Book Review: Conquer the Dark

Book Title: Conquer The Dark
Author: LA Banks |Website|

Publisher: Pocket Books
Format: Paperback

Series/ StandAlone:  Series
Genre: Christian Urban Fiction| Urban Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon| The Book Depository
Cost: $7.99

Pages: 339

How I got it: Library

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: ★★★
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Synopsis:

The rapidly approaching battle between Dark and Light threatens to destroy mankind in this action-packed new series from New York Times bestselling author L.A. Banks.Celeste Jackson never had much hope for the future—and certainly never imagined that she would be living in an abandoned warehouse in Philadelphia with her magnificent protector Azrael, the angel of death, and a fierce battalion of warrior angels. But although her powers have bestowed the angels with the freedom to return to the Light or stay within the mortal realm, they need her more than ever. Celeste is one of the few remaining half-human, half-angel Remnant, with a unique ability to locate others of her kind. The search leads Azrael and his celestial brothers to Egypt to recover a powerful relic that can raise an army of bloodthirsty fallen if it falls into the wrong hands. It is a relic the dark angel Asmodeus will do anything to possess—and his quest puts Celeste in mortal danger. Soon Azrael faces an impossible decision: Can he surrender the woman who has become his salvation . . . or will he save her and allow all of humanity to perish?

My Review:
This is book two in the series, and it picks up a few months after book one took place.  I loved visiting this world again, meeting up with the characters and learning more about them.  Within the first chapter I got a new song, the one by Santana that one of the angels played. It's become a new favourite of mine. LOL, so while you read the rest of the review, click play and get into the feel of the book:

That first scene just blew my mind, I can't believe the author is no longer with us and won't be sharing more fun and fantastical tales.  I love Celeste & Az together, they just have so much chemistry, the struggle Az and the other angels feel as they get ready for the battle ahead, the way Celeste inspired them and gave them hope, just made me love her especially, after she comforted them.

Isda is the MAN!!! And he's so clearly Jamaican, I loved his character in this book, although his story was so sad, the heartbreak he must have felt knowing ... well I'll let you read and discover for yourself.  Aziza is my girl!! I loved her from the very beginning, she reminds me so much of several women I know that I couldn't  help but love her, the lessons she had to learn were clear though & man it's a lesson I needed as well.

The journey, the battle, the true stories shared within the fiction, the history lessons, I just was so floored, I kept going to google to see if what she was sharing (especially about the Founding Father, who broke the rules in Philly, yeah that was real too) was real and being surprised and happy when I found out they were. (then being freaked out that they were real..oh noo)

The few sex scenes between the couples were very sensual and well written, they just drew you in and were so sexy, hmmm.  Which is why I gave it the three stars,  not so much for the raunchy wildness but for the steamy love, especially on the train, WOW!!

Cons of the story, being the author passed away and wasn't able to finish the series, many of the characters' stories were just beginning to be told and having the series be incomplete meant that we only got the bare minimum on them, the battle isn't complete, it's just really beginning and it was left on a bit of a cliff hanger and I want to know what happened DAMMIT!!

Even though the rest of the series won't be done, each book does stand on it's own, the essential plot pieces for each book are taken care of in the book, but there are more pieces to the main puzzle that won't be revealed until the next one, which unfortunately won't be coming along.

It's a fabulous read, especially because the books are with strong black characters and have music within it. There are strong Abrahamic traditional information/messages within the book, so if you don't like Christian/Jewish/Arabic/Egyptian lore then this might not be for you, but if you don't mind that?? DIVE IN!!!

 

Book Review: Dark Slayer

Book Title: Dark Slayer
Author: Christine Feehan

Publisher: Berkeley Hardcover
Format: Hardcover

Cost: $10.38 (amazon) $25.95 (market price)

Pages: 416

How I got it: Library

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:

A rumor has persisted in the vampire world of a dark slayer—a woman—who travels with a wolf pack and any among the vampires who meets her is slain. Mysterious, elusive and seemingly impossible to kill, she is the one hunter who strikes terror into the hearts of the vampires. Ivory Malinov is that woman, betrayed by her own people, by her family, by everyone she held dear and she hunts during the night with only her pack to sustain her sanity. She has not spoken to or been with any other person for a hundred years other than to feed from or slay. She stumbles across a body on her way back to her lair and discovers—her lifemate. He is Razvan, branded a hated criminal, detested, feared and loathed by all Carpathians—he is also a dragonseeker of one of the greatest lineages of all Carpathians Held captive nearly his entire life by his grandfather, the Carpathians bitterest enemy, he is seeking the dawn to end his terrible existence. This is a story of two people, horribly betrayed, wounded in spirit, fighters to the death, who must struggle to unite against a common enemy.

