Review: A Modern Witch

A Modern Witch by Debora Geary

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Absolutely loved it. It's a surprisingly family centred book. I initially thought it was a romance and although there was indeed a wee bit of that, it wasn't the main focus. Witches were. Many. A whole family and it was wonderful to read.

The story is smart, interesting and awfully sweet. Its main character is Lauren, a twenty-eight woman who has no idea she's a witch until a fetching spell thrown by another witch finds her. Immediately her life gets upside down. The witches that find her want to help her with her power and suddenly there's a guy claiming to be a witch and her appointed teacher.
Said teacher while teaching her somehow manages to fall in love with her best friend and take them to meet his family to further her witchy powers. There, she is the one who falls in love with his quirky family.
And what a family it is. Such wonderful people. So full of love all the time, understanding everything and always with a friendly word or gesture. I really enjoyed it. I wasn't prepared for it and it made this even more perfect to read.



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Review: Bound By Blood: The Awakening

Bound By Blood: The Awakening by C.H. SCARLETT

My rating: 0 of 5 stars



Not going to speak ill of this book because to be serious, I didn't read enough for it. I tried the first few pages and it didn't grip me. I felt dumped in the middle of some weird land where everyone spoke a different language and I honestly just wanted to leave and be done with it so I left. I'll refrain from rating it for the same reasons. I feel it wouldn't be fair to the author.
I may or may not return to it later.



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Review: To Tame A Dragon

To Tame A Dragon by Megan Bryce

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Quite good indeed. A lot of wise-a** remarks, intelligent bantering and good humour. The general story is interesting and I was even able to ignore this wasn't passed in our time, which I normally avoid. I just don't care much for historical romances, however this was entertaining enough that it didn't really matter. It was sweet and romantic without being clingy or over dramatic. It was also short which makes the story develop somewhat quickly. The sex is implied but not described and of course only happens after the wedding. Can't say the bride actually gave a fight though. I sensed nothing of her so-called dragon nature. It just seemed to me like a normal woman, perhaps just a little lost in that time and culture.



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Review: Eternal Destiny

Eternal Destiny by Chrissy Peebles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Oh. Even better than the first! The drama and romance are really heavy in this book. Fortunately it isn't stuffy, boring or stressing. It's exciting and incredibly interesting. You get a lot of witty remarks like before but they were more focused in the main characters friends. The main couple's romance was swift but sweet and not that much unbelievable. The final touch with her parents really give this book the HEA we were kinda hoping to find. It was all very cute and perfect. Can't say I didn't love it though.



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Review: Eternal Vows

Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ended too swiftly for me, right when it was starting to get more interesting! Creative writing though, very good, witty and smart. The story is interesting and new. Flows very well, no awkward pauses or dull moments. Very well written, no obvious mistakes. No painful jabs or errors. A definite breath of fresh air compared with my last read book.

Actually anxious to get my hands on the next one! Recommended for a light enjoyment.



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Review: Prophecy of the Female Warrior

Prophecy of the Female Warrior by K.A. Young

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Yeah. I didn't finish. Read 'till page 37.

This storyline is told way too fast. Everything happens in the matter of moments instead of taking days maybe even weeks to let feelings, characters and certain events settle down. Seems like a race to get to the end.

The characters feel rushed as well. In 30 pages, Anna (the main character) goes from a fragile widow who can't even contemplate living without her husband to a lusty woman that can't control herself near Eli. She goes from thinking she's crazy and imagining things to simply accept everything she's told in 10 seconds flat. It's way too unrealistic for my tastes. Eli has no depth. He's portrayed as a out of control warrior with a possessive streak.
Elise seemed nice but also out of character, unfinished. In fact it was the same sensation I had for everyone in this book.

I also found a lot of writing errors, repetitions and the likes. I advise some serious revision work. I was given the most recent revised copy by the author and I gotta say I didn't see many improvements. I liked the main idea though, it has real potential.

In my opinion, it would be a great success if the author took more time working on details, descriptions, time-line and orthographic errors.



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Review: The Devil's Right Hand

The Devil's Right Hand by Lilith Saintcrow

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I'm not really sure about my stance concerning this book. I am torn between wonder and utter shock.

Jaf managed to fill me with regret and absolute fury with his actions in this book. He was secretive and untrustworthy.

