Consumption by Heather Herrman

4 "Evil is an ASSHOLE in a yellow slicker" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

For fans of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Sarah Langan comes a thrilling new vision of American horror. In Heather Herrman’s heart-pounding debut novel, evil is ready to feed—and it’s got one hell of an appetite.

In the wake of tragedy, John and Erma Scott are heading west in search of a new life. So when car trouble strands them in sleepy Cavus, Montana, they decide to stay for a while, charmed by the friendly residents and the surrounding ambiance. Here, they hope, is the healing balm that their marriage needs.

Then John and Erma find themselves in a fight not just to save their marriage, but their very lives. For this is no ordinary town. Its quiet streets conceal a dark and bloody secret that has slumbered for centuries. Now, that secret is awake . . . and it’s hungry.

Like a slow infection, evil is spreading through Cavus. Soon John and Erma—along with the local sheriff, an undocumented immigrant, a traumatized teenage girl, and an old man with terrible secrets of his own—must join together to battle an all-consuming force that has set its sights on its prey: the entire human race.  

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There are certain books, that while you are reading them, you wonder to yourself, “Hmmm, what the fuck am I reading??” and then there are others that you think, “WHAT.IN.THE.FUCK am I reading???”…well, for me, my feelings while reading Consumption fell right in between those two reactions…it was more of a, “Hmmm…this is weir..WHOA! What in the fucking hell??” Even though it seems like it would be a scary read, it really wasn’t for me, I wasn’t scared in the least, but I was disturbed. Very, very disturbed.

About midway through this book, I was fairly certain that I hated it, but I kept reading it because, unknown to me at the time, Ms. Herrman had planted the seed of a little sicko in my head within those first few chapters and it was morbidly curious as to what would happen next, what other atrocities would be done and it needed to know how this book would end. Imagine my surprise as well when I found myself actually fucking tearing up during reading this…TWICE! Here’s the thing, though Consumption is a profoundly disturbing tale and is filled with horrible things, beneath all the terrible and wrongness, there is a pretty beautiful lesson to be learned. Now, not everyone will walk away from this seeing some hidden meaning, hell, for all I know, there isn’t really one and my mind just conjured one up to make sense of everything that I just read (minds can be a very powerful thing!), but hidden agenda or not, I don’t think a single person can walk away from this one and not at least wonder, when it comes to the battle between good and evil, what side would you be an agent for?

This book is dark and disturbing and in some instances downright weird and for me, while reading this my moral compass was going absolutely haywire. There were a few tense moments in which I was sure lightening was going to strike me dead where I lay for reading some of the content within this book and I was uncomfortable as hell during a lot of it, but I always say, if someone is brave enough to write it, then I’ll be brave enough to read it. I was brave enough to read it. Just barely though.

Overall, this book is NOT for everyone and if you are the slightest bit squeamish about violence, death or impiety, then you need to stay away from this one, there is a healthy dose of all that and more throughout this read. If you enjoy darker reads that showcase the darker side of humanity, evil and nothing is off-limits to you, then this is your book. I have read a few Stephen King and Joe Hill novels – the KINGS (no pun intended) of dark and disturbing - and I can say that while not as dark and scary as some of the books I have read from them, Ms. Herrman’s Consumption can be thrown in with that lot and that is saying something.

Happy reading, until next time…

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Hydra for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.



The Moon Tells Secrets by Savanna Welles

1 "I Challenge You to Try and Finish This Book!" Stars

Back Cover Blurb -

 

"Don't trust nobody. Not family. Not friend. Don't let it get him like it got my son, not until he is ready to meet it. And remember that blood must pay for blood. A debt must be paid. Your boy can never forget. That is his destiny."

Raine is at her wits' end. Her eleven-year-old son, Davey, whom she has raised by herself, has the power to shapeshift into any animal—a "gift" from his dead father. As Raine struggles to control his abilities that are so clearly out of her realm, a darker threat moves closer—a skinwalker bent on killing Raine and Davey. But even if the skinwalker doesn't succeed, someone closer to Raine will become just as vicious…

Cade, still grieving the brutal murder of his wife, finds solace in Raine's companionship. But as the savage details of her death mirror the powers Davey is soon to have, Raine will have to fight to protect her son…

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They say, "If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again" and I did, again and again and again and again, but it just wasn't happening for me. I have come across some books, that at first I could not finish, because either they did not grab my attention for one reason or another or maybe my mood wasn't right or it just wasn't what I was looking for at the moment, but when I have gone back to them over time I was able to finish them and for a majority of them; I found that I really enjoyed them, but this was just not the case here and oh man, did I try!

I think that one of the main reasons I gave up on this one was because the writing style and I just did not get along. The dialogue seemed forced and unnatural at times, it was uncomfortable to read and the story just bounced around willy-nilly with no real purpose and last but not least, it was just...boring! I would actually drift off while reading this and start noticing little stained spots on my carpet that have accumulated over the years and found myself wondering if I should get up and try to steam clean them or whether or not it was time to lay new carpet. I mean C'MON! Who actually WANTS to vacuum and steam clean??? That's what trying to read this did to me, it's like my mind went into "safety" mode or something and was doing all it could to distract me from the complete frustration and boredom I was experiencing.

I know this is harsh and I do apologize for that, but I'm so mad because I LOVE reading and I LOVE books and I haven't not finished a book due to boredom (not to be confused with DNF because I hated the main characters or the story pissed me off) since history class in high school and that was SEVERAL years ago.

Overall, I do not recommend this book. Maybe if your an over-achiever and like to take on challenges, then I challenge you to finish this book.

Happy Reading, until next time...

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. 



Red by Alyxandra Harvey

3 "Professor X Would Have a Field Day With You" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Bad girls burn hot…

Red is the color of Kia Alcott's hair.
It's her temper, which blazes hot and always gets Kia into way too much trouble.
And it's the color of fire. Fires that Kia can start…just by thinking about them.

When her latest “episode” gets her kicked out of school, Kia is shipped off to her grandmother, who works for the wealthy Blackwoods. It's an estate shrouded in secrets, surrounded by rules, and presided over by a family that is far from normal…including the gorgeous and insolent Ethan Blackwood.

Ethan knows far more about the dangers of the forest surrounding the estate than Kia can ever imagine. For this forest has teeth, and Ethan is charged with protecting the outside world from its vicious mysteries.