My Review:
For the first time ever, the woman is the hunter (at least in the ones I have read so far) this book comes after Dark Curse; where they discuss the issues associated with female hunters. hilarity ensues when Gregori opens his mouth, but it's well worth reading.

Ivory survived something that would have killed the average Carpathian & she did it in the most unique way.  She then creates wolves for herself to run with a pack, she is KICKASS with a capitol K.    Ivory endured when others would have died and she made something of herself that encompassed & changed her world.  Raz arguable the most hated Carptathian trapped by his own family & left for dead he finally makes his way to freedom to the cleansing sun & his lifemate finds him (always at the nick of time that these men are found).

I love the role reversal the two have, that she is the one he must learn from. That she has the experience he lacks as a warrior & yet he despite his experiences has the emotional balance she needs.  I love that they balance each other out.  I love that they needed each other & that they fit together without a great struggle & he didn't try to control her from the get go.  they worked well & I loved their dynamic.

I particularly loved that it wasn't physical strength. Razvan possessed in abundance that drew her to him it was sheer strength of his character, the absolute well of determined spirit deep inside him.  He was so steady, a rock for her. Check out page 235, the scene there was emotional.

I love this book it has become my all time favorite Carpathian novel.  Razvan is an amazing man; his zen like approach to life just drew me in. I love that Ivory was the physically stronger one but still needed him emotionally.

It's a definite must read. Either purchase or check your local library to see if they have a copy. However you do, make sure get this one it's well worth the time to read.

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Book Review: Spells & Stitches

Book Title: Spells & Stitches
Author: Barbara Bretton

Publisher: Berkeley Trade
Format: Paperback

Cost: $ 6.00

Pages: 254 end of story, 319 end of book

How I got it: Library
My Rating:★★★★☆

Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

Sugar Maple, Vermont, knitting store owner Chloe Hobbs couldn't be happier about her pregnancy. But with the arrival of the town's newest resident, things are about to get a lot more magical. Baby Laria is six pounds, eleven ounces of perfect, and Chloe and Luke are over the moon. But when they learn that Laria takes after her mom in the sorcery department, it becomes clear that their baby might have more power than even a pro like Chloe can handle...

My Review:
Can I say called it?? I knew from jump we started to hear from Meghan. I knew something was up, be that as it may, I will say this book as way better than the second. From Meghan described her 'perfect' boyfriend I knew she was in deep trouble he was way too perfect for my taste. Maybe I'm too close to cops but I spotted the con before she even knew what was up.  Jesus, this book in particular was so much better; than the last two book.  I love Chloe because she is a yarn~addict and she waxes poetic about awesome yarn; she owns her own shop that makes me love her even more.

Much like the first two books, our lead Chloe's head is still placed far up her backside, even though she is only half human, she keeps making dumb decisions, personally I believe she really shouldn't be in control of the town. She constantly does dumb shyt making the worst decisions, especially after people tell her not to;  that puts the town in danger then is surprised when it blows up in her face. I can't understand why each book she constantly keeps coming back to the same lesson and each time she has to re~learn it another way.  I can't believe she keeps doing these things.

Chloe is obsessed with having a real family (read human/normal) & wants to include Luke's family in with hers.  Except as a sorceress in training and a pregnant one to boot her magic is all over the place, including sending te dishes on a dance before dinner. Having humans around would be disaster, but her black friday sale is where her future mother in law comes waltzing in.  Now she has to keep her magic under control, have a great sale, keep Elspeth from turning the humans into pets & not alienate her new mother in law.

