Last summer I happened upon a marathon of Ghost Adventures while channel surfing one boring Friday night. With no other viable optio...moreReviewed by Autumn
Last summer I happened upon a marathon of Ghost Adventures while channel surfing one boring Friday night. With no other viable options, I quickly became sucked into the world of Zak Bagans and his ghost hunting pals Nick Groff and the goofy Aaron Goodwin. At first the show spooked me somewhat, causing me to turn around and check behind me. After all, I was watching the show facing a corner with my back to an open living room. Eventually the creepiness factor wore off and I stopped checking for things that go bump in the night. I became addicted to the show, catching the marathons every Friday and Saturday night.
Upon hearing that Zak had written a book, I was interested in reading it, but unsure of how it’d turn out. One of my online friends and fellow Ghost Adventures fan, Sue, had mentioned that she had read Dark World. She had enjoyed it so I decided to give it a go.
Overall I really enjoyed Dark World. It was interesting and funny at the same time. If you’re a fan of Ghost Adventures you’d probably enjoy it too. There’s references to investigations they have gone on and some more insight is given. We learn how some of the common devices that are used on Ghost Adventures, like the Mel Meter, were created. Terms used on the show, like EMF, were explained more in depth. We also get to learn more about Zak through his book. I’ve never understood the people online who refer to Zak as a douche bag. He actually seems pretty down to earth, a little goofy, but very serious into his research into the paranormal world. His research and investigations are not a hobby – they are his job, which he enjoys.
The book is divided into seven sections (Beginnings, Innocence, Sadness and Confusion, Anger, Evil, Science, and The Future). There was only one section that I could not get into – section 6. It dealt with the “Science” of ghost hunting. Science and Math were never my strong subjects – I even failed Math in 8th grade. I’ve never read anything about Quantum Physics or Einsteins Theory of Relativity, so much of that flew over my head faster than a fan girl squealing in delight when Zak takes his shirt off. On my Kindle edition I figure that section only took up about 15% of the book, so it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of reading.
If you’re a fan of Zak and Ghost Adventures then I think you’d enjoy Dark World.(less)
I’m not even sure if I know where to get started with this book. It was totally not what I expected, at all. A dear friend of mine reco...moreReviewed by Meg
I’m not even sure if I know where to get started with this book. It was totally not what I expected, at all. A dear friend of mine recommended it to me after she (I think) received it as an ARC. She swore it was great and I added it to my to-read list, and eventually made my way on to Amazon to purchase it. And then another few months passed by and I finally settled in to read it.
Ashfall, by Mike Mullin, is about a young boy who just happens to be at home alone for the weekend, when the super volcano under Yellowstone National Park decides to explode. Weirdly enough, the premise of this book is actually pretty realistic. There is a super volcano under Yellowstone, one that exploded 2.1 million, 1.3 million, and 640,000 years ago. There’s a basic pattern to it, that has recently sent survivalist and present day doomsday fanatics into a tizzy. There’s a chance, though slim, that this volcano could really erupt within our lifetime, or our children or grandchildren’s lifetimes. Personally? If faced with an ashfall that spans the entire continental USA, I’ll be there to greet the lava personally. But, it seems that Mullin’s characters have more of a desire to live than I do, which really helps with the plot line of the book, haha!
The main character of Ashfall, Alex, is a 16 year old boy living in Iowa when the volcano explodes. His parents had left only hours before with his little sister to visit a relative two hours away, leaving him behind alone. Ironically enough, his house is totaled with a rock that was sent flying through the air from the explosion (I was a little put off by this, it was just a little too over the top. Yes, it could happen, but hitting the main characters house head on? I’m not so sure on that.) Shortly thereafter, while being cared for by his neighbors, the ash begins to fall, blotting out the sun as the sound of the ear shattering explosion of the volcano hundreds of miles away sends everyone running for cover. It’s not long after the ash starts falling that literally all hell breaks loose. Alex, as any 16 year old kid would be, is impressionable and easily spooked and it only takes one raw encounter with the true grittiness of human nature to send him fleeing from the safety of his neighbors into the accumulating ash, where he sets off to find his parents and sister.
The encounters that Alex faces on the road just further my desire to meet the lava head on if this were to ever really happen. This kid faces stuff that even the hardiest adults wouldn’t be able to handle well. And the truth of the matter? He doesn’t handle everything that well. The book is written in a very realistic way. The people Alex encounters are mistrustful, and some are downright desperate to survive, no matter the cost. It’s each man for himself, which unfortunately, seems like a very realistic outlook for our country should we ever be faced with such a horrific crisis.
Mullins writes this book in such a way that it is obvious he’s done an exceptional job on research. The explosion (even the rock flying hundreds of miles through the air and landing on an unfortunate home in Iowa) is all realistically portrayed, and can be backed up with documented evidence of previous explosions from the Yellowstone caldera. The characterizations are very well done, and the growth that Alex and his companions experience on the road are true to human nature. They do what is necessary to survive, though Alex takes the high road and doesn’t endanger others to ensure his own survival. He does kick butt when the need arises though.
Ashfall is a gripping, real book. The writing is flawless, it’s presented in a way that comes across as if it truly is from the perspective of a teenage boy thrown into a horrific predicament. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels (though this isn’t a true dystopian, it’s more of a survivalist fiction, though I’m sure in future installments we will see the world as we know it become shaped into a dystopian world.) (less)
Oh. My. Gawwwwd. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. First things first, before I even write this review I want you to just trust me...moreReviewed by Meg
Oh. My. Gawwwwd. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. First things first, before I even write this review I want you to just trust me, go on Amazon and get this book. I don’t want to say the stupid “This is The Hunger Games, Ashes, and Divergent 2.0” because it’s not. But if you liked those books, I’m sure you’ll love this one because Amazon says so. Seriously, like…that’s what Amazon told me in an email. And they were right.
Seriously, how does that website know me so well? Actually, I lie, most of Amazon’s books that they recommend to me, I hate. They’re usually sooo far off the mark with my literary taste. This one, I loooooove. Like big giant puffy heart love. So maybe I should shut up and review? Okay.
Under the Never Sky takes the dystopian thriller and gives it a really dark, ominous twist. Essentially, we have Aria, who lives in a little “pod city” (thats what I’ll call it) called Reverie. Pretty much they live in a alternate reality. They have these little eye gadgets that they can zip around in simulated worlds and that’s literally how they live their entire lives. At least, that’s how Aria lived until she got mixed up in a bad situation where reality was the goal and it did not end pretty. Exiled from the safety of Reverie, Aria is thrown out into the “outside” where her life expectancy is pretty much null. The Death Shop, as she calls it, is a world she’s never been exposed to. She’s sure the air will kill her, and starts diagnosing her own death pretty much the minute she is thrown out. While stumbling around, trying to figure out what to do, and wondering how long she’ll live, she runs into an outsider named Perry.