But inside, even the most vibrant shade of red doesn't stand a chance against the dark secrets of the Blackwood family…

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In this young adult novel, where Grimm’s Fairy Tales meet The Most Dangerous Game, we enter a world where fabled beasts and mystical creatures are a reality, but the most feared monster there is just might be the dark side of humanity. Kia is a special and dangerous young girl, but she soon realizes that there are far more dangerous things in the world than herself and if she isn’t careful, the dark creatures inhabiting the woods around her will be the least of her worries and trusting the wrong person can get her killed. No one is who they seem and everyone has their secrets, with twists, turns and surprises at every corner, Ms. Harvey takes her readers on a fun journey.

I really enjoy YA (young adult) books, especially when fantasy is involved, but some of the ones I read can come across as too immature or boring and some of the plots and story lines just too predictable and mundane. It’s a fine line that authors have to toe when writing this genre, because you have to keep it innocent enough with also keeping it enthralling, not an easy feat. Personally, I need some excitement in my reads and some intrigue to keep me interested and much to my pleasure, Red, did that for me. Some of the plot was very predictable and easy to figure out before their big ‘reveal’, but Ms. Harvey managed to throw in a couple of surprises I didn’t see coming and I absolutely delighted in that!

Now, where this one went wrong for me and kept me from giving it a four or five stars, was the lack of substance within the book. It needs to be said that I am an extremely critical reader and I want to love or hate the characters I am introduced to, I want to feel like I know them and I want to get lost in them, but with this book, I just didn’t. Of course at this point, it’s all personal preference and Red had all the makings of a great story, but I just didn’t love or hate any of the characters involved and never once did I forget that I was actually reading a book and get lost in it. I want to get lost in a book. I want a book hangover when I’m done. With that being said though and knowing this is primarily a YA read, I think that a good majority of readers will find this book enjoyable.

Overall, I would recommend this to those that are looking for a fun, easy read. It was definitely more entertaining than Twilight in my mind (but I really did not enjoy that book) and I think it would make a fun buddy read for parents and children (children of course being 13 and older, because there is some slight violence and smooching), but more critical readers be warned.

Happy Reading, until next time…

I would like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Dragon's Lair (Wind Dragons MC #1) by Chantal Fernando

3 "How About Sirius?" Stars

Back Cover Blurb -

 

The first in a new sexy romance series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando about the bad boys of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club and the women who fall in love with them.

When I found my boyfriend cheating on me, I did something stupid.

Or should I say, someone?

Because of that mistake, I’m now stuck in a world I don’t belong in.

I’m a law student. They’re criminals. He’s the vice president of a motorcycle club. I’m a good girl with a strict upbringing. He’s my ex-boyfriend’s brother.

And I’m screwed.  

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Okay, let me start this off by explaining how freaking excited I was to get my hands on this book. First off, the title, Dragon’s Lair, I mean who doesn’t like dragons?? I LOVE them, I even have one tattooed on my back…yeah, yeah, real original I know, but that just shows you how much I like ‘em. Second, Motorcycle Club, again…who doesn’t like a good MC story?? I’m a huge SOA junkie, even got a SAMCRO hoodie for Christmas. I wear it every chance I get, it totally makes me feel bad ass, even though I know I’m a complete poser and could never really be comfortable or welcome in a MC, because 1.) I can count on one hand how many times I’ve actually been on a motorcycle much less driven one, 2.) I’m very verbally opinionated, 3.) I actually like to wear clothing over my bra and panties, a lot of them in fact, 4.) My personality is nothing short of bitchy on a good day and…errr, sorry, completely straying off topic here... *clears throat*… Okay, anyway, I really like the idea of bad ass bikers and hot alpha men, so MC books draw me in like a moth to a flame. Therefore, when I came across this book, I was ecstatic and had ridiculously high hopes, unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

What I was expecting when I picked this book up was, a dark, angst-filled, romantic tale, involving motorcycle club life, alpha men and determined women. What I got was, a somewhat humorous romantic(ish) tale with some motorcycle club life, some alpha men and a whiny, food-addicted woman. The potential was there, but just when I thought things would get good, the story line fell short over and over again. I have read several books involving motorcycle clubs, so I may be overly critical when it comes to reviewing this, but MC life isn’t fartsy unicorns, skittles and rainbows. It is dark, dangerous, a lot of times unethical and brutal, so if you are going to delve into the MC life, with me you either have to go hard or go home. A lot of my fascination with this genre is because of the gritty, raw material and the potential it has of provoking some very powerful emotions from me. Because I will never be brave enough to enter into the MC world in reality, I want a book that is brave enough to take me there, that will remind me why I will never be a part of a MC, but also remind me why I am so fascinated with it.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Dragon’s Lair, made some attempts towards the dark and dangerous and I did appreciate those moments, but it never really connected with me and instead of gritting my teeth and throwing the book around, like I love and am known to do while reading a good gritty novel, I was mainly just twirling my hair and giggling here and there. Unfortunately, neither of those reactions is really what I wanted or was expecting from this novel.

So overall, this one didn’t do it for me. It’s not that I didn’t like it, I just wanted more from it. I will suggest that if you haven’t read an MC novel before, this might be a good one to start with. It does take a look into the MC world and it does provide a good love story, but if you really like grit and angst, there isn’t much to find in this one. It definitely has the erotic aspect down though, so no worries in that department, I did find myself blushing more than a few times.

Happy Reading, until next time…

I would like to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.









Verum (The Nocte Trilogy, Book 2) by Courtney Cole

4 "Can I At Least Get Dinner First?" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

The truth shall set you free.

My name is Calla Price and I’m drowning.

My new world is a dark, dark ocean and I’m being pulled under by secrets.

Can I trust anyone? I don’t know anymore.

The lies are spirals. They twist and turn, binding me with their thorns and serpentine tongues. And just when I think I have it figured out, everything is pulled out from under me.

I’m entangled in the darkness.

But the truth will set me free.

It’s just ahead of me, so close I can touch it. But even though it shines and glimmers, it has glistening fangs and I know it will shred me.

Are you scared?

I am.

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This book is a straight up mind fuck. Period.

Verum is the second book of the Nocte Trilogy and it is NOT a standalone. If you haven’t read the first one in the series Nocte, then I highly suggest that you start there, because Verum is confusing enough by itself and you need to go into it with as much understanding as you can. Either way, good luck.