I enjoy the baby and her story, I'm sure she (the author)will be continuing the series with the child at some point.  This rendition of the series ended pretty well but I get the feeling that their might be more in the future.  It's a pretty good culmination to the series. I liked her troll friend Elspeth, & the family that she forms.  I even loved her foolish belief in human families, yeah the Cosby's are an idyllic family but not real.

It's good, a light quick read that doesn't take too much time. Enjoy!

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Book Review: Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble

Book Title: Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble
Author: HP Mallory

Publisher: Smashwords
Format: ebook

Cost: $0.00

Pages: 255

How I got it: Kindle Freebie

My Rating:★★★☆☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

Life isn't bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn't have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend. Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she's a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost's demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life! Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand

My Review:
Ghosts, witches, warlocks Oh My!! Psychic Jolie has gained a smoking hot new client with an odd coloured aura.  hired for a new job, Jolie is surprised to discover something new about herself.  And eve more shocked to discover that there is a world that runs parallel to out own world one that has all the nightmare creatures in it. What is a witch to do??

Sounds good doesn't it?? I at first enjoyed this book, it started off pretty amazing, the cover art is amazing;  because I never read the previews I had no idea what the book was supposed to be about.  As I was reading i vacillated from loving rand & Jolie to wanting to slap both of them & wondering why I was reading the book. then something would happen to pull me back in.  Jolie as a character annoyed me, she refused to 'grow' or change. 

As I was reading these things stood out to me:

1. the lead character refused to have any kind of self confidence AT ALL, which of course blocked her gifts immensely & then she began to whine that she wasn't anything special O_o. Why why the hell should I keep reading if your not special??
2. She was seriously a very cautious & reserved character without explaining why. What happened?? Why doesn't she trust men?? *Sidebar* why do authors create female characters that are seriously undersexed until the meet their perfect guy, then BOOM they become sex kittens?? I need a character that is confident in her decision even if it is the decision to wait until she is with the perfect partner or married or in a committed relationship.  Please write characters that are confident in their sexuality ^& aren't so damn CRAZY.  

After a while I got really annoyed with Jolie. She just didn't grow in the book. She just allowed things to happen.  Everyone kept telling her she was better than she actually was and she just refused to believe it.  On Goodreads i kept updating:

• dear authors  =either put sex in or leave it out entirely, stop trying to be a prude and a normal healthy woman at the same time it just doesn't work. it's irritating and clearly shows that the character has no sense of self
• please somebody kill her and be done with it. whyy?? whhhhhyyyy am i still reading this. I'm going to finish even if it kills me *which it just might*
• Would I be wrong to punch Jolie in the head?? " i didn't come here to have sex with you" *takes off clothes* ~~~ this teasing ass heffa, lookie here. either have some or don't have some but stop being such a freaking tease, your getting on my nerves.
• Trent is an idiot he dated You, that's what makes him an idiot, not punching Rand, the dating you makes him an idiot.
• Jolie= idiot. I just can't with these characters that have such low self esteem but are supposed to be the saviours of anything, umm listen if you don't believe in yourself I'm not following you across the room much less into war.
• oh Gawd Jolie, i need you to grow some serious cajones

It's a fun mindless read, it doesn't add anything new to the genre but it's still an okay read.  I didn't like that her friend Christa wasn't a fully fleshed out character.  I get that there are four other books in the series so she didn't want this one to have all the fun, but I need a reason to come back to your series.  Jolie kinda reminded me of MaryJanice Davidson's Betsy ( & I stopped reading  that series a while ago).  

Although the story started off strong and had me hooked; I just wanted to be done & I especially wanted to smack Jolie especially about Trent.  By the end of book I was just happy to be done & move on.  If you just want a mindless read then have at it.  Others seemed to love the series, I'm going to read another and find out if it's just the first book that wasn't to my liking.

 Add to Goodreads

ARC Book Review: Charming Blue

Book Title: Charming Blue ( Fates #8)
Author: Kristine Grayson

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $6.39, 7.99

Pages: 384

How I got it: NetGalley ARC

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

Once upon a time...he was the most handsome of princes. But now he's a lonely legend, hobbled by dark history. With too many dead in his wake, Bluebeard escapes through the evil spell of alcohol. But it's a far different kind of spell that's been ruining his life for centuries. Jodi Walters is a fixer, someone who can put magic back in order. But Blue has a problem she's never encountered. And worse, she finds herself perilously attracted to him.