His relationship with Danny grated my nerves at best and totally upset me at worst. She is put in an impossible situation and he seems to only make it worse every time he opens his mouth.
I was never one to condone with physical or mental violence within a relationship...For me, the stronger one always has more responsibility than the weaker mostly because power, in any form, corrupts. Control is more important than physical protection because the bad use of power in a relationship can quickly convert to abuse and mental abuse is harder to heal than a physical one.
I was truly loathe to watch it in this book. Danny and Jaf seem to have very little control when it comes to each other. They don't talk. Not really.

I was pretty aware of the potential abuse since the beginning. No matter how strong Danny would become Jaf would always be stronger. This does not upset me. What upsets me is his manipulation of that fact. He seems content to pretend and even encourage her to think he's weaker than he is and when she didn't heed his advices, or orders, he pinned her against a wall and showed her she was pretty much powerless against him and his wishes.

I gotta say it wasn't only Danny's trust he broke when he did that. For a huge amount of time I actually considered his death. I wanted her to do it. I really felt such anger towards him...it's actually a first. I never reacted this way towards any other character, not even Voldermort in Harry Potter. Because I knew since the beginning he was the bad guy!
With Jaf...he isn't even the bad guy per se. He is a good character who actually committed a really hurtful treason without any reason.

Danny seems to forgave him but I don't think I can.



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Review: Almost an Angel

Almost an Angel by Jade Lee

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Undoubtedly a huge corny romance with a side of theology/paranormal/resurrection, not really sure which. Basically the main character, Carolly, believes she's a pre-angel trying to win her wings by going through lives trying to help other people find love and happiness. She has all her other lives memories even if they are a little blurry sometimes.

Her current life however proves to be rather difficult when she falls in love with James, an earl who lives in 1825, that she believes she is supposed to help find love. He does. Except he wants her. Even with all her mad talk of resurrection and angels. She's bright, vibrant and worked miracles with his niece. What more could he want? Some less madness would be good.

I have to say I doubted Carolly some times throughout the book too so I can't really blame James. Her memory of her past lives was spotty at best or completely non-existent at times. She varied from happy go lucky to gloom in a heartbeat and I actually considered if she was bipolar. Very interesting though. James persistence of her madness manages to even convince her sometimes although some part of her continues to rebel.

Major proof of her sincerity comes right after her first night with James. Her prediction of Napoleon's defeat comes true and James is finally confronted with the real possibility the woman he loves isn't mad but an angel. Or a spy. That crosses his mind. Let's just say their discussion does not end well.

Disheartened by James inability to accept as she really is, she leaves to go to church to pray and is kidnapped by Garret, James cousin and heir, who isn't very happy with the his uncle's recent changes.
She is bound and tied to be bait for James while Garret plans their demise. Unfortunately, despite James misgivings about Garret, Garret's plans work perfectly. James is shot while trying to free Carolly. Garret isn't finished though and blows up the mine where they're at.

James lives. Carolly doesn't. In Heaven, or wherever Carolly goes after her death, she talks with her guide and is given a choice. To become an angel like she wanted or be with James and become one after their life together. She chooses James. She is also given the chance to go to her sister in a dream to say goodbye.

A very neat ending. All that is missing is the pretty pink bow to wrap it all up.



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Review: Dead Man Rising

Dead Man Rising by Lilith Saintcrow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Can't say I'm surprised to see Jaf brought back to life. Kinda slow of her not to have realized something was amiss sooner. It was pretty obvious.

Overall it was a good book. I only regret Jace's death. It was so sudden I admit I cried a little! It was written perfectly making it almost as painful for us as it was for Danny. I wished she had told him she loved him even if she still loved Jaf more. It breaks my heart that he died knowing she couldn't love him like he loved her. He left everything for her and she was pretty horrible to him sometimes even if she had a reason.





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Review: Working for the Devil

Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Very, very good. Although I am partial to books with Lucifer even when he's being an ass which is in most of the books. I stayed up most of the night going through this and I gotta say I kinda regret it...I only slept three hours and going to work like this is bad business but I just couldn't put it down! It's compelling, funny and overly dramatic but I loved it.

I'm pissed at Jaf's death but was expecting it. Every single time a character says they'll explain something later...they always end up dead. Too bad their relationship wasn't much explored. I was curious to see how it was going to play out. Also suspected Danny wasn't going to keep the kid and to tell you the truth? The kid is creepy! Farewell.

Surprised to see Jace coming back to town to care for her. Glad she won't be alone though.