This story picks up right where Nocte left off and it is filled with as many turns and cloak and dagger antics as the first, if not more. I knew that after reading Nocte, I needed to have more of an open mind before attempting to take on Ms. Cole again, because she is one sneaky author and obviously thrills in making her reader go, “oh my, wtf??” but even arming myself with that knowledge, at the end of this book, I found myself… yup, you guessed it…scratching my head, saying “oh my, wtf??”

There really is only so much intrigue and confusion I can take before I throw up my hands and either just read spoiler reviews and be done with it or just create my own HEA for a story and move on, I almost reached that point with Verum. Almost. I did end up finishing it and managed not to seek out any spoilers, but this book was painful to read and frustrating! My confusion level hit an all-time high while reading this, I had a massive headache by the ¾ mark and I had lost my grip on reality by the end of the book. Bravo Ms. Cole, bravo.

If you want to know whether I loved this book or hated it, I cannot give you an honest answer. I don’t know, I really don’t. I DO know one thing though and that is I HAVE to…no, I NEED to know how this trilogy ends and book three, Lux, needs to hurry up and become available. I will say this though, this book SHOULD come with a gift voucher for an amazing dinner at any restaurant of your choice, because NO ONE and I mean NO ONE should be able to fuck your mind so thoroughly without at least buying you dinner.

Overall, I recommend it. If you like your books with twists and turns, then you need to give this series a go, you will not be disappointed. I’m still reeling a little bit from this one and feel sorry for the next book I pick up, because it won’t be easy to focus my attention after this.

Happy reading, until next time…

The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

4 "To the moon and back" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

"Cat, this is Finn. He's going to be your tutor."

Finn looks and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is now to tutor Cat. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, Finn is her guardian, her constant companion...and more. But when the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world, and in Cat's heart.

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Ah, this book.  You know, I wasn’t too sure about this book when I first came across it.  The blurb seemed interesting enough, even if a little odd, but I could tell that this was going to be one of those books that I needed to be in the mood for before I started it, so, much to my chagrin, it sat on my to-read shelf for a while.  Once I actually did start this book though, it was an instant connection and the next time that I set it down was when I had read the last page. 

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter is a compelling tale that explores the different sides of humanity, while circling around impossible love and forbidden desire.  A small child and an unsettling tutor, an open mind and a programmed machine, a love with no bounds and a man with no heart, it all comes together so beautifully in this work of art by Cassandra Rose Clarke, that one of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t start this book sooner.  The story line spans across a few decades and all the while, we are in the head of our young and often misunderstood heroine, Catarina Novak, the mad scientist’s daughter and the ensuing journey is quite remarkable. 

This story asks its readers to open up their minds and embrace a world and characters that are beyond our reality but not the realm of possibilities and embrace a love that is unconventional but no less powerful.  I had a love/hate relationship with Cat throughout most of the book and found myself a little in love with Finn by the end.  I actually had to wait a few days after reading the book to write my review, because my emotions were a little all over the place once I had finished it.  I wasn’t sure if I loved it or hated it, but as soon as my emotions calmed down, I realized that I really enjoyed the book more than I hated it and I think that it’s going to be one those that sticks with me forever. 

Overall, yes, I say read this book!  It’s not going to be for everyone and some people might not like it, but I think the uniqueness of the story and lovely writing style need to be experienced by everyone. 

Happy reading, until next time…



Akarnae (The Medoran Chronicles #1) by Lynette Noni

4 "Harry Potter Who?" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

With just one step, sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings's world changes--literally.
Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities. Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her... but he's missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora's boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can't ignore her fear that something unexpected... something sinister... is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex's shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race's survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home?

Will Alex risk her entire world--and maybe even her life--to save Medora?

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I think that if Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia were to get it on and nine months later pop out a little by-product, Akarnae would be it. In this debut novel by Lynette Noni, part one in a five part series, Akarnae weaves a tale of magic, intrigue, fantasy, hidden secrets and fun that enraptures and delights, hooking you from page one and leaving you screaming for more at the end. 

Alexandra “Alex” Jennings is not your average sixteen year old teenager. With archeologists as parents, Alex has bounced from place to place with them, never staying in one place long enough to really make friends or create a social life for herself. All that changes though, when her parents are offered a once in a lifetime job opportunity and are forced to leave her behind for the next eight months, leaving her all alone for the first time while also starting a new boarding school. Starting a new school is nothing new to Alex, but when on her first day things go terribly awry and she finds herself in a new world, nothing could prepare Alex for the surprises in store for her.

This book captured my attention from the very beginning and kept me captivated until the end. A lot of fantasy young adult novels are very hit or miss for me. I have come across so many that read incredibly too juvenile for my taste and cannot hold my attention, while others can be too mature in content and lack the juvenile innocence one looks for while reading it. Neither of those were a problem in this book and Ms. Noni does a fantastic job of creating loveable characters that you find yourself wanting to go on this journey with. I cannot wait to see how Alex and her “gang” mature through this series at the same time waiting to see what mischief they get into next. 

Overall, I say that you definitely need to put this book on your to-read shelf. It is so fun and entertaining without being too predictable or immature. Though listed as a YA novel, I think this book is age appropriate for anyone, there is not any content that I found too violent or “R” rated, but there is just enough chemistry and content to keep it entertaining. My only complaint that I have about this book is that it’s over and I don’t have my hands on Raelia (The Medoran Chronicles #2)!! I want.

 Happy reading, until next time…

I would like to thank NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Hate F*@k: Part One by Ainsley Booth

5 "HOLY SMOKES" Stars

Back Cover Blurb - 

 

Warning: This is just the start. This doesn't end well. And it's going to get much worse before it ever gets better.

Cole:
I push her buttons. I want to push them in the good way. Dirty, up-against-the-wall, my-hand-in-her-pants kind of way.
But that’s not possible, because I’m dark and she’s light, and we both know it.
So I push her buttons in the bad way, making her hate me.

Hailey:
If a genie granted me three wishes, I’d ask for Cole Parker to never look at me again, that I’d forget the dark promise in his eyes, and that just once, before he vanished from my life completely, that he’d push me up against a wall and fuck me.
Then I’d go wash my mouth out with soap. 

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Ray Donavan meets Drop Dead Diva turned NC-17 in the first of a three part series, Hate F*@K and can I just say, “HOLY F*@K!”