Through a matter of Perry needing Aria to reach a certain goal of his, and Aria needing Perry to simply survive, they embark on their adventure. I’m gonna throw it out there, I love these two. I love the pairing between them, I love how they not only compliment one another in so many ways, but they also contradict one another as well. Their relationship is one built on necessity, not fondness, not mutual attraction (at least, at first.) They develop in such a raw way. There are moments where Perry wishes he could just kill her, and Aria, many times, just wishes she had never screwed up and could be back safe and sound in her little pod city, wearing her eye piece and frolicking in the alternate realities. These two characters are as different as night and day, and the way they go from literally hating one another, to appreciating the usefulness of the other, to becoming friends, and so forth is just…it’s beautiful. It’s a relationship that in any other situation would have never evolved, but out of a necessity to survive, these two really come together as a team.
Oh, and Aria, she’s fabulous. This girl somehow goes from being this really down in the dumps chick who’s been disowned by her own society, to becoming a complete kick ass woman who does everything within her power to do what needs to be done. There are times where she’s cut up, bruised, and in complete agony and she will not utter a word of complaint. The growth within her is so well illustrated, and her development from girl to woman is very believable. She restores my faith in a heroine who can really display the depth of human nature and the need to rise above the hand that is dealt to them.
Moving away from characters and general plot, the imagery in this book is astounding. It’s our world, but it’s different. The aether storms are horrifyingly beautiful; like I want to be smack dab in the middle of one of these storms to watch them, but only if I’m encased by a super powerful bubble that will keep me from pretty much roasting into a super crispy chunk of fried Meg. There are so many elements to the world that Rossi has developed, that it becomes such a deep read. I want to know so much more about the outside world, how these people survived and how their civilization has changed since present day.
To sum it up, Veronica Rossi pretty much hit it out of the ball park with this debut novel, and I am dying for the next installment. Like, it needed to be in my hands yesterday. Just like I want my own personal Perry. And Aria can come sing to me any time. And life would be perfect if I can have a super bubble to relax in with Perry while Aria sings to me and the aether strikes all around us. True story. (less)
This book took me quite a while to get into, and honestly I never really did. All the business aspects included made it...moreReviewed by Heather - 2.5 stars
This book took me quite a while to get into, and honestly I never really did. All the business aspects included made it very difficult for me to dive into the world created. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and when that happens, I find it very hard to enjoy reading.
First off, Jay...Jay was an insatiable asshole. He seemed to screw or want to screw every woman he came in to contact with. All he cared about was himself and had no redeeming qualities in my eyes.
Isobel was just as bad. If she had just grown a backbone in the beginning and told her husband how she felt she might have been a little more likeable to me.
At first I thought that Lucy was a conniving bitch. But the more I read, the more I understood where she was coming from. She turned out to be my favorite character from When the Siren Calls.
This book did redeem itself in the last chapter or so. I was thrilled that every character got exactly what was coming to them, whether it was good or bad.
A Night of Southern Comfort opens quickly and doesn’t stop. Michaela is the governor’s daughter and let’s just say that daddy deares...moreReviewed by Autumn
A Night of Southern Comfort opens quickly and doesn’t stop. Michaela is the governor’s daughter and let’s just say that daddy dearest could compete with mommy dearest. The man is a complete and total jackass. To get away from him she starts a pediatric practice in a rural town called Elliott, Virgina. She evens uses her mothers maiden name. Michaela decides that for one night, she’s going to let loose and do something she’s never done before – find someone to have a one night stand with.
Enter Jackson Cantrell. He just sounds like sex on a stick to me. Of course, the cover helped me with that image. They didn’t use their real names with each other that night, but enjoyed each other immensely. The sex scene was cute and romantic and hot.
A month later Michaela is called to the governor’s mansion. There were pictures taken of her and her one night stand. Although her features were in full view of the camera, Jackson’s were not. Her father is furious. Along with the picture there was a letter from, well, an overzealous idiot, threatening her. Jackson is an ex-FBI agent, now working with the Roanoke police department.
Jackson and his cousin Lucky are part of the protection detail for Michaela. Actually, they seem to be THE protection because I never heard of anyone else. Michaela doesn’t want protection and believes her father is behind the letter. See, her brother fled to Europe. He’s gay and of course the governor didn’t approve. He’s controlled Michaela’s life – from her friends to lovers. She immediately thinks this is another way for him to control her.
Once she’s left the governor makes a deal with Jackson – do the job, protect his daughter, and find who is responsible and he’ll get his job back with the FBI. If he says no? Jackson may be working security at Wal-Mart for the rest of his life.
I, for one, am glad Jackson had higher ambitions than working at Wal-Mart.
I enjoyed A Night of Southern Comfort a lot and if I remember correct, I read it one day. It was a well written story with enjoyable characters. Besides the two main characters, I really liked Jackson’s cousin, Lucky. They had a great dynamic together. The romance was spot on and the story was well paced. The action was was woven in at the right spots. The characters were well thought out, down to the people in Elliott, and it did have a down home feel to it. I didn’t see the twist near the end coming until it crept up on me, but I am horrible at guessing mystery plots. And finally, may I mention the sex scenes? Sometimes in books I skim over them, bored, but this one I didn’t. I liked them in this one. They weren’t too over the top or too unbelievable. I’m looking forward to reading more by Robin Covington. (less)
Marine Jeremy is on leave in Las Vegas. As the story opens he’s walking in the desert, dehydrated and aimlessly walking in hopes of...moreReviewed by Autumn
Marine Jeremy is on leave in Las Vegas. As the story opens he’s walking in the desert, dehydrated and aimlessly walking in hopes of getting back to his hotel. He had been in a bar brawl, drank way too much alcohol, and now can’t remember how he got into the desert. He hears a car coming toward him in the distance and flags it down. The car belongs to Erica, the sister of an ex-childhood best friend Tommy. Jeremy and Erica have a history that also went south.
Since this is a short story, I don’t want to give too much away in my review. This was a nice, quick read, taking me just a day to complete it. I liked the author’s writing style and would read something else by her. Though we didn’t see it first hand, the characters history was explained in flashbacks and inner monologue so readers wouldn’t be clueless. Jeremy and Erica’s characters felt very fleshed out. The characters were likeable and once explained, I was sympathetic toward Erica. Jeremy was hot, sweet, and caring.
I feel the need to mention the cover for Try Me. *cough* I’m not dead. Holy hell, it’s a hot one. Thank you nameless model, for giving Jeremy a nice body to daydream about.
I’m so glad I answered an email from Entangled to, well, try Try Me. (less)
Let me start out by saying that I don’t generally rate YA romances five stars. Usually YA romance is feel good, but not something I...moreReviewed by Angela
Let me start out by saying that I don’t generally rate YA romances five stars. Usually YA romance is feel good, but not something I think all YA lovers should read. However, I absolutely fell in love with the characters in Obsidian and I am so happy this is only the first of what I hope is going to be several books in a series.
Armentrout’s writing is flawless. She is descriptive without being overly descriptive. he gives background that’s not bogged down in detail or complicated. She writes action sequences that are perfect in length. Her romantic tension makes you feel tingles in your belly. And when the two main characters acted upon that romantic tension, unf, I was smiling like a goofy teen myself.