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Review: Eternity Embraced

Eternity Embraced by Larissa Ione

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Cute little short-story. Very romantic. Not much developed. To the point. Major spoiler though. It's supposed to be story nº3.5 on the Demonica Series but actually tells us the end of book 4 towards the final lines.



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Review: Desire Unchained

Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Much like the first book [b:Pleasure Unbound|2679633|Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, #1)|Larissa Ione|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1289064020s/2679633.jpg|2704935]. This one however focus on one of the other Seminus brothers, Shade. A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment if he ever falls in love.

He wakes up in a dungeon cell chained to his ex-girlfriend Runa who turns out isn't human anymore. Before he even has time to escape from his crazed supposed dead brother Roag, he gets himself bonded with her. Might've been an awesome idea to get away from s'genesis, every Seminus demon nightmare, but certainly the last thing a love-cursed demon like him wanted. Worse. He already liked her way too much before their bond!

Besides the intense love fest between the main couple Shade and Runa, we also get glimpses from our other favourite characters: E and Tay, Gem, Kynan and Wraith.

The whole Ghouls operation is also put to rest and I can't say I'll miss it. Damn! That was creepy.

Might've noticed I've only given a 3 star rating when I've given 4 stars to the first one. I can't say I've liked it more and I actually expected a little better from the author. It's still good though.




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Review: The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters

The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters by Sierra Dean

My rating: 3 of 5 stars







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Review: Secret Santa

Secret Santa by Sierra Dean

My rating: 3 of 5 stars







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Review: Pleasure Unbound

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A fascinating story with interesting characters in a most wonderfully dangerous situation. It’s a fast-paced and action packed witty romance.

And some might make an issue about me considering it's romance but, for me, it is. Although there is a lot of action, mystery and drama this is mainly romance because no matter what the focus is the two main characters, Tayla and Eidolon and their compelling love story.

Being the first book of a series, their family is also very highlighted. Eidolon has two other Seminus (incubus) demon brothers, Shade and Wraith and you get to know some of the background for all of them as a family. Towards the end, you also learn one of the other characters (Gem) who I thought was a little disconnected of the main story is actually Tayla's twin sister.
So basically, it's a wonderful first book. It shares with the reader the intended love story but also manages to integrate enough information to cement the way for the other books to come.

I loved the writing. It's very good and compelling and the sole reason I don't give a five star rating is because despite being a great read, it didn't blew my mind.



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Feed Your Reader new blog launchment!

Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer has launched a new site aimed at bringing you the best Kindle Ebook Deals and Steals: http://www.feedyourreader.com/.

Each day you'll find a new list of available ebook deals and featured freebies!

To kick off and celebrate her new site she is giving away a Kindle Fire, Amazon Gift or Paypal Cash! To enter please click here.

Giveaway Details 
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" (US Only), $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 5/5/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

Review: Grave Secret

Grave Secret by Sierra Dean

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Meh. Not as good as the previous ones. It was more difficult to follow and, apart from the human thing, quite obvious. Unfortunately Brigit's death was expected. I'm very sorry to see her go. I always liked her and she was a great friend for Secret. Probably the only one who didn't expected anything back except the return of her friendship.
The whole fairy thing gave me a headache and only Secret to think her greatest weapon is a sword and not her powers. I am glad she finally admitted to herself and Holden she loves him too. Their time together was written wonderfully and was everything I wanted it to be.
Lucas was quite easy to hate...I was thinking Secret was going to have a horribly hard time forgetting him but apparently she finally figured out he wasn't worth it, he didn't really loved her and she didn't love him either. Not gonna make it easier on being a Queen for the wolves though.
I terribly missed Sig. He only showed up briefly and I gotta say he's one of my favourite characters.

Had I been the author, I would have run with the Sig scenario for Secret. I would have chosen him to turn her into a vampire. It wouldn't have solved everything but it would have solved some of problems she's been running away from since the beginning. The Juan Carlos thing, the not being a pure vampire and finally being divided between two worlds. I understand she may not have made a choice yet but it's getting frustrating and honestly? I am not fond of the wolves right now. Lucas is an a**hole, Mercy is a bitch and the pack would turn their backs to her soon as they found out about her dual heritage. Don't get me wrong...the vamps would too. But vamps are known to be selfish. Wolves are all about family and friends and pack. Being together no matter what and all that crap yet they would and will turn their backs to her soon as they find out. The only reason Desmond accepted was because he was already in love with her and Lucas? He wanted a queen who would support but not confront him. He probably thought a half-breed soul mate was perfect. Strong but insecure about her role in wolf society.