The title of this book is what captured my attention, I mean c’mon? Who doesn’t read that and go, “Hmmm…Interesting, let me just take a quick peek at the blurb on this one!” Once I read the blurb though, I was actually very excited to get my hands on this and I’m glad that I did. I know that this probably goes without saying, seeing as the title is quiet self-explanatory, BUT if you have a problem with dirty talk, not light and fluffy pillow talk, but gritty, in your face, you feel kind of embarrassed reading it dirty talk, then stay the f*@k away from this one! There were a few times I caught my dog staring at me while I read this and I could almost swear I saw judgment in her eyes and I made her go away so that I could read in NC-17 peace.

Ok, ok…so this is a really short read, I think I had it done in about 45 minutes, but there was not a dull moment in that entire time and I am left completely anxious for the second part. Hailey Reid is a sweet girl that works hard and loves her private little life. Unfortunately, Hailey’s scandal-loving family does not feel the same way and she soon finds herself involved in yet another, very publicized, family scandal involving her older sister and the media hounds are out in force dogging her every step in search of anything they can use to feed the media frenzy. Enter Cole Parker, the oh so sexy, self-proclaimed bad boy and PR “fixer”, whose firm her family has now had to hire yet again to calm the media storm surrounding the latest “Reid Family Bind.” Passions ignite, barriers are crossed and worlds come crashing down in this multi-narrated tale of wicked attraction.

Overall, YES, read it! Please heed my earlier warning though, if you are bothered by overtly sexual content or take offense to bad language, this isn’t for you. If you don’t mind that, then you need to read this A.S.A.P!

Happy Reading, until next time…

I would like to thank NetGalley and Ainsley Booth for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Shadows of Fate: Shadow Born Book One by Angela Dennis

3 "Is That Jessica Biel on the Cover?" Stars

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Shadow Born, Book 1

Redemption lies beyond the veil between truth and lies.

After witnessing her husband’s brutal murder, Brenna Baudouin lost control of her Shadow Bearer powers and wreaked havoc on her home world. Her penance: one hundred years policing hordes of supernatural misfits that spilled onto the Earthly plane after a cataclysmic war.

She’s on a routine exorcism run when she learns she’s been assigned a new partner. But there’s something about this Shadow Bearer that sparks her suspicions. Particularly when people closest to her start turning up as piles of ash.

Gray Warlow holds tight to the glamour that allows him to get close to the woman on whom he plans to wreak vengeance for betraying his people. Yet as he skillfully manipulates his way past her distrust, he begins to see her not as the heartless monster he was led to believe, but a strong, vulnerable woman.

As they work to put together the pieces of a killer’s macabre puzzle, an attraction deeper than blood and bone flares between them. And they must reveal their deepest secrets to avoid becoming the final targets,

Product Warnings
A thrill ride of supernatural proportions. Contains violent battle scenes, nail-biting suspense, crazy hot sexual tension, and enough twists and turns to make your head spin.  

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After the death of her husband and being brand a traitor by her father, Brenna is banished from her world and forced to live out her century long penance in another plane. With the guilt and confusion from that fateful night that changed her life forever, always riding on the coat tails of her conscious, Brenna embraces the role of a Hunter, banishing demons back to hell, as her new way of life. When grizzly murders, seemingly impossible demonic activity and an eerily familiar new partner shake up Brenna’s new life, she learns the hard way that no one is who they seem and century long grudges not easily forgotten. 

Sometimes I think that reading a new paranormal romance/fantasy series is like baking a cake. When making a cake there are key ingredients such as flour, eggs and oil that you will see in every recipe, but it’s what else you decide to add or subtract from the mix that can change it from just a simple treat to either a mouthwatering decadent dessert or an inedible, bubbly pile of goo. I found Shadows of Fate: Shadow Born, to be a far cry from being an inedible pile of goo, but it most definitely was not a decadent dessert for me and my taste buds were left unsatisfied. I found this book really hard to get into and I was very unengaged through a majority of it. It did start to pick up the pace about ¾ of the way in and I found my interest growing, but the interest came a little too late for me, but it did save it from becoming a two star read, turning it into a three.

Now, I’ll never claim to be the sharpest knife in the block, but I’m not a mere butter knife either, so I was really bothered that after reading this book, I found myself a little confused. I never really got a clear understanding of the back story or worlds that Ms. Dennis created and wanted me immersed. A part of this could be my lack of engagement in the book, but I did not understand some of the editing choices. On the flip side of that coin, I can say that Ms. Dennis did a good job with her character development. I walked away from this with a very concise image of most the characters that I was introduced to and their emotions.

Overall, this book did not just jump out and grab me, but the ending did do a lot to save it in my estimation and has me intrigued as to where Ms. Dennis is taking this series. It does suffer a little from the “First Book” Syndrome, as all first in a series do, so keep that in mind if you decide to read this one. I think that some veteran paranormal romance/fantasy genre readers might find this a bit lackluster, but it really all depends on personal tastes as well. Some of my favorites in this genre for comparison purposes are Anita Blake (the first part of the series), Kate Daniels, Dark Hunter, Charley Davidson and the Night Huntress series.

Happy Reading, until next time….

I would like to thank NetGalley and Samhain Publishing for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. 

The Salvation of Vengeance (Wanted Men #2) by Nancy Haviland

5 "Delicious" Stars 

Back Cover Blurb -  

 

Only something as important as her best friend’s wedding to mob boss Gabriel Moretti could allow Nika Paynne a reprieve from captivity. Her abusive husband has kept her under his thumb with footage of her beloved brother, Caleb, killing another man. But the respite from her violent life isn’t the only draw. Vincente Romani—Gabriel’s deadliest guardian—will be one of the best men at the wedding, and Nika has lingering thoughts about the fascinating mobster…covetous thoughts that may put her life in danger.

With the heartbreak he’s suffered and the brutality he effortlessly delivers, Vincente knows he’s the last person who can offer Nika a happily-ever-after. But his vow remains. He will do everything in his power to free his redhead from her violent prison—even if that means losing her forever.

In the second thrilling and passionate Wanted Men book, a dangerous line is drawn between loyalty to the mob and loyalty to one’s heart.  

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After a hundred or so “OH MY GOD” moments, a few beers, two cans of Spaghettio's and no sleep, I have finished this book and I can’t think of a word good enough to encompass what all I’m feeling.