Katy and her mom have recently relocated from sunny Florida to a tiny West Virginia town. She’s not positive she’ll have decent enough internet access to continue updating her book blog and she’s pretty sure there’s nothing but a whole lot of boring going on. She runs next door to ask her neighbors where she can find a grocery store when she is greeted by rock hard tan abs topped with green eyes and killer lips. As Katy tries to process the magnificent image in front of her, Mr. Abs, aka Daemon, opens his mouth and proves he’s a grade-A jerk.
Once she learns that Daemon and Dee are aliens, Katy isn’t bothered at all. Knowing that she has to remain close to Daemon until his alien trace wears off of her so his enemies don’t hurt her might just be the end of Katy. Spending time with Daemon is like having whiplash. One minute he’s funny and sweet and the next he’s an arrogant jerk.
It’s a quick read and I highly suggest it for YA fans. Shadows is the prequel and it was published on February 21st, so it was released after Obsidian. I read Shadows before Obsidian so I understood Daemon’s attitude a little more than readers who read Obsidian first. But no matter the order you read them, you are sure to want more of this series. (less)
Shay and Dylan LaCosta have been happily married for five years. When she demands that they have a baby, Dylan shuts down on her an...moreReviewed by Heather
Shay and Dylan LaCosta have been happily married for five years. When she demands that they have a baby, Dylan shuts down on her and ceases pretty much all communication between them. Shay realizes she was wrong and decides to offer up her husband a deal he can’t refuse: hot sex in exchange for his thoughts.
Dylan knows that he wants their marriage to survive, so he takes up his wife on her offer. Why would he complain about passionate sex with his wife and being able to voice his concerns?
I enjoyed this novella for the most part. It wasn’t overly descriptive in certain scenes and I was thankful for that. There are just some words that I don’t want to read during a sex scene.
I thought this was the perfect summer beach read, although I’m not sure if I would venture to read this one in public. There were some very steamy scenes that might be best read in the privacy of your own home, if you get what I’m saying. (less)
This compilation of SEAL stories just brought me to tears, especially the last one, which made me sob and sob and sob.
All these stories were beautiful...moreThis compilation of SEAL stories just brought me to tears, especially the last one, which made me sob and sob and sob.
All these stories were beautifully done. They really showcased how hard it is to be a SEAL, how hard it is to sacrifice your family, love, and life for your country. This novella really did a great service to the many men and women in uniform.
I definitely recommend people to go out there and show your support by buying yourself a copy of this book.
Sheridan Wells is not your typical 15 year old, at least on the outside. She is famous in her town for being...moreReviewed by Angela - 3.5 stars at Fic Talk
Sheridan Wells is not your typical 15 year old, at least on the outside. She is famous in her town for being the “Cake Girl”. She makes magnificent cakes out of her Nanny’s bakery and her father is a famous chef who owns a restaurant. Every minute of free-time Sheridan has, she spends making cakes, therefore she has not developed friends or a social life outside of her childhood friends Jack and Lori.
Sheridan’s mother left her and her dad when Sherdian was only 7. Despite getting birthday cards each year, Sheridan hasn’t heard from her mother. She has a fantasy in her head that she can find her mother and all will be well. When her dad lands a TV show and talks of moving to New York, Sheridan kicks it into high gear to find her mother and bring her back to save the family.
This is where Sheridan becomes a typical teenager. She’s a spoiled, selfish brat that doesn’t appreciate anything in her life. She is cruel to her father and friends and believes she is justified because she’s lead by this unrealistic dream of her mother returning. Even when it’s pointed out to her that her mom has known where Sheridan has lived all this time, Sheridan just responds like an indulgent baby. In the end it all works out and Sheridan is better for it.
I had a hard time connecting to Sheridan as the main character. She had no rational internal thought process and truly sees the world through lenses that warp reality to fit her indulgent behavior. I felt bad for everyone in the story who tried to be closed to Sheridan. In the end, when it became Sheridan’s choice to let those around her move forward or force them to stay still, it irritated me because she didn’t deserve to have that choice.
This is Mandelski’s first book and it shows in her writing. She was too descriptive of each thing Sheridan was doing. “I got out of bed. I brushed my teeth. I put a shirt on over the white cami I had already put on. Etc.” However, the book was a good length, had a good pace, the story arced appropriately, and the concept was good. I just wish Mandelski would have written a more likeable main character.(less)
I was sent a copy of Vamplayers by Medallion Press to review. I’m not sure how I got on their list, ma...moreReviewed by Autumn - rated 4.5 stars at Fic Talk
I was sent a copy of Vamplayers by Medallion Press to review. I’m not sure how I got on their list, maybe from previously reviewing one of Rusty’s books, but I’m glad I did.
Can I first say how much I love the cover? It doesn’t feature a hot, sexy model, but I think it’s gorgeous!
At first I was I little confused about why a fellow vampire would want to take out another. A Vamplayer is not like a regular vampire. They charm and target someone to do their bidding, become stronger, and turn and entire school and even community into vampires. Not exactly a good thing if vampires are still trying to blend in with normal society.
Lily is a Sister at the Afterlife Academy of Exceptionally Dark Arts, the third Sister to be exact, who wants to be a Savior. She just can’t seem to pass the final test in the Simulation House. She travels to schools with Alice and Cara, First and Second Sisters respectively, infiltrate different groups while trying to blend in and figure out who the Vamplayer is. Once the Vamplayer is targeted, the Sisters call the Savoiors who take the Vamplayer out.
Simple enough, right?
Lily spots Tristian and Bianca on the first day and immediately thinks that she has found their target. What should be a run of the mill assignment turns tricky when Alice and Cara take on their roles a little too seriously. Also complicating matters is Zander, a a geeky human Star Wars loving boy who Lily takes a shine to.
Lily must save the school by herself, but is the Third Sister up to it?
While Lily is pretty awesome, determined to finish her mission and save everyone, but I was yelling at her to get a clue. It’s hard to know when to reveal certain details and how fast to progress a story sometimes. I really do love how Fischer writes his female leads. Here’s a few of my highlights:
If only I’d held on to one of those stakes from my Simulation, I’d impale myself right now.
“See if they have any photo galleries of the sports team,” she says. “I need to know if I should pack slutty or, you know, extra slutty.”
I look down at my damp chest to make sure I’m not having some kind of wardrobe malfunction or something.
“We’re supposed to be doing recon,” Alice says in her First Sister voice, “not stuffing our sweet teeth with the Official Star Wars Light Saber Duel Reenactment Club.”
She’s been on dates to ice cream parlors, rock concerts, museums, state fairs, foreign films, drive-throughs. One guy even took her cow tipping. I kid you not. She always returns (the next morning, of course) raving about how wonderful and intoxicating and refreshing it was.
Vamplayers is a fun, quirky adventure with a little romance thrown in to mix things up. It’s aimed at Young Adults, but I think it’s also suitable for adults who want a fun, quick read without a bunch of sex. I have read two of Fischer’s books so far and enjoyed them both. I will continue check out his Vampire and Zombie books in the future. In fact, I need to fit Panty Raid at Zombie High into my reading rotation!(less)
It’s not every day that I read through a 224 page book in two days, but there was something about Something Like Normal that made me...moreReviewed by Autumn
It’s not every day that I read through a 224 page book in two days, but there was something about Something Like Normal that made me keep my Kindle Fire practically glued to my hands over the weekend. Though I’m sure the effects of post traumatic stress disorder are merely skimmed by in this book, it has so much emotion through out it. As I sit here trying to think of words to describe Something Like Normal the words raw and beautiful keep popping in my head.