My Review:
Awesome!!! OMGosh, it took a little while to get to this book, I kept reading snippets in between other books & it was engaging. I finally sat down and dedicated 1 (one) day to reading it & boy I didn't want to put it down. I feel so engaged & enchanted by the story. Fairytale characters licing in Hollywood, I just love poor Prince Charming Bluebeard (did I mention I googled to see if he really is a fairytale character). Omgosh Peter Pan & Tank, I liked her better than Tinkerbell, the back story there I'm sure is going to be pretty good when she writes it. 
 

This story dragged you in & kept you glued  just the layers that kept coming up from Blue had you reading quickly to see how each one added to the story. A Chataline seems like the ideal house witch,  I just loved this,  I don't envy Jodi her job of fixing issues for the "magical" community in Hollywood, having to find a way to get an Ogre a job just seems too daunting for words.  

I do have to say this book is more a magical/fairytale adventure not so much a full on romance.  The story is filled with lots of tinglings & long looks but no real movement on the love itself.  It's good world building though & I would have never guessed, hell the characters never guessed the villian until the end. It's a good book to get lost in.  I'm going to look for the other books to see how she tackled the others as well.  

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Book Review: Skye's Trail

Book Title: Skye's Trail: The Angelini Book 1
Author: Jory Strong

Publisher: Ellorascave
Format: ebook

Cost: $5.78

Pages: 242

How I got it: Purchased/Kindle Freebie

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis:

For Skye Delano, the hunt and the kill are sometimes inexorably tied together. Her origins shrouded behind an impenetrable wall of mental pain, Skye has survived and evolved into a tracker, a hunter who metes out justice to those who prey on the helpless. Alone but not lonely, she's been content with her life. But now her body is changing and there's an underlying craving that's left her restless. She needs to take a mate - or rather, two mates...
Detective Rico Santana wants and needs Skye - for himself, and to track a couple of kids who have gone missing. In all the centuries that Giovanni Banderali has been alive, he's never desired any woman enough to bind her to him as a companion. That changed the moment he saw Skye. She's a threat to the fledgling vampires he's searching for, but nothing will stop him from claiming her - not even the Angelini blood that flows through her veins. Adversaries, natural enemies - dangerous allies - the bond that links them is stronger than lust, more powerful than love. When an Angelini chooses a mate, no man can resist.

My Review:
I haven't read any of the Angelini series, of course being an EC addict I have seen the books numerous times and thought "nah, I'm not into the vampires stuff".  Then I got this one, man, if my foot could get back there and do it proper I would kick myself.  I got it as a freebie because I love Jory's other books and have her on Goodreads as a friend. For her followers she was giving a freebie and I gladly accepted it.  I have been an avid read of Jory's books (many of which I repeat read when I have nothing new to read) she was & is one of my favorite writers. Actually she's one of my fave writers period.

Even though I'm doing the RCCleanup. I couldn't help but jump a the chance for a freebie from Jory.  So freebie, beloved author & no previous knowledge of the story...sounds like a recipe for potential disaster doesn't it?? Well....it wasn't, yeah I know I know I wax poetic about so many books but it's all true...this book had it all smoking hot men, a kick ass woman...batshyt crazy people & a pretty good plot line.  The characters were well written, they weren't flat or boring.  It took me two days to read this only because I read it while at work (shhh don't tell). LOL I snuck & read it as often as I could.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I so have to make room on the pile for the rest of the series because the other characters were interesting to say the least...

IJust kept imagining Giovanni as Erik Northman from True Blood, Yeah he just sounded that hot.  Definite burn rubber to get it.
Happy & delicious reading my loves!!!