First and foremost, I need to stress that this book may contain some triggers for people. There is a healthy dose of violence and domestic violence littered throughout this book, so if these are issues for you, do not read this book. You have been warned.

The Salvation of Vengeance is the second book in the Wanted Men series by Nancy Haviland. If you have not read the first in the series, A love of Vengeance, then I recommend that you start there. Though this book can be read as a standalone, I think you will enjoy it much more if you start from the beginning. In book one, we are introduced to Nika and Vincente, though their roles minor and their stories lightly touched upon, it is obvious that they are going to have one hell of a story to be told and we get that story in book two and man, oh man! For those of you that are Eva and G fans, you also get a little helping of them in this book too!!

Nika is a girl with a secret. Stuck in a loveless marriage with a man that she hates and enduring things that no one should ever have to endure, her only solace is in knowing that it will all be over one day. For her sake and safety, she hopes sooner rather than later. Unable to divulge her secret to her best friend Eva or her brother Caleb, the two most important people to her, Nika is barely surviving her life and her lie, until salvation shows up in the form of a 6’4” underboss named Vincente.

Ok, so …squee…I loved this book! I honestly did not think that I would like it as much as I did, but to me, this one is so much better than the first. It’s also really funny. The humor was very welcome as well, because it really helped to dissipate some of the lingering anxiety that I felt from the sometimes very dark and very violent subject matter and scenes. The Salvation of Vengeance has just about everything that a reader could possibly want in their story. It is filled with action, angst, deception, romance, love, humor, puppies – I mean, it’s got it all. The ONLY parts of this book that I didn’t like was the last few pages. For one, it meant the book was coming to an end and two, well, I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just say I didn’t like it, it didn’t feel right. In case you’re wondering, “Wth does that mean? Didn’t feel right?” you are just going to have to read it to find out.

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It’s not just a romance book, it has so much more than that, but like I said, if you can’t do dark subject matter or don’t like alpha males, then steer clear of this one, this won’t be for you. As for me, book three cannot get here fast enough!!!

Happy Reading, until next time!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review

Part-time Princess by Pamela DuMond

2 "Uggghh" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Two Princes are in love with her. Too bad she’s an imposter…
Hold tight to your tiara, grab your scepter and be prepared for the New Adult hilarious, modern-day romantic-comedy ride of your life!

Rated PG-13 and mildly R for:

Sexual innuendo.
Hot Guys.
Hot Guys who are Princes.
Flirting.
Romance.
The occasional naughty word.
The occasional naughty royal fantasy.
The occasional naughty deed.
Romance.
Castles.
Ladies-in-Waiting.
Parties!
Cocktails.
A puppy.
Gowns.
Intrigue.
Chocolate.
Champagne.
A Royal Wedding!
Comedy.
Sexiness.
More Romance.
And—a Happily-Ever-After Ending (Just not the way you expected it!)

Lucy Trabbicio’s a down-on-her-luck, young, American, former biker-bar cocktail waitress desperate to find a job. Lady Elizabeth Billingsley hires Lucy to travel to Fredonia, the tiny jewel of a country in the Alps, for ten days ‘tops’ to impersonate her.

Say what? How the heck is that going to happen?

In the mother of all makeovers, Elizabeth’s people teach Lucy how to dress, walk, talk, eat, be coiffed and even get naked like a European Lady.

The goal?

To keep Crown Prince Cristoph Timmel interested in Elizabeth until she finishes her unexpected, pressing personal business in the States.

But fate intervenes… Lucy meets and is wildly attracted to sexy, bad-boy Nick on the oh-so-long flights to Fredonia. Unfortunately for Lucy—Nick and Elizabeth have a hot sexual history, which Nick wants to immediately resume.

Prince Cristoph proposes marriage. What's an imposter girl to do? Elizabeth insists that she’ll make it back home in time for the wedding. Lucy accepts Cristoph’s proposal and is on the fast track to becoming a Princess but continues to fall for the wrong Prince of Fredonia—Nick. When another tiny glitch arises—someone’s trying to kill her.

The only folks helping Lucy are her wild, party hard, take-no-prisoners Ladies-in-Waiting.

When the real Lady Elizabeth decides she’s not marrying Cristoph and never returning to Fredonia, Lucy’s faced with an uncomfortable decision—continue her deception, marry the prince she’s not in love with and live a dream life albeit without Nick, her dream guy? Or tell the truth and return to poverty and oblivion?

A modern day sexy fairy tale with romance, twists and turns, LOL moments, a few tears and an empowering ending.  

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I think most girls dream of being a princess when they are little and I am no exception. Though, I am definitely more tomboy than Barbie, I could still be found making mud pies in my backyard, wearing dirtied up jeans, a wrinkled t-shirt, with dirt crusted keds adorning my feet and a cheap, plastic, dollar store tiara placed haphazardly on my head. Even though I eventually grew out of wearing tiaras and referring to all things living as “my subjects”, the wistfulness of being a princess never died, but became buried underneath layers and layers of life, reality and growing up. I mean, do we ever really stop wanting to be a princess though?? Do we ever stop looking for a reason to wear a tiara?? Hell, I can even remember changing my quiet terrifying vampire costume one year, into a “princess” vampire, just so I would wear a tiara with my fangs. So, when I came across this book, the little hidden princess inside of me squealed with delight and excitement and it was with those long ago forgotten memories of me and my dollar store tiaras that I started reading it. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.

Lucy Trabbicio is without a job. With bills piling up and the private health care facility, her mentally unstable uncle is currently residing, threatening to move him to a public facility if payment is not rendered, Lucy is willing to do anything for work, anything short of being an escort that is, but even then, tough times call for tough measures and with deadlines closing in, things look bleak. So when she comes across a job posting that promises a generous income with no “side action” required, she jumps at the opportunity. Little does Lucy know that this job will be the biggest lie of her life and though losing her virtue is not part of the job detail, no one prepared her for the possibility of losing her heart.

The basis of the story is very cute and the idea well received, it was the execution that troubled me the most. I had a hard time following along with the story and got whiplash from how quickly the story would change course. I had to actually go back and re-read a few paragraphs to try and make sense of what I was reading and it happened more often than I like. I did find myself laughing out loud several times while reading this and though some scenes and situations read a little too slap stick for my humor, for the most part I enjoyed the humor throughout the book. I went into this book, fully understanding what I was in store for and I wasn’t expecting to come out of this with the answers to world peace, but some of the plot holes and seemingly pointless narratives and actions were hard to overlook. I found myself on more than a few occasions scratching my head (not in the head lice sort of way, but more lip curled in confusion sort) wondering “what was the point of that?”