Nineteen-year old Travis “Solo” Stephenson has been in Afghanistan for the last year with the Marines. During that time he’s gone through a lot, including witnessing the death of Charlie, a fellow Marine who became his best friend. When his unit is shipped back to the States on leave it’s suggested that he take an extra two weeks. The last thing Travis wants to do is to go to Fort Myers to be with his family. No, he refers to home as North Carolina – where he is stationed.
I really can’t blame Travis for not wanting to see his family. He never seemed to connect to any of them. His father is an control freak who wanted him to become a football star. His brother Ryan steals everything, including his girlfriend Paige. His mother, the nicest member of his family, stands by and watches everything around her but never quite does anything. She’s supportive, having sent him numerous care packages, but like any other military mom, she worries constantly about Travis and her worry takes over her life.
Travis runs into an old school friend named Harper, who immediately tells him to go away. The two of them end up growing closer and Travis realizes that not every relationship has to be toxic. It’s not a happy road though. Along the way Travis not only does Travis have to deal with his family and their drama, but he is suffering post traumatic stress disorder. He constantly has nightmares and sees and talks to Charlie. He knows something isn’t right, but doesn’t want to be sidelined and keeps thinking he doesn’t need help.
Travis finally admits to his mother that he needs help. In the last chapter we learn he’s in therapy and as I read the final words, I really hoped that Travis was going to be okay.(less)
That being said, if you’re a serious, diehard Twilight fan who thinks Stephenie Meyer is a writing goddess, then this...moreReviewed by Autumn
I’m sarcastic.
That being said, if you’re a serious, diehard Twilight fan who thinks Stephenie Meyer is a writing goddess, then this book is not for you. It tears apart the Twilight universe, spins it on its head while adding darkness, humor, and sarcasm.
Needless to say, I ‘effing loved this book.
The Twilight of Lake Woebegotten opens with Bonnie Grayduck moving from sunny California to snowy, dreary, small town Lake Woebegotten, Minnesota. Bonnie didn’t leave California with unselfish reasoning, rather, her high school principal suspected her of killing someone.
Yes, you read that right. Bonnie always has an agenda of her own and hasn’t been innocent for ages. I’m guessing since she learned how to walk. Perhaps even before that. Her mind is always spinning a way to make things go her way and yet have her come out looking innocent. She’s devious. She’s devilish. And in my opinion, she’s seriously mentally unstable. In Minnesota, Bonnie decides to make nice with her lab partner, Edwin. She even has a puppy dog nerd following her who is simply named Ike. The other “friends” she makes at school? She really can’t stand them. She tolerates the one that gets them pot.
*Insert the horror of having started writing this review on October 21, 2011 and the fact that I never finished it. Slaps self on wrist. Bad webmaster, bad webmaster!*
The Twilight of Lake Woebegotten somehow ends up being dark and funny at the same time. I highlighted so many passages and quotes on my Kindle. I’m serious – literally 19 pages of ‘em!
“Man, did you kill Scullen’s dog or something?” he said, and I twitched a little, though I hadn’t killed anyone’s dog in ages.”
People are much more surprised when you dislocate their shoulders or choke them unconscious or chase them down in the woods if they think you’re physically graceless.
Edwin was a teenage boy. He wouldn’t be hard to get – none of them are, at least, no once I managed to get them hard.
It was insane to think he’d left town because of me… but in my experience, most things in the world do seem to revolve around me. And if they don’t start out that way, they get there eventually.
While The Twilight of Lake Woebegotten does very loosely follow the same path of Twilight in regards to a female character moving to a small town it veers off course in a severely twisted manner… which I loved. If you like parodies, dark humor, and vampires I highly suggest you check out The Twilight of Lake Woebegotten. (less)
I received a copy of this book from MacMillan Publishing. It was a quick read, taking me only about 30 to 45 minutes to finish (that...moreReviewed by Autumn
I received a copy of this book from MacMillan Publishing. It was a quick read, taking me only about 30 to 45 minutes to finish (that includes the time my cats were distracting me). I liked the characters snarky, sarcastic comments. I write much like an adolescent male myself so I connected with the Hercule’s humor. The entire portion where he applies for jobs cracked me up.
12 Things is the story of “Hercules” Martino. His father, a best selling self-help author, has died. His mother sends Hercules to stay with his uncle in Baltimore for the rest of the summer, which is for a mere two weeks. Hercules is a typical teenager and just wants to lounge around, wasting the rest of his summer away. His uncle gives him a list of things he must do each day. Along the way Hercules comes to terms with his father’s death – a man who he disliked while millions of others loved and adored.
I keep on flip flopping back and fourth if I liked this book or not. It was so short that it didn’t feel like there was much character development. It was cute and funny, but not an earth shattering life changing read. I’m going assume because of my age (35) and because of what I usually read (Paranormal Romance) that the book didn’t completely click with me. I would recommend it for younger teens as the back of the book suggests – ages 14 and up. I liked the author’s writing style for this story though. The author has written children’s books before and this is his first novel for young adults. I’d say he’s off to a good start in the young adult world. (less)
Jake Hayes is a high school senior. He’s a good student, has great friends and an awesome family. The only thing he doesn’t have is...moreReviewed by Heather
Jake Hayes is a high school senior. He’s a good student, has great friends and an awesome family. The only thing he doesn’t have is a girlfriend. He’s had a crush on Samantha Shay, a fellow classmate, for years.
Homecoming night, he and his friends get drunk at a bonfire and decide that it’s time Jake tells Samantha exactly how he feels. The only problem is that all of them have had entirely too much to drink. This doesn’t stop them though.
On the way to Samantha’s house there is an accident. An accident that leaves Jake without the ability to talk. Jake never got the chance to tell Samantha how he really felt. But due to his situation, he’s able to spend more time with Sam. Jake just has to figure out how to let Sam know how he feels without being able to actually ‘tell’ her.
I absolutely adored this book. It pulled me in from the first page. I fell in love with Jake’s character immediately. He has such a struggle ahead of him, and yes he breaks down a few times, and wants to give up, but Sam won’t let him. I loved Sam’s character just as much. She is such a strong female character and I love Taylor for writing her that way.
This book had me in tears several times. The struggle with Jake’s medical problems, but also the struggle that Sam faces in her personal life. It also had me laughing just as much. It’s not just a sad, dreary tale of a boy facing problems.
I seriously cannot say enough how much I adored this book. After the countless YA trilogy’s, it was great to read a stand-alone book. It is definitely on my reread list and I intend to tell everyone I know to read this book. (less)
Anna Emerson is a thirty-one year old teacher who is in a relationship that is going nowhere. She’s tired of the life she’s living...moreReviewed by Heather
Anna Emerson is a thirty-one year old teacher who is in a relationship that is going nowhere. She’s tired of the life she’s living and wants a change.