Book Review: How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days

Book Title: How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days

Author: Saranna Dewylde

Publisher: Kensington Brava
Format:ebook & Paperback

Cost: $9.59, 11.69

Pages: 276

How I got it: 

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★☆☆
Synopsis:

Middy Cherrywood does. She’s got more warlock than she can hex with Dred Shadowins. He isn’t just a billionaire playboy and Weekly Warlock centerfold. He’s a spy for the High Chancellor, and he convinces Middy to pose as his fiancée for his latest mission. Too bad no one told his mother before she slipped Middy a potion that will make their sham engagement all too real in just ten days.

My Review:

I haven't read the other books in the series, so I'm not sure if she did this world building as well. Here she builds a world not unlike Harry Potter's world that butts up against the Muggle or as she calls it the non magical world.  In this world Gods walk among the Magical people, things like griffins guard the doors & Merlin is the Bigger Boss.  Since even the most devoted & secluded understand something about Harry Potter, this new world wasn't that far fetched.

At first the mention of 'witchberry' & 'spelltops' I was like "huh? But why??". Then I stopped reading so deeply into the story and just read the book as it was written. I eventually came to like Dred & Middy together they just seemed to find all kinds of adventures to roll into. I need to read the others in the series to especially Caspian's story.  It's alright, a quick read that pulls you in & made you wonder who did what & why.

I picked several villains & was wrong & that made me love the story even more, it wasn't predictable.  And the little imp Sera Anna was an awesome character, I wonder if the author will go far enough to write her story??*hint hint*
I love watching (reading) Middy get Dred to want to be better, and I loved that Dred "knew" he wasn't a catch but didn't want to give Middy up either; as the story was revealed you realized he was a catch and a damn good one too. That dream sequence from Merlin?? Just way too mean. I enjoyed reading the love story that was there and the adventure that came with it.

It's four stars, well worth the read. Erotica Rating is three stars; the build up was good & the scenes were good but sometimes she tried too hard. Especially with the words 'muffin' then getting technical later in the scene by calling  it ' labia minora' & some of the scenes were just a little forced, especially the first time Dred & Middy were together, the magazine just made it weird.

Overall a good light fun read.

Overall a good light fun read, a very enjoyable fun read. Make sure to check it out & add to your Goodreads list by clicking here.

Happy Reading

Book Review: Mrs. B's Book of

Book Title: Mrs.B's Guide to Household Witchery (amazon/ Goodreads)

Author: Kris Bradley

Publisher: Weiser Books
Format: Paperback, Kindle

Cost: $16.95, $9.95

Pages: 195

How I got it: Advanced Copy from Publisher 

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

For domestic goddesses everywhere--add some magic and fun to those mundane household chores with Mrs. B.'s Guide to Household Witchery. Whether you're sweeping the floor, making a meal, or cleaning out that junk drawer, domestic witch Kris Bradley, creator of the popular blog, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, will show you how to create spells and magic to bring happiness and balance into your home. Bradley offers ideas and solutions to make the most out of everyday items, activities, and obligations. From Anchovies to Broccoli, and Wine to Yeast, from sweeping the floor to blow-drying your hair, you can change your outlook on life with a pinch of knowledge and a dash of magic! The book includes simple rituals, spells, and ways to connect with the spirits that watch over your home and family. Includes an appendix of herbs and a complete materia magica from the kitchen pantry.

Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery features:

• Room by Room: How to create magic while you cook, set up a family altar in the living room, or do a junk drawer divination
• The Elements for the Domestic Witch: a primer on the 4 elements and how to balance them in your home
• The Domestic Witch's Herbal: Magical uses for every herb and food in your pantry, as well as instant magic with prepackaged spice mixes
• Simple Sabbats for the Busy Witch: simple ways to celebrate the passing of the seasons
• Magical Recipes: More than 100 recipes and spells

My Review:

GET YOURSELF A COPY!!!! Yep that's the review folks, I don't have to wax on about the awesomeness of this book, it simply speaks for itself. It's small compared to some of the other books out there, but it's still good. The book is broken down into several sections. heck I didn't even think of using brussel sprouts in magick (well to be fair I hate brussel sprouts). Kris covers everything from making your own household protection spells, to charming you bedroom for your and your partner. i loved the Book of Love/Shadows that she suggested, it's like a scrapbook of your love. (I'm sooo doing that)

Another review mentioned that the book doesn't go in depth into Guardians, and she's right it compromises about 1 maybe two pages of information on Guardians, while having tons of information of deities. Personal preferences aside, guardians are usually something that are tricky to write about because they differ in each place. The Guardians that presented themselves at my home close to the woods are totally different from the ones here in the city. Their appearances  their mannerisms, even the magick attached to them is different. I believe the information provided was adequate enough for those who aren't familiar with their Guardians to get to know them.  