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, writing a book is not easy and I have an unending respect for anyone that can do it. I applaud you Ms. DuMond on this novel and wish it much success, unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. As for recommendations, this is not personally a book that I would recommend to any of my friends, but those readers out there that have young teens, this may be a book for them. It does have sexual references and a few choice words (though very, very tame compared to majority of books on my read shelf), so distribute at your discretion.

Happy Reading, until next time…

I would like to thank NetGalley and Mark My Words Book Publicity for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

A Love of Vengeance (Wanted Men #1) by Nancy Haviland

3.5 "Promising Start" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Once the most feared member of an Italian Mafia crime family, Gabriel Moretti returns to New York at the request of his mentor, Russian crime boss Vasily Tarasov. Vasily needs someone he can trust in Seattle to protect his estranged daughter, Eva Jacobs, while he avenges the murder of the young woman’s mother. Gabriel is unstoppable in a fight, whether he’s using fists, blades, or bullets; but innocent, onyx-haired Eva may just be the most dangerous—and beautiful—thing he’s come up against.

Intense sparks fly between the two, tempting Gabriel to mix business with pleasure while in the Emerald City. But once word gets around that Gabriel has shown up in New York, Stefano—his vengeful brother and the de facto head of the family—decides that Eva is the key to ending the feud between them…permanently.

In this pulse-pounding romantic thriller set against the backdrop of New York City’s storied underworld, loyalties will be tested, secrets will be told, and mob justice will be served.

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The Godfather meets The Transporter meets The Expendables. Throw in some steamy sex scenes and voila! You have A Love of Vengeance. Talk about hot alpha men…I was in bad boy heaven while reading this!

Eva Jacobs is a young woman who has just lost the only family she has in the world, her mother, or so she thought. With her best friend, Nika, growing ever more distant and seemingly lost in her own worries and Caleb, Nika’s brother and the closest thing Eva has ever had to one, caught up in his problems, Eva has no one to turn to, that is, until Gabriel arrives.

With being tasked to shadow Eva and keep her safe, Gabriel plans to do just that, but his overwhelming attraction to Eva proves more difficult to ignore than he would like. With dangerous men all around, playing deadly games with Eva’s life, Gabriel vows to do whatever it takes to keep Eva safe, if only someone could protect her from him.

Mob bosses, crime families, brotherhood, Motorcycle clubs…I mean you name it and this book has it! Now, I know what some of you must picture when you think of mob bosses…I mean think Al Capone, Pablo Escobar and John Gotti, none of them were very easy on the eyes and exuded about as much sex appeal a boar hogs nut…



But, please be rest assured, that in A Love of Vengeance, our mobsters are S-E-X-I and alpha to the core!






I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself panting heavily after most the male characters I was introduced to. I will say this, Ms. Haviland sure had my number and worked it to her full advantage! Men with tattoos are a huge plus for me, add a hard body and throw a suit on it and well, let’s just say I’m a fan. I know, I know, it can’t ALL be about the eye candy, but having it sure helps. There is a point though, that when a man experiences so much jealousy, he comes across as insecure and insecurities go against everything alpha male and Ms. Haviland jumped the line for me a few times in Gabriel’s case and I found myself being less attracted to him and it did detract from the storyline a bit for me, but overall he is still making my “book boyfriend” list, but he isn’t in my top 5.

Overall, I recommend this to all the romance readers out there that like alpha males in their books. If alpha males are not your thing, then I would suggest you stay away from this one, because you aren’t just getting one incredibly sexy alpha male in this one, you are getting a whole crew of them!

Happy Reading, Until next time…





Soulbound (Darkest London #6) by Kristen Callihan

3.5 "You Can Bind Me Up" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Once two souls are joined...

When Adam's soul mate rejected him, there was more at stake than his heart. After seven hundred years of searching, his true match would have ended the curse that keeps his spirit in chains. But beautiful, stubborn Eliza May fled—and now Adam is doomed to an eternity of anguish, his only hope for salvation gone...

Their hearts will beat together forever...

No matter how devilishly irresistible Adam was, Eliza couldn't stand the thought of relinquishing her freedom forever. So she escaped. But she soon discovers she is being hunted—by someone far more dangerous. The only man who can help is the one man she vowed never to see again. Now Adam's kindness is an unexpected refuge, and Eliza finds that some vows are made to be broken...

The first thing that I would recommend before reading this book, is that you start with the first in this series, Firelight, if you have not already. I did not and though this book can be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are numerous characters you will meet throughout this book and it is obvious that their stories were told in the previous books in the series. Not knowing their stories did not hinder the storyline for this book, however, it did make me feel like the new kid in school joining in the middle of a semester, trying to make the acquaintance of everyone while catching up on the subject matter.

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Do you believe in soul mates? Not to be confused for love at first sight, because it may be that you do not even like the person, but a part of their soul sings out to you and frustrating as it is, part of yours sings back. Eliza and Adam had a very rocky first meeting, not to mention it was the dirty business of one of them dying that was the catalyst of this introduction, but minor detail aside – it could have gone better, much better. Soul singing or not, Eliza is not one to be pushed around, she has had a lifetime of being used and manipulated and refuses to be played the pawn ever again. Adam, the King of the Gim, is not accustomed to feeling anything at all, so when seeing Eliza for the first time breaks the numbness that has held him prisoner for decades, he will do whatever he has to in order to keep her by his side. When two strong willed and determined characters collide, there is bound to be an explosion and when the dust settles, we can only hope that the both of them survive.

The first half of this book had me hooked and I found myself really enjoying Eliza and Adam. Their story wasn’t furry bunnies and kittens, there were some intense scenes that had me wincing and sitting at the edge of my sofa and I was truly rooting for them to make it. Loving the vigorous first half of the book, I was slightly disappointed and bored with the second half. Some chapters felt mundane and I was missing the thrills and momentum the first half provided. The pace did pick up towards the end and again, I was upright and at the edge of my sofa, but the lull in between really dampened my interest and though I was happy by the end of the book, I wasn’t bouncing with excitement. The fact that I actually fell asleep after reading this book rather than immediately typing out a review speaks volumes for me. If a book has me really excited, nothing – not even sleep, will deter me from telling the social media world how I feel!