T.J. Callahan is a teenager who’s cancer is in remission. He just wants his life to get back to normal.
Anna is hired by T.J.’s parents to tutor him over the summer so that he can catch up the school work from the previous year. Together, Anna and T.J. board a plane headed to the family’s remote summer vacation destination.
They never arrive.
Their plane crashes in the middle of the ocean. The pilot dies. T.J. and Anna are stranded alone on an island with no hope of escape.
I fell in love with this book as soon as I read the first page. The authors writing pulls you in immediately. I love the fact that we get both Anna and T.J.’s points of view and not just one of them. The story seems much more complete that way.
This book has a little for everyone. It’s adventurous in the Lost and Robinson Crusoe type way. It’s also very romantic. Don’t let the fact that Anna is a thirty-one year old teacher and TJ a teenager scare you away. Trust me, nothing happens right away. It’s a very slow burn for these two that has you so wrapped up in their lives that you pull for them to make it.
I can’t really give away too many details from this book, but know that I was captivated. I read the entire thing in one sitting, quickly flipping pages to find out the final outcome. (less)
Demons picks up right where the events of the first book, Seers, left off. Kate thinks everything is going well in her life. Her gr...moreReviewed by Heather
Demons picks up right where the events of the first book, Seers, left off. Kate thinks everything is going well in her life. Her grandparents and twin sisters are okay. She still sees auras, but her boyfriend/guardian, Patrick, is there to help her. Her best friend, Lee, is still as eccentric as ever.
Then, a sick and dying guardian shows up. The only thing is, guardians are immortal and shouldn’t be able to get sick and die. When Patrick begins to show signs of the illness attacking certain guardians, Kate is determined to find out how she can help him. She just found him and she isn’t giving up on him now.
These books do not get the love and attention they deserve. The story line of this series is different and I have yet to find one similar to it. Frost’s writing has the ability to pull you in from the first sentences. I read this entire book in one sitting. I kept telling myself that I would read one more chapter, but I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
I love the relationship that Kate has with her grandfather. It was good to see that she had someone to talk to who went through the same things she is going through, at one point or another.
I liked that we got a bit more of Patrick’s past in this book. We were able to see where he came from, and how his life was before becoming a Guardian. And of course, he makes me swoon like crazy with the sweet things he says to Kate.
If I had anything to complain about with this book it would be the epilogue. And I don’t mean complain in a bad way. Seriously. Frost made sure to make it where the readers would be begging her for the next book in the series. Hopefully we won’t be waiting too long for Guardians to be released.(less)
Patrick "Paddy" Riordan is on leave from the Navy after an incident while on the job cost him the life of his best friend. He's undeci...moreReviewed by Lisa
Patrick "Paddy" Riordan is on leave from the Navy after an incident while on the job cost him the life of his best friend. He's undecided as to what he wants to do next with his life and has decided to go spend the holidays in Virgin River by himself. But he knows his family better than that, and they are a meddlesome bunch of people, even though they do it with his best interest at heart. Paddy can't help but blame himself for his friend's death, and in feeling that way he thinks he has to honour his friend's wishes of looking after his wife and kid in the event that something happened to him. Paddy just takes that "looking after" promise a bit too far and feels like he needs to make a commitment to his friend's widow in order to fulfill his pal's wish.
Angie LeCroix needs some time away from her mother who is pressuring her into returning to medical school after a great deal of time off due to an accident that Angie was involved in that very nearly took her life. For months on end her mother was there literally holding her hand as Angie recuperated in the hospital and at home. She was basically dependent on her mother to do the very simplest things like going to the bathroom and such. But now she's doing better and even though she will always carry the physical scars of her accident, she's already dealt with the emotional aspect. She wants to find herself, and she needs the distance from her mother in order to do that. So she finds herself spending the holidays in Virgin River with dear old Uncle Jack.
There, sparks immediately fly between Angie and Paddy while at Jack's bar in town, and it was so fantastic to see. Angie was the kind of heroine that you can admire because even though she's way younger than Paddy, she is already so confident in herself and knows that whatever it is she plans to do with her life has to be something meaningful. Paddy also admires that about her, especially since he feels so lost and sentenced to a life that he didn't want for himself.
Although, I shouldn't be so "Poor Paddy" because it isn't the end of the world for him. He's just on a little detour is all. And with Angie in the picture being down-to-earth, appealing and comforting, it just makes him feel like he's found someone who he can spend time with and not worry about his problems so much. In the greater scheme of things she's been through more than he has and still has a pleasant disposition when most would have crumbled underneath what she had to endure.
While back in Virgin River we see some old characters again. Characters such as Jack, Angie's Uncle, who is a little over-protective, but hey, what can he do about it? She's a grown woman capable of making her own decisions. Never mind the fact that she didn't tell him about her and Paddy and he only found out because he went to her place late one night after he closed up shop to drop off some food for her and saw Paddy's truck parked in her driveway. It was late. The lights were off. You all get the picture! There was no scrabble being played when the lights went out. Holla! We also see Luke and Colin Riordan, and the ragging on their little bro who was robbing the cradle - I liked their brotherly banter.
Ah, I love coming back to Virgin River time and time again. Such a great story. Loved Paddy, loved Angie and I definitely loved Jack & Luke! I completely loved this story. There's comfort food, and there's comfort reads. This is one of those. A definite must read for fans of The Virgin River series. A little family story with a nice bit of romance thrown in. Good times.
Many thanks to Harlequin for providing me with this title via Netgalley - free of charge - in exchange for my honest and impartial review.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I adored this book. It reminded me so much of starting high school fresh...moreThanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I adored this book. It reminded me so much of starting high school freshmen year and wondering if everything was changing. You wonder if your same old friend will still be your friends. You wonder where exactly you’ll fit in amongst all these new people.
Rose Zarelli is starting her freshman year under a different, even more daunting scenario. Her father has only been dead for a few months, having been killed while working a job in Iraq. Since her father’s death, Rose’s mother has been almost completely non-present. And Rose’s big brother, Peter, has just left for his freshman year of college.
As if dealing with her family problems isn’t enough, she has to deal with problems with her friendships. Rose’s best friend, Tracy, has decided that she wants to become a cheerleader. Tracy develops new friendships and Rose feels that she doesn’t belong. Robert, Rose’s other friend, wants something more than friendship with her. The only thing is, Rose looks at him as nothing more than a friend.
And then there’s Jamie. Confusing, older Jamie. She is left wondering if the only reason he’s talking to her is because her older brother asked him to watch after her or if he really likes her.
Rozett did an incredible job at capturing fourteen year old Rose’s voice. She pulls you in with her writing and makes you feel as if you’re back in your own freshman year and facing what the characters are going through.
Some of these characters aggravated me so much. There were so many times that I wanted to grab Rose by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. But then I remembered that she was only fourteen and I was probably the exact same way as her at that age. I really wished that she would have dumped Tracy to the curb as soon as she became a cheerleader. Tracy becomes a catty bitch and treats Rose like crap and expects her to take it because they’ve been friends for so long.
