's not necessary to read both books, I highly recommend to! Do not read them back to back though, take a break in-between...trust me.

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful Book 1) by Jamie McGuire

Title: Beautiful Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful Book 1
Pages: 416
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Beautiful Disaster has been on my radar for a while, and I was finally able to get my hands on it! I absolutely LOVE Abby and Travis!! Even though they drive each other insane, there is no denying that they are absolutely perfect for each other.

I could personally go on and on about Travis Maddox for hours. He is just as the synopsis says, everything Abby wants and needs to avoid, yet she cannot stay away from him. I don't blame her one bit! There is so much more to the Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox than everyone else sees, and Abby finds herself to be one of the few that he will truly let in. He still is not perfect, by hey, who is?

Throughout the book both Abby and Travis find themselves struggling with their feelings for one another, and this is one emotional roller coaster ride. I never knew how I was going to feel! One moment I loved Travis, then the next he would just piss me off! However, Abby would then turn around and do the same thing! In the end though, you cannot help but root for these characters and hope that they find their idea of happiness!

I cannot wait to crack open the next installment, which is completely from the point of view of Travis himself!

Book Review: Cold Blood (Dirty Blood Book 2) by Heather Hildenbrand

Title: Cold Blood
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Series: Dirty Blood #2
Pages: 366
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process.

At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea. So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming committee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here?

After reading about how Tara was going to be sent to a school for hunters, I thought "okay, this is going to be a filler book." However, I was surprised, and definitely in a good way! I think that attending this school allowed Tara to see exactly what Wes has gone through his entire life. When she walked down the hallway she would get snide comments just thrown at her left and right. Luckily though, she was able to find two misfits that weren't afraid to be her friends. Logan and Cambria certainly were misfits, but they were just what Tara needed!

One thing is for sure, if you doubted the idea of Tara as fighter, then you certainly won't anymore!!! She refused to back down from any fight throughout the book, whether it be with her cute trainer, or a group of feral werewolves. 

Hildenbrand once again did a fantastic job, and I cannot wait to see where the series goes from here! Tara is learning so much more about herself and has some huge decisions to make. At least she will not have to make them alone though, she has a whole bunch of "misfits" that love and support her!

"You catch more fliew with honey, ever heard of that?" He Shrugged.
"I don't like flies. They're annoying." He grinned "I'd rather catch hell." 

"Eww. You guys are talking about the library aren't you?"
"Yeah." I smiled. She wrinkled her nose.
"No thanks. I'm allergic."

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