Overall, I recommend this to the fellow paranormal romance junkies out there. It has all the ingredients we long for when reading this genre, spunky heroine, alpha male, hot sex, playing hard to get, evil villainous antagonist and did I mention hot sex? If you are looking for another Mac and Barrons, this one will fall short of the mark, but where it lacks in substance, it makes up for in charm.

Happy Reading, Until next time…

I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Vicious by Olivia Rivard

2 "I Tried So Hard" Stars

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Built for death…altered by love.

When the world convulsed under the burden of overpopulation, hardly anyone noticed a few girls going missing. Turned against her will into something out of a horror movie, Anna was one of those girls. But she learns to control the hungry monster she has become, and she gets out.
After orchestrating the escape from the secret lab, Anna leads a faction of freed vampires and searches for a peaceful balance between human society and her new family. Then she meets Grant.

Grant walks into Anna’s world unafraid, looking for adventure, on a quest for something to believe in, something to fight for.

But love is a complication Anna can’t afford. Not when she’s in a power struggle with a rival group of vampires and another laboratory in another prison has been discovered. Except Grant won’t be pushed away easily.

Anna needs all the vampires to work together to take down the laboratory, and the leader of the rival faction has shown a deadly interest in Grant.

Product Warnings
Contains a reluctant vampire and a hero who doesn’t hesitate to step into the danger zone to be with her

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The world is in turmoil and amidst all the chaos, young Anna has gone missing. While her parents frantically search for their missing daughter, young Anna finds herself at the center of human experimentation. With no memory of who she is or where she is from and forced to face the reality of the horrors she has committed and the monster she has become, Anna and the other test subjects set out to right the wrong that was done to them and stop it from happening to anyone else.

I really, really wanted to enjoy this book, I really tried, but I just couldn't. Though not a fan of Twilight, I do like other Teenage Vampire books, such as Vampire Academy and The House of Night Series, so when I came across this book, I was really excited. The blurb looked promising and it looked to be a little darker and edgier than the others and I love darker and edgier. The first few chapters were really good and my hopes were high, but then about 25% into the book, my hopes and interest in the book took a nose dive and by 50% I was ready to give up. I pushed myself through and forced myself to finish reading to see if it would pique my interest again, but it never did and really only got worse the more I read.

The concept of the story is really quiet unique and could really make for a great read, but the characters and dialogue in this story ruined any chance there was for me to enjoy this. After reading Thoughtless, I really have a low tolerance for characters that blush a lot, though any extremely repetitive action performed by a character will tend to annoy me, but blushing is really my Achilles heel and can ruin almost any book for me. Unfortunately, Grant, our male protagonist in this book, had a blushing problem and it made it impossible for me to like him. I daresay though, that even without the blushing, I would not have liked his character, he was weak and bland and forgettable. Honestly, none of the characters resonated with me at all, but least of all Grant and Anna.

 
The other issue I found myself having with this book, was the dialogue. It felt formal and unnatural and was uncomfortable to read at times. The constant use of the characters first names within the dialogue was driving me insane. For example: Note, these are not actual quotes from the book, but merely a sample as to what I am referring.


"Hi Anna, how are you?"
"I'm fine Grant, how are you?"
"I'm great Anna, thanks for asking."
"No problem Grant. I trust you slept well?"
"Yes Anna, I did. Especially with you by my side," Grant replies while blushing.
"Oh Grant, you are so funny."

So yeah, you get the idea, it drove me nuts!

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this read to anyone. A few younger readers, 13 or under, might enjoy this book, however, due to a few intimate and violent scenes, it may not be age appropriate for them either.

Happy Reading, until next time...

I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.



Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

4 "Never Never Wanted This to End" Stars

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen.
Complete strangers since this morning.
He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget.

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Wow, what did I just read???

It was late in the night when I picked this book up. I was on the verge of sleep and figured I would read a few pages before I passed out. It is now very early in the morning and I am writing my review after finishing this book! I was completely taken unawares by this book and I loved it.

I have read the Hopeless series by Colleen Hoover and both books 1 and 2 were 3 star reads for me and I have not read a book by Tarryn Fisher, so I really wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. What a weird, yet compelling story. For a good part of the book, I just kept saying, "What in the fuck??"...but in the best way possible. I wasn't confused because the authors were running the reader in circles or because of bad writing, I was as perplexed as the characters Charlie and Silas and needed to keep reading to figure out what in the hell was going on.

My biggest complaint? The length or should I say, shortness of this book. I suppose I should be happy, it would seem I can finally get some sleep now, but damn...just damn.

Charlie and Silas are both in high school, have friends, have dated off and on again for 4 years, have parents and siblings, but the problem is, they don't remember any of it. Or who they are. Both of them are standing in class one moment and then the next, it is though their memories are wiped clean and they have no idea who or where they are. With everyone watching them with growing skepticism and unease at their unusual behavior, they only have each other to lean on while they try and find out what happened to them and what they really mean to each other. As small clues start to appear and as Charlie and Silas struggle to regain their memories, there is a nagging feeling that they might not actually like the people they once were. With twists and turns at every corner, nothing is as it seems.

Bravo Ms. Hoover and Ms. Fisher, bravo.

I recommend this book to everyone, it may not be your usual genre, but it is one hell of a read.

Happy Reading, Until next time...



Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne

3 "Took Me to School" Stars

Back Cover Blurb -

 

What happens when you start falling for your worst enemy? Fans of Abbi Glines and Monica Murphy will relish this addictive novel of smoking-hot seduction—and revenge gone so wrong, it’s right.

I wasn’t always this jaded. I had a clear head, things I wanted out of life, and a concise plan on how to get there. For being only twenty-one, I pretty much had it all figured out. Until the day my cousin died.

I spent months going over all the details surrounding her death, trying to figure out how I missed the signs, and the only thing I could come up with was she would still be alive if it wasn’t for one person: her professor. So I transferred to his college, enrolled in his class, and set my new plan in motion.

First I’ll seduce him. Then I’ll ruin him. I’ve just got to stay strong and not let his charm and my emotions get the best of me. Because someone has to pay for her death. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to break Noah.

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There was so much I loved about this book and then again, so much I hated, I didn't know whether to go enroll in some college classes or commit homicide!