And Jamie. I really wish that Rose would just get over Jamie, but I know how crazy it is with those teenage crushes and sometimes it’s easier said than done. It’s just that sometimes he makes you all swoony with the stuff that he says and the next minute you’re calling him an asshole and wishing he would just disappear. See? Reminds you of your own high school experiences doesn’t it?
I have to say, when I read the last chapter and finished reading, I slammed my kindle down and screamed. Really. Ask my husband. I started this book not knowing it was part of a series. I really should pay attention more because it was my own fault. But now, I eagerly await the next installment of this series and can’t wait to get back into Rose Zarelli’s head.(less)
Reviewed by Lisa and Autumn (hence why it might sound as this review is written by a person with multiple personalities)
This won’t be your typical one...moreReviewed by Lisa and Autumn (hence why it might sound as this review is written by a person with multiple personalities)
This won’t be your typical one-person review. We decided to switch things up a bit due to the massive love of this book by Autumn and myself. It will be a combined effort between the two of us. It was that or fight to the death over a book review. I really didn’t want to have to kill Lisa, she’s my partner in crime.
I mean, good Lord, was there anything I didn’t like about this book? Nope, not really. Lori Foster has met all my high expectations for this book, and more.
I loved Spencer and Arizona so much. I didn’t expect to love a heroine as much as I did. She totally kicked ass and took names.
Seriously awesome. Oh, and it was sex-ay. Not even sexy is good enough to express how amazingly sensual and deep, and hot it was.
And that, my friends, was just the tip of the iceberg.
In this final installment of The Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series, we delve into the lives of Arizona Storm and Spencer Lark. After finishing Savor The Danger and knowing finding out that Spencer and Arizona’s book was next, we were both already so excited to read this and once it popped up on Netgalley, we both immediately put in our requests and thanks to Harlequin for accepting our requests for such a great book.
Besides the fact that Autumn and I both thought Spencer was hot and Arizona was a respectable and strong female lead character, we get to the heart of the story – and the series itself – which deals with a very sensitive topics. The main one would be Human Trafficking. Lori Foster deals with this horrid – but realistic – issue with class and grace and ease that comes from her many years of writing experience that shows, because not many authors can pull off dealing with issues this huge.
In the previous books the female characters all had very minor brushes with human trafficking. And I say minor because they were never subjected to the kind of abuse and degradation that Arizona had to deal with. Her father sold her while her mother stood by. Yeah, they wouldn’t win any parent of the year award in my book either.
Again, I commend Lori for how she so beautifully dealt with this matter. I was a little worried about whether she’d be too graphic and go to in depth with it, but to be honest, she didn’t. I appreciated that. And don’t get me wrong, she didn’t just gloss over Arizona’s experiences. She just handled it very well. She gave us just enough to feel for Arizona and what she’d been through and how that whole thing didn’t just break her. Arizona had been through hell, but lived to tell the tale.
From the glimpse of Arizona that we got in Savor the Danger I was skeptical about her character. I was so glad that my first instinct about her was wrong. She is probably one of my favorite heroines of the year. Her Strength and resilience and no-bullshit attitude really comes through to the reader. I loved how real she was. Her bluntness to certain situations and her honesty with Spencer. They all just floored me and rang true.
Spencer is a great male lead. He was willing to help Arizona, but ready to give her up in the end because he felt that he needed to. He didn’t count on falling in love with her or her reciprocating those feelings.
In a series such as this I always have the fear of falling in love with characters and then never “seeing” them again. Oh, their names are mentioned once or twice, but there’s never any actual intervention with the characters. Besides Arizona’s straight shooter bluntness and ability to kick some serious ass I loved that we saw the guys and gals from the past books. Not just name dropping either – some real hardcore interaction time.
I highly suggest A Perfect Storm if you’ve read the other books in the series or want a great romance book with some action, honesty and humor. You will not be disappointed and I look forward to reading more of Lori’s stories. (less)
Who doesn’t love a bad boy? I bet there’s not many of you. Come on, raise your hands. I want to count ‘em! I had been waiting impati...moreReviewed by Autumn
Who doesn’t love a bad boy? I bet there’s not many of you. Come on, raise your hands. I want to count ‘em! I had been waiting impatiently for Shadow Rising, checking NetGalley constantly for a copy. When I had mentioned in a post that it still wasn’t available Kendra contacted me and offered to send me a copy. Seems like there had been a glitch at NetGalley and it should have been up. I had been walking through the parking lot at work that morning and was lucky that I didn’t run into a bus in my overly excited state.
Damien Tremaine, a Cait Sith who works for the House of Shadows, doesn’t need anyone. Ever since he was turned, he’s been on his own. And he’s happy that way. Or so he thinks, until he meets Ariane.
Ariane is a Grigori, a dynasty shrouded in mystery. They watch. They do not act. The Grigori territory is out in the deserts of the western United States. Their power has always been speculated about because of their mark, but never proven.
Ariane goes against the orders of Sariel, the leader of the Grigori’s, when she spreads her wings and leaves the Grigori compound in the desert. Her friend, Sammael, has gone missing. She wants to go out and find him, but someone else was elected for the job. In fact, it was a Grigori named Oren, who quite detests Ariane. She knows that if she is ever to return that it will be either to die or to be a prisoner. Ariane heads to North Carolina, the last place where Sam was known to be. Damien walks into the jazz club that Ariane is at and each of them know what they are. There’s an instant attraction between Damien and Ariane, but neither acts on it. Damien is a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy and Ariane has been sheltered her entire vampire life.
Reluctantly, Damien agrees to work with Ariane to find Sam. What they uncover along the way ends up being much bigger than either of them ever imagined.
I really enjoyed the previous entries of Dark Awakening and Midnight Reckoning. I was anxiously awaiting Shadow Rising ever since Castle confirmed that the next installment would be about Damien. Ecstatic could describe how I felt when Castle offered to send me a copy. You know, it’s the little things in life with me.
Although both Damien and Ariane could have labels slapped on them, their characters aren’t pigeonholed. Their growth is both reasonable and believable. Damien can be typecast as a bad boy, but we know from previous dealings with him that he can be good – even if his arm needs a little twist…and a few threats. Ariane is innocent in a lot of matters, but she’s brave and capable. Castle knows how to write a strong female lead without making her bitchy.
Castle’s Dark Dynasties series continues to intrigue me. Not only was I happy with the ending, but I was left with many questions and wanting to know more. The world she has created is so complex and imaginative.
At first I thought the romance was a little slow, but after mulling those thoughts over, I changed my mind (damn it, I’m a woman, I’m allowed to change my mind!). If the romance had developed sooner, then I would have been complaining that it was unbelievable in the middle of everything else. Castle balances a storyline so that you’re kept interested – whether you’re in the middle of the mystery and intrigue or the romance.
Shadow Rising is a great addition to this series and is a definite must read if you’ve checked out the rest of the Dark Dynasties. And If you haven’t, well, what the hell are you waiting for?(less)
Gift is a great young adult novel with elements of mystery and romance. It revolves around a high schooler named Daisy and her frien...moreReviewed by Autumn
Gift is a great young adult novel with elements of mystery and romance. It revolves around a high schooler named Daisy and her friends. Daisy has the unusual ability to control electricity… except that she still has a hard time controlling her power. She can’t own a cell phone and the house she shares with her mother doesn’t even have a television set. Daisy even set the computer lab on fire in one of her past schools. Her mother and friend Danielle are the only ones that know her secret.