Kris's speciality is making the mundane magical and here she shows us how to do so as well, I loved reading this book along with Cunningham's Magical Household and utilising what was listed in both, Kris's everyday list was easier to follow than some of the things listed in other books. Not only does this book contain well known tricks like the witch's bottle, but new ideas especially in the laundry room. Now I'm looking at my home in a whole different way.  There are many ways to adapt what is shared within the pages if you need to as she gives a pretty decent herbal as well as a references of items by the magical need.

This is a book I'm keeping and recommending to those I know who are dabbling in household magick to get. Make sure to get your copy. Can't break the budget to get a copy?? Enter in for a chance to win a copy. Simply click the Giveaway and follow the directions.

Happy Reading

Book Review: Legacy of the Witch

Book Title: Legacy of the Witch  (Goodreads.Amazon)

Author: Maggie Shayne

Publisher: Harlequin
Format: ebook

Cost: $0.00

Pages: 53

How I got it: Freebie on Amazon

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

As a child, Amarrah loved her grandmother’s stories of three witches who were members of the king’s harem—but they were more than just stories. Amarrah knew she had been there with them…and now their legacy, along with an ancient box that once belonged to them, lies in her hands.
Charged with keeping the box safe, Amarrah is heartbroken when it is stolen from her while she moves to America. Years later, she is shocked to see it on TV and is determined to get it back. Tracking the artifact leads her to Sergeant Harrison Brockson, a handsome soldier who stirs memories of a man she knew centuries ago in ancient Babylon. Is Harrison the key to finding the box—or could he be her destiny?
Prequel novella to Maggie Shayne’s exciting trilogy, "The Portal"

My Review:

This one is a preview for the new series by Maggie Shayne, called the Portals. The first book in the series is called Mark of the Witch, which I got signed at BEA from Maggie. So when I saw that this was being given as a freebie from Amazon I was all over it. i always read Maggie's books, I don't know what they are about until I'm well into the books but if I see she;s in a book I will snap it up. She has a way of weaving a story that is magical and enchanting and just draws you in. This book, short as it was, did the same thing. 

There are witches, reincarnated souls, lost loves, bad guys, heroes in uniform *drools* rich history, magic and of course a treasure. Where do I sign up??? It's a short and fun fast read, that will suck you into the world Maggie has built and makes you drool just thinking about the rest of the story. 

It's a background laying book for the series,as well as a love story, it's short and it's so fun, and you actually felt the love. I enjoyed the history which added a rich layer to it, i loved that the main characters were reincarnated,and that the woman knew even though she wrote it off as a fantasy. Even though this was laying down the ground work for the series, by letting us know what happened to the women, we also got to see Amarrah's love story. The hero, Harrison is of course also reincarnated and wasn't that far off from his original incarnation, as a young man that Amarrah knew. The little adventure didn't feel forced and even though it was only like 53 pages, she still managed to pack quite a punch in this one. I can't wait (in fact I'm skipping all the other books I have to read so I can read the next on that I have on the shelf)to read the rest of the series. 

Maggie has always created characters that were memorable even after you have moved on to other books. I can't wait to learn more about these women and the men who love them. It's sure to be a witching good time.

Happy reading

ARC Book Review: Mark of the Witch

Book Title: Mark of the Witch (Goodreads/ Amazon)
Author: Maggie Shayne (author's website)

Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Format: Mass Market Paperback

Cost: $7.99

Pages: 352
Due Out: Septenber 18, 2012

How I got it: Book Expo America 2012

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis:

A lapsed Wiccan, Indira Simon doesn't believe in magic anymore. But when strange dreams of being sacrificed to an ancient Babylonian god have her waking up with real rope burns on her wrists, she's forced to acknowledge that she may have been too hasty in her rejection of the unknown. Then she meets mysterious and handsome Father Tomas. Emerging from the secrecy of an obscure Gnostic sect, he arrives with stories of a demon, a trio of warrior witches-and Indira's sacred calling. Yet there's something even Tomas doesn't know, an inescapable truth that will force him to choose between saving the life of the woman he's come to love-and saving the world.