Zars is a girl who lost her best friend in the world, her cousin Karly, to suicide and she is out for revenge against the man that caused that to happen. Without much thought or evidence, she concocts a scheme that will bring that man to his knees and this is the story of that journey

Let's start with what I loved.

A teacher/student affair is normally looked down upon and in most cases, it's pretty gross. That is however, because we assume that the age difference between the two participants spans decades and the student is normally of illegal age. Now, what if I told you this story was between a college student and her professor and the age difference was really only about 6 years and the student is old enough to buy alcohol? Changes things a bit right? Might even sound a little sexy perhaps? YES... Give me a hot, sexy, nerd any day! Put "Professor" in front of his name and I'll be putty in your hands and that is what we find in Breaking Noah. The concept of this book is what intrigued me, but it was the writing and super, sexy, love scenes that had me turning page after page. Ms. Johnson and Ms. Suzanne really took a matter that could have easily been a disaster and turned it into a story worth reading and turned scenes that could be viewed as "icky" into "yummy".

What didn't work for me.

The ending and Zars. Pure and simple. With such a taboo topic for a story line, the ending just didn't quiet hit the mark for me. It was almost too fairy tale. I would have expected a little more grit and edginess and instead I got a nice little package with a bow on top. Don't get me wrong, I do love when my stories are wrapped up nice and pretty, but with the seriousness of the subject matter and the build up of the story line, the ending just fell flat and the epilogue only frustrated me more. Also, to be honest, I had a severe love/hate relationship with Zars. Though I was compassionate to her plight and understood some of her actions, the immaturity and Jekyll/Hyde personality she displayed through most of the book was painful, at best.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fun, sexy read, because it is that, but don't expect too much more.

Happy Reading, until next time...

I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ugly Young Thing by Jennifer Jaynes

4 "Wickedly Disturbing" Stars

Back Cover Blurb -

 

Sixteen-year-old Allie has already experienced a lifetime of horror, having lost her mother and serial killer brother to mental illness.

Returning to her childhood home in Louisiana, Allie ends up in foster care and is placed with Miss Bitty, an eccentric but kindly older woman who shows her a new direction and brighter future.

But Allie's new life takes a devastating turn when young women in the area start turning up dead, and she discovers someone lurking outside her bedroom. As Miss Bitty grows inexplicably distant, Allie begins to wonder if death has found her yet again...or if it never really left her at all.

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What a deliciously dark read! Ugly Young Thing is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. Filled with intrigue, darkness and suspense, it takes you inside the mind of a serial killer and disturbed teen and opens your eyes to the horrors of both.

Allie is a young girl, who's self image and self worth are convoluted by years of abuse from her sick mother and by experiencing devastation and horrors that no one should have to endure. Is mental illness genetic? Or, is there any truth behind the ramblings of a crazy person? Ugly Young Thing takes the reader on an uncomfortable journey through mental illness and depravity, all the while spinning a tale cloaked in mystery, terror and deception.

While reading this book, I found myself disgusted, yet completely captivated by the story and characters. My heart broke for Allie and the things that she has endured and the struggles she faced. This is not a light read and there are some scenes and subject matter that might turn the stomach of some readers, so beware. As for me, I loved the fact that Ms. Jaynes toed the line on what is acceptable in societies standards and didn't shy away from making her reader uncomfortable. I was grossed out and engrossed at the same time.

My disappointment in this book came from how the book ended and the questions that I was left with. I feel unsatisfied and I hate feeling that after reading a book. Overall, I would recommend to those that love suspenseful and shocking reads. This ain't for the faint of heart though, so be warned.

Happy Reading, until next time...

I would like to thank Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 



Waiting for April by Jaime Loren

4 "Get Ready for a Ride" Stars

 

Back Cover Blurb -

 

April Fletcher has died nineteen times... but she doesn't know it.

As far as April is concerned, she's just a normal seventeen-year-old, looking forward to spending spring break with her friends and going to college in the fall. April doesn't know she has never lived past her eighteenth birthday, nor does she realize that Scott Parker, her best friend, is actually her childhood sweetheart and fiancé from her very first life.

For nineteen-year-old Scott Parker, spending quality time with his soul mate has proved difficult ever since her tragic death in 1729. Since then he has lost her an additional eighteen times—each of her deaths more devastating than the last, and each of her births wiping the slate of her memory clean. Unable to save her but unwilling to give up, Scott has to hide the fact he's immortal—and will be until April confesses her love again.

But this time, things have changed. April has denied her feelings for him, is dating someone else, and with her eighteenth birthday fast approaching, their friendship is falling to pieces. Fearing their souls are irrevocably drifting apart, Scott must race against the clock to win her heart and save her life.

Or risk losing her forever.

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Please be seated and make sure that all valuables are stored and tucked safely away. Now buckle up and enjoy the ride!

This book was a roller coaster that took me through a myriad of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I *sqeeued* with joy and lashed out in frustration. I blushed, I cringed, I gaped and gasped and most importantly, I loved every moment of it.

 

Waiting for April is a book that reaches past the boundaries and brings in a touch of the supernatural while still keeping the reader firmly planted in reality. It is a smooth blend of romance and mystery, topped with a little fantasy and a drop of thrills to make one excellent read.

April is our heroine in this story of true love and reincarnation and though still young at the tender age of 17, she already has her life planned out. Out for school break, before graduating and heading off to Harvard, she has planned a trip with her two best friends, Stella and Scott and her boyfriend Rowan, to a cabin in a remote area that Scott has found and rented for them. Little does April know, that nothing is what it seems and her whole life is about to change forever.

Lies and deceit are only the beginning of April's problems as it becomes apparent that trying to stay alive is her number one priority. With twists and turns and more questions than answers, no one can be trusted and with time running out and shocking secrets revealed, can a love that has burned for centuries save her or will a hatred that has turned to evil consume them all?

I devoured this book and turned page after page, through the wee hours of the morning, stopping long enough to drink coffee, until reading the very last page in the shine of the afternoon sun. If I had to say anything negative about this book, it would be the ages of the main characters. They read more in my mind as older and with some of the subject matter, it seemed only appropriate they should be older, but that was a mild nag and nothing to keep me from reading it.

I would definitely recommend to any reader that enjoys romance with a little thrill along the way!

Happy reading, until next time...

 

I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.