One day Daisy is sent to find a student from her class named Vivi. Daisy finds her in a bathroom, slumped in the corner and unconscious from pills. After she comes back to school Vivi connects with Daisy and Danielle. She tells them that she has a ghost named Patrick who is her soul mate. Daisy can sense Patrick when he is around her.
Daisy and Danielle start having the same dreams. Vivi gets continually more and more jealous of Daisy’s ability to feel Patrick’s presence and withdraws into herself more and more. Danielle, afraid of the scary dreams, pulls away from Daisy and doesn’t act herself. As for Patrick… I don’t even want to start with him! In the midst of all this Daisy meets a senior boy named Kevin. Kevin is helps the girls in their mystery solving skills and the romance between him and Daisy is ultra sweet and cute. I want a real life Kevin of my own… only a little older because I don’t want to go to jail.
The ending pulls together nicely and left me satisfied. I have read so many books lately that are a part of a series that it was nice to read a single title. The mystery is written well and has historical elements which I enjoyed. My ARC included a comic from Vivi’s point of view as well as pages from Danielle’s diary. It didn’t include Kevin’s lyrics which I saw advertised for the book on Open Road’s website. I would be genuinely interested in reading them.
Overall, I really enjoyed Gift and would recommend it to others.(less)
When I first heard that Stephen King was releasing a new book, I knew that I had to have it as soon as possible. After reading King...moreReviewed by Heather
When I first heard that Stephen King was releasing a new book, I knew that I had to have it as soon as possible. After reading King’s 2010 novel, Under the Dome, I was excitedly anticipating his next one. And let me tell you, 11/22/63 definitely didn’t disappoint.
Almost every American knows what the date November 22, 1963 signifies. When President Kennedy was assassinated that day in Dallas, this country changed completely. What would you do if you were given the opportunity to change the events of that day? King’s new novel explores this idea.
Jake Epping is a 35 year-old teacher in a small town in Maine. One of his friends, Al, owns a diner in town where Jake frequently dines. One night, Al shares a secret with Jake that changes his life forever.
The storage room in the small diner contains a portal that leads to the year 1958. Al explains to him that no matter how long you stay in the portal in the year 1958, when you get back to present time you’ve only been gone two minutes. And no matter how many times you enter the portal, you are always taken back to the same time on the same date.
Al then explains to Jake what his plan is. Al is getting too old to continue his mission, so he chooses Jake to complete it. He wants Jake to enter 1958 and take on the persona of George Amberson. George’s mission in 1958 is to prevent the events that led to the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
While this, in my opinion, isn’t a typical King novel, it was still awesome. King has a way of writing that drags you in and makes you feel like you are in the world he has created. King’s writing makes you wonder what you would do if you were given the opportunity to go back and change the course of history. And if you did, how much of your present world would change? Would it be for the better or would you have been better off not changing it at all?
This book was extremely long, which should be expected from King, but it is absolutely one that I will reread sometime in the near future. I am cautiously optimistic that someone will buy film rights because this one would make for a very, very good movie.(less)
Ashley is a graduate student. One night she meets Cole, a marine. He's passionate, caring and a hopeless romantic who writes poetry...moreReviewed by Heather
Ashley is a graduate student. One night she meets Cole, a marine. He's passionate, caring and a hopeless romantic who writes poetry. Their relationship goes on for five years, lasting through Cole's four deployments.
Cole wants to marry Ashley, only she's never seen herself as a military wife. When Ashley meets a professor at college who shares similar interests with her, she begins to see what life may be like without worrying over war and deployments.
This books is written in Hopkins' usual verse style. This is my first book by her, so I didn't know what to expect. I really enjoyed it though. She has the ability to fit a lot of details in so few words.
I think this book would be enjoyed by those involved in some way with military life. Since I am not, honestly, some of the things written about were a little over my head. That's not saying they weren't an important part of the story though, because this book is mainly about the relationship between Cole and Ashley and the emotions she goes through.
I started off loving Cole - he was sweet and loving and kind. But what this book proves to me is that war and seeing the things that they see over there, changes people. Sometimes for the worst, sometimes not.
I do have to say that I loved seeing how Cole and Ashley's relationship evolved. From when they met, being sweet and loving, to the present time, when they've grown up and away from each other.
This was one of those books that I loved, absolutely loved...until the end. I get in my mind how I want a book to end (whether it sounds plausible or not) and if it doesn't end that way, I end up a little jaded.
Overall, Collateral was good and I will definitely look into more of Hopkins' writing since I enjoyed her style so much, but I think that this book would be more welcome to a reader looking for a certain storyline.
Cassel Sharpe is back in the long-awaited final book of the Curse Workers Trilogy, Black Heart. While he has been known...moreReviewed by Heather and Angela
Cassel Sharpe is back in the long-awaited final book of the Curse Workers Trilogy, Black Heart. While he has been known to use his ability for evil things, even though he didn’t know it, Cassel is trying to be good. He’s trying to make good grades and stay in school, but things are coming at him from every direction.
Lila, the girl he’s loved since he was a child, is preparing to take her place in her Mob family. His mother has been on the run and has recently resurfaced. And his brother is still working with the feds.
When the feds ask Cassel to use his Transformation ability to take care of a political figure, Cassel must figure out who he can trust– his family or the federal agents he’s always been told are no good.
I was so glad to get my hands on this book. It seems like forever since I’ve been able to read about Cassel and his friends, Sam and Daneca. I wasn’t disappointed because right off the bat, Cassel finds himself in all kinds of trouble.
My only regret was that I wasn’t able to read the series all at one time. It took me a little bit to get into Black Heart because it had been so long since I read the first two books in the series, White Cat and Red Glove. I feel that if I would have waited and read the entire series all together, I would have been more invested in the characters like I was when I read the first two books back to back. I definitely see a reread of this series in my future.
--Heather (5 Stars)
Black Heart is the final installment of the Curse Workers trilogy. I eagerly awaited the release of this last book, wondering what path in life our boy Casell Sharpe would choose. I was also curious about how the author would wrap up the series. So many times author’s disappoint us with the ending, leaving us wanting more or feeling cheated. I am happy to say I felt neither. Black leaves us with a completely satisfying ending and while I’m sad there will be no more Cassel Sharpe in my life, I know that he’s going to be okay.
Cassel, who is a transformation worker, left us at the end of Red Glove having made a deal with the Feds so he and his brother Barron could stay alive. These two brothers are con artists and grifters and how they are going to fit in with the Feds instead of the life of crime they were brought up to embrace was definitely on everyone’s mind. Cassel soon learns that the only difference between the mob and the government is that one is licensed to murder and con and the other is prosecuted for those behaviors.
Cassel’s mother worked over Governor Patton, the governor of New Jersey, and she has gone into hiding as the crazed governor is trying to kill her. Cassel has to grapple with how to help her and balance the desires of crime boss Zacharov, the federal government, and oh yeah, himself.