My Review:

This book was everything awesome. It's a bewitching read, by a witching author (hahahha see what I did there?? Yeah okay I'll stop nerding out)  I didn't know until I say the preview for Legacy of a Witch what it was about. Maggie is an author I automatically pick up. I had the awesome pleasure of meeting her at the Harlequin book Signing at BEA:

Can I just say she was awesome?!?!? Friendly, warm and willing to sign an older copy of a book I had that she had written years ago. How cool was that??  Well, anyway, I picked up the book because it's by her and she is awesome, and in this book she has written did not disappoint.

The book has long lost loves, romance, witches, ancient history, reincarnation, and of course a kick ass heroine and a slightly dented hero. I loved the story line and how well it flowed, the heroine wasn't an idiot and she fought like hell to hang onto her idea of herself, but when faced with no other choice she embraced it. A lapsed Wiccan??! Why yes I can see why she would end up that way, her reasoning and reasons for leaving the Craft are actually pretty familiar, which made me love her even more, I could understand why she did, and even the transformation she would eventually have to go through.

 I loved that Maggie knows what she is talking about when writing these book; after all she is a witch too, she doesn't make ti too out of the realm of possibility but she doesn't make it mundane either. And the struggle of Tomas?? All too real.  I also loved when Rayne would call Indy out on her bigotry while pointing out the good of all faiths. It was refreshing and wonderfully written.  The magick within the story was so amazing to read, the lore, the background of the story, was all well placed and setup beautifully by the novella Legacy of the Witch.  This book was enchanting and gripping right from the beginning. I knew some of the things that were going to happen only because I have a suspicious mind and really tried my best to guess, sometimes I was right. a few times I was wrong.  I loved that it was it's own story whole laying out the rest of the series, and of course the main story. (because i know I'm not the only one who notices, now that a lot of authors cut the story off just so you will read the others O_O)

Now, I know I gave it five erotica stars and that has more to do with the love scenes than an actual making love scene, although that one was sweet as well. See I love the buildup the romance of it all and this one had it in spades, the couple just felt pulled together and their kisses alone were hot hot hot. it's not your typical romance, nor is it a hide it from your mama erotica, but it's still singe worthy. Their love is awesome and I can't wait to find out more about other sisters and about Demetrius. It was fun, it was funny it was enchanting and i loved every second of reading it. makes me wish I had the other two stories to read right away.

This is shaping up to be an awesome series. I can't wait until December when the next one is released.
This is a burn rubber to get it, finish it a few hours book, yeah I skipped all the chores today, just so I could finish it.

Happy Reading my loves

***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review****

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Book Review: Goddess in the Middle

Book Title: Goddess in the Middle Forgotten Goddess Bk 3
Author: Stephanie Julian

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: Paperback, Ebook, 

Cost: $14.99

Pages: 336

How I got it: ARC from Netgalley

My Rating:★★★★★
Synopsis:

TOGETHER. THEY CREATE THE MOST POWERFUL MAGIC OF ALL ...Romulus and Remus are sexy werewolf cousins with an unbreakable bond. When they meet beautiful goddess Amity and save her from an encroaching demon, they discover that the three of them together are way more powerful than any of them could ever have imagined. And they're going to need that power to overcome the forces that are determined to steal Amity's magic and destroy the two men. As different as night and day, and each an amazing man in his own right, Rom and Remy make all of Amity's deepest fantasies come true ...

My Review:
Amity was once worshiped as the Goddess of Health along with her sister, when the Etruscan ruled what is now modern day Italy.  Today se serves the people by being a medical aesthician healing those she can without their knowledge, doing her best to use the last of her powers to aide those who need her the most.  Much like her sisters she find herself being hunted and by chance meets two of the best warriors of the werewolves.  I have never read any of Ms Julian's writings before, and I will be remedying that as soon as possible, her writing is beautiful and flowed well, strong characters who aren't stereotypical.