Anyway I am anxious to know more about Peyton's escape from prison and I want to read about Secret finally killing her mother. Damn! That woman annoys me like hell. Peyton will probably join her mother again in his kill Secret quest. I hope she manages to kill them both! Painfully!



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Review: The Restorer

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Meh. I expected better. I was hoping for a closeted heroine with a kick-ass attitude when needed and a inner sense of confidence. Instead Amelia Gray is a beautiful shy and quiet woman you wouldn't notice unless she striped in front of you. She's so afraid of ghosts, she often prefers solitude and passes right through one's radar. Not that it's bad or anything...it just doesn't call for me.
The romantic interest, however, seems a lot more interesting. He's a cop, a widow and haunted by the ghosts of his wife and daughter. He's also naturally brooding and moody. Dark hair and completion, dark eyes and dark clothes. Appears dangerous and mysterious. Pretty much a wet dream come true.

The overall story is captivating but a little slow. There were times when I felt like skipping some descriptions just to get to the good parts. I also found a little hard to believe a woman who is naturally curious and studious never thought about either questioning her father about her legacy or finding information herself. Kinda gives too much ingenuity to a woman with 2 degrees, no?



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Review: The Stone Prince

The Stone Prince by Gena Showalter

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I read the premise of this book and fell in love. I'm a sucker for romance and I am very rarely able to resist these small pieces of complete happiness...This book simply screams HEA from its first page.

It starts with Katie, our female main character, gazing longingly towards a stone statue. Much like those delicious Greek Statues with all that yummy men, except in this case the statue is far from Greek, Roman or like other statue ever seen.
She tries to resist the calling from the statue but soon gives up and kisses it. Surprise, Surprise! It is not a statue any more and the man seems as attracted to her as she is to him! But what the hell is she going to do with a hot warrior from another galaxy?

Apparently running screaming doesn't even come to mind...And I gotta admit I really love reading about these little quirks in romance novels.

Common sense never seems to make an appearance!
Jorlan's temper however, does.

Unaccustomed to this worlds culture, he seems intent in bedding Katie and simultaneously use her to keep from returning to stone. Vengeance on the guy who cursed him is also present in his mind...falling in love with Katie is not. Not even close!

Problem nº 1?

Jorlan needs to make Katie love him for the curse to break. She's skittish, fierce and a little annoying. That's gonna be hard.

Problem nº 2?

Love has a timetable now...two weeks and he gets turned to stone again. This time...it's forever.

Problem nº 3?

Even if she does fall in love with him...He doesn't have the power needed to get home. He needs her help finding magic. Unfortunately magic is rare and almost impossible to reach.

Overall:

This book promises a Prince Charming and a Happily Ever After and it delivers. It isn't heart-stopping but it is entertaining, funny and totally worth reading. The story is a little clichéd but it worked amazingly well. The characters are flawed and likeable and one can't help relishing the end.





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Review: The Yielding (Wild Cats Part 4): Erotic Romance Series

The Yielding (Wild Cats Part 4): Erotic Romance Series by Sandra Ross

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



It was free and I curious about the end of the story. Can't believe how I always try to end a series even when I don't particularly like them...Anyway there are four books in this story and I read only the first and the last...and I can't say I've missed much. I was able to follow everything all right without the other two although I still say the story doesn't make much sense. It has an HEA ending and it's entertaining enough to take one's mind out of problems hence the two star rating.



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Review: The Mating

The Mating by Sandra Ross

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I think I'm still waiting for it to start making sense...It starts a little feebly and it doesn't get much better. It is a really small read though so maybe it becomes better in the next books.

I'm just saying that if I'd paid for this, I'd be one pissed off woman!



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Review: Vaporware

Vaporware by Richard Dansky

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I wasn't thrilled about the ending but it was fitting. I expected a little more fight from Blue Lightning. She almost killed Sarah but suddenly decided she should kill herself for Ryan? Didn't exactly bought it. Too simple. I also expected some heartfelt mind-blowing self revelations from Ryan. He did got a backbone at the end though I think it was somewhat small considering all the crap he made everyone go through. Apart from that it was good. Reminds me of an old movie I watched a couple years ago...same premise and everything.

That being said...It was good, not great and it certainly wasn't surprising or breathtaking.



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