Besides the tricky Fed entanglement, Cassel’s love for Lila has grown so severely that it’s a physical pain he carries around. He’ll do anything for a glimpse of her and drives himself mad thinking about her. But Lila has officially stepped into her father’s business which puts Cassel and Lila on opposites sides.
Black really knows how to weave a sound, believable, storyline – well as believable as you can get in paranormal. While Cassel and Lila are 17 year olds who have to manage a lot of very serious issues, this is the life they have grown up in and really they know no other way to be. I think readers of this series will be quite happy with how these two handle themselves in Black Heart and the final outcome of this trilogy.
It has been six months since the battle with Charlie Pink-Eye in the Rot and Ruin and six months since Benny and Nix saw the large...moreReviewed by Heather
It has been six months since the battle with Charlie Pink-Eye in the Rot and Ruin and six months since Benny and Nix saw the large jet in the sky over the forest. In those six months, Benny and Nix, along with their friends Lilah and Chong, have been training with Tom.
They’ve been training for their trip into the Rot and Ruin to head east in search of the large jet. They know it’s not going to be an easy trip, but they are ready to leave Mountainside behind, probably for forever.
Almost as soon as they head into the Rot and Ruin everything that could go wrong, does go wrong. It seems as if everything out there, including the zombies, is trying to kill them. From wild animals one usually doesn’t see in the wilderness to mad men hell bent on murder, this group is in for the fight of their lives.
Since Rot and Ruin established much of the history and characters, Maberry was able to jump right in with the action in this book, which made me extremely happy. The zombies seemed to be much more ghoulish and the fights more frequent.
This book made me fall even more in love with Tom Imura. His character is such a humble person even though he has always been seen by most people as some kind of hero. He doesn’t see himself that way at all though.
Dust and Decay is full of resilience, action, plot-twists and even a little heartbreak…who am I kidding? This book has the biggest heartbreak I didn’t see coming, at all. That being said, I am absolutely looking forward to book three of series and the continuance of Benny’s story. (less)
Benny Imura was only a toddler when ‘First Night’ happened fourteen years ago. His first memory is of his older brother, Tom, runni...moreReviewed by Heather
Benny Imura was only a toddler when ‘First Night’ happened fourteen years ago. His first memory is of his older brother, Tom, running away with him while his mother is being dragged down by their father, a zombie. Benny has always thought Tom was a coward for running away and leaving his mother behind.
But the entire town of Mountainside looks at Tom as some kind of hero since his job is as a bounty hunter that kills zombies. When Benny turns fifteen, he must find a job in town and reluctantly accepts one as Tom’s apprentice, learning the family business.
Together, Tom and Benny travel into the Rot and Ruin. What Benny thinks will be a job full of whacking zombies turns out to be so much more. Tom teaches Benny exactly what the family business is and helps Benny to see the ‘zoms’ in a whole new light.
I was a little disappointed in this book at first. There just didn’t seem to be enough zombie action in it for me. But then the further I got in to the book I learned that this wasn’t just a book about zombies. This book was about people. What fear does to people. How people react in certain situations.
Maberry did an excellent job writing Benny. Benny is portrayed as the typical teenager with typical teenage problems, aside from having to work in the playground of the zombies. But I have to say that Tom is my favorite character. Although for most of the book Benny sees him as a coward, I think that Tom sounds like the perfect big brother. I love when Benny finally realizes that maybe his memories aren’t exactly what they seem to be.
Overall, this book was the start of a great series that I can’t wait to continue reading.(less)
Camilla watches her sexy, yet nerdy, rocket-scientist neighbor daily from her window. He has a schedule that she can set a watch by...moreReviewed by Heather
Camilla watches her sexy, yet nerdy, rocket-scientist neighbor daily from her window. He has a schedule that she can set a watch by. She wants to see more of his fit body, but can’t figure out a way to get him to open up.
Ivan has never felt comfortable around other people, but needs help with one social interaction he can’t ignore. He decides to ask his neighbor for help with the situation. Ivan had no idea that Camilla would agree to help him.
Both Ivan and Camilla are surprised when the chemistry between them heats up.
This book really surprised me. Let me first say this, the entire time I read this book, in the place of Ivan, I pictured the character Sheldon Cooper for the television show The Big Bang Theory. Doesn’t sound very sexy, right? Well believe me, when you read the book you’ll understand why.
There are a few times that the technical terms the character Ivan uses during sexy times kinda makes me cringe, but then I had to realize that was just who he was as a character. Ivan is a straight-forward, no filter guy. He says exactly what he thinks and doesn’t really care. You’ve gotta admire that.
Despite the non-sexy technical terms, I really found this book to be quite hot. I was expecting a sweet, romance type book and got a lot more than I expected which made me really happy. This was a very quick read, perfect for a day lounging by the pool or relaxing on the beach. (less)
Rachel Douglas leaves her aunts home to return to her father’s. The journey is long and treacherous, but she is accompanied by her...moreReviewed by Heather
Rachel Douglas leaves her aunts home to return to her father’s. The journey is long and treacherous, but she is accompanied by her father’s hired gunman, Sager. Rachel feels an immediate attraction to Sager, but she has no idea of his real intentions.
Sager knows that Rachel is being summoned home so that she may be married off to his step-brother. He is dead set on revenge and plans to seduce her and ruin her before the marriage can take place. What Sager doesn’t plan on are his feelings toward Rachel.
I have been on a historical romance kick lately and when a twitter friend heard this she pointed me in the direction of this author. I am thrilled that she did.
I loved this book. From the very first chapter the reader is pulled into the world written by Levine. It reminded me of the romance books that I used to sneak and read when I was a teenager. Rachel and Sager fight their attraction and chemistry with all they have until finally, it all boils over and they can no longer keep their hands off each other.
This book definitely has a slow burn between the two of them and at one point I did find myself yelling at my kindle, “Just take her already!” but being that Sager knew that she was intended for another and as usual, he felt that he was no good for her, he fought his attraction. But when they finally do come together, oh yeah, it’s hot.
I was thrilled when I learned that this was just the first book of an entire series called Men of Defiance. I will definitely be checking out the next book.(less)
Miriam Black has a unique ability. When she touches you, skin to skin, she sees how you will die. Whether it be two hours, two week...moreReviewed by Heather
Miriam Black has a unique ability. When she touches you, skin to skin, she sees how you will die. Whether it be two hours, two weeks or two years from that moment, she sees in very vivid detail how you will kick the bucket.
Things change when one night when Miriam is picked up hitchhiking by a trucker named Louis. When she shakes Louis hand, she sees that when he dies, his last word is her name. Despite never being able to change Death’s fate before, she must try to save Louis…to save herself.
This book was definitely very different from books I’ve read recently and it was exactly what I needed. Wendig has written Miriam as a no-holds-barred girl who holds no punches. She does whatever the hell she wants and cusses like a sailor, all with no regrets.
It might sound morbid of me, but I loved the descriptions Wendig writes of the death scenes. Once Miriam touches the skin of a person, the writing changes over and it’s like the reader is taken into a totally different story, one that tells of the persons death.
This was a dark and twisted book, definitely not YA, but I can’t help but be excited for the next book to be released in this series.(less)
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