I enjoyed the mythology of this world and even though i hadn't read the other books, I was entranced and pulled into it, each character that was introduced made me want to read the previous books and anymore that are coming out especially X and the king of the Underworld.  I kind of guessed what he wanted long before the author started sharing little bits about him, (I had read another book about the God of the underworld and I loved it) so this book only endeared him to me, although his methods leave much to be desired.

The love story that builds pulls you in, engages your emotions so much that by the end your rooting for them, hoping that the characters realized that they needed each other.  Rom was the most reluctant until he realized that Amity needed them as much as they needed her and then he was all ofr it; Remy knew right from the start that he wasn't leaving her and he needed his cousin to realize they both needed her as much as she needed both of them. Poor Amity couldn't see how much she needed them at first, until they set about showing her, and boy did they show her.

I enjoyed that the action didn't take a backseat to the love story and the love story wasn't pushed beneath the story's continuation of the series. This book could stand on it's own, you didn't need to read the others to appreciate it.  I loved this story, Amity, Remy and Rom made for a wonderful story, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series, especially X's and the Underworld King's stories *hint hint*


*****FTC guidelines states i must make you aware I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review******

Book Review: Coexist

Book Title: Coexist: Keegan's Chronicles Book 1

Author: Julia Crane

Publisher: Valknut Press

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 202

How I got it: Kindle Freebie

My Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans. In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Rourk finds himself drawn to Keegan's side every time she thinks his name. He wants to talk to her but remains in the shadows, silently guarding her every time she mentally beckons him. A twist of fate thrusts the two of them together when Rourk is forced to step up his protection and make his presence known. An ancient prophecy deeply entwines Keegan's family and the future of their society. Somehow they must find a way to thwart fate and win the battle...without losing Keegan. With war brewing, and dark forces aligning, will Keegan and Rourk ever have the life together that they both desire?~~~~ From Goodreads.

My Review:

I loved this book. I'm so going to get the other books like right now. I'm not normally a huge fan of YA books, I tend not to read them anymore, because well I'm no long a young adult. I like my books with a little more raunchy than YA can give me, but I saw this one the cover looked cool and it was a free kindle download, so clicked and read in my spare time. Let me tell you how happy I am that I did so, this book was pretty freaking awesome.

It's about the Fae!! I LOVE reading about the Fae, and this author's interpretation of the Fae was pretty cool, intense, and engaging. I did have a few little issues with the story, more editing issues than anything else, in the very first page actually the very first sentence, it's states that "Keegan's call echoed in his head" then a few pages (page 4) later while he's watching her, Rourk states "he doesn't even know her name"; um but you just said it a few pages ago, that doesn't make sense.  There was another scene were he was told to follow her and an incident happened he called her dad to let him know, then a few pages later when her dad pulled him from the case Rourk wanted to know if he was being punished because her dad figured out what he did, he already told Keegan's dad so the continuity there is off.

I also found it odd that the Fae would battle in such a way, it was organized and with rules, it kinda didn't go with the story, like slightly off tune; before the end of the story I was  wondering what made the 'light elves' better than the 'dark elves' if they are both on the battlefield wholesale slaughtering each other simply because they were different. That elf showed up for his people just like you showed up for yours. And of course as I continue to read she answers these questions. I knew the last few chapters of the book were going to be heartbreaking from she heard the roar; I knew that the price she would pay would be horrible, and yet I couldn't feel sorry for her, she was a bit of an idiot. I did shed a few tears for Rourk, but I won't tell you why, you have to read to find out

It's a very engaging, quick read, the author managed to build her version of the Fae world without bogging the book down in chapters of information that wasn't pertinent to the story.  The way it was written, you didn't feel like this was the first book, more like your peeking to the world of Keegan & Rourk and when you stop reading there story still continues. I loved that the dialogue flowed well, her parents clearly were in love and shared that love with their children.  I thought it was awesome that her parents were willing to break the rules about soul~mates and allowed them a great little time together,

I can't wait to read the other adventures of Keegan & Rourk and what happens now to their world, once the battle has begun.

I hope you enjoy it too
Happy reading