Heaven's Fate

http://www.amazon.com/Heavens-Fate-Andre-Alan-ebook/dp/B00AUGS9M0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1385136935&sr=8-10&keywords=heaven%27s+fate

Rating:  3 stars

I received a copy of Heaven's Fate from the author for an honest review.  The first thing that grabbed me, on the Kindle copy, was the formatting issue.  I know, being an author myself, that there can be some difficulties in converting a paper copy to kindle format.  That being said, though, the format made it a little difficult to read.  I tend not to give descriptions of my books on an amazon review; you know the description, which is why you're reading it, right?  The writing style itself was a little disjointed and strange, and I felt the story was rushed.  Instead of trying to do so much in the first book, I think the author could have done much more justice by putting more into the backstory and focusing more on the conflict between his father's killer and himself.  As it was, I felt I knew the characters less at the end of the novel than I did at the beginning.

As the story unfolded, I became intrigued with the story created with Thame, his "aunt", and the other characters that began to make their appearance.  They were well-rounded, all with their own flaws and circumstantial strengths and weaknesses.  For that, I commend the author.  It made for a much more enjoyable read.  The storyline was an interesting one, and the blending of two genres that are related, but traditionally separate from each other, made this book a unique one to read.

The fusion between fantasy and sci-fi for me, though, began to pull away from the story.  In my own mind, and as a fantasy writer and avid reader, to blend the two genres is a taboo, and a risky thing to try unless it's done right.  I thought that the fusion took away from the story; the las-pistols mixed with the magical incantations, the technology vs the prophecy and magical swords, all twisted into a confusing blend.  I think the story would have been much more fantastic if the author had stuck to one genre, either placing the novel entirely into the realm of fantasy or entirely into the realm of science fiction.

Overall, I think that Andre did very well on this novel.  It is a read I would probably pick up again, and I am looking forward to seeing his next book, to see what mischief Thame can get up to, and to hopefully get to know more about the characters and the drama that is unfolding within.

The Chocolate War

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRUQ51A/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

The book started out well, the descriptions were vivid and the characters were interesting.  I found myself drawn into the world that Archie, Goober, and Jerry created, and then the author left me feeling almost cheated at the end of the book.  The same story and the same scene kept being repeated over and over again, which made me lose a little bit of interest.  Don't get me wrong, it's a very quick read--I finished it in two hours.  But, with it being a quick read, I felt that the plot just...ended.  The moral of the story, one that was targeted towards young adults, was a pretty depressing one, to be honest.  I read this book for a book club at work, and I'm afraid it fell short of what I wanted it to be. I remembered reading it in high school as an assignment, and now, rereading it as an adult, I'm just not impressed.

The Trouble With Spells

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RRB2WW/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_img_sol_0

Rating:  5 stars

This series is a truly addicting one.  I got the first book for free long ago, and then I subsequently bought every other book that followed because I couldn't get enough.  Lacey's ability to weave a story and to create characters that are not only memorable, but enjoyable as well, is a true testament to her skill as an author.  The storyline never stopped moving, and the action didn't stop, even up until the final page.  Looking for critiques on the book, I can't even really find any, to be truthfully honest.  I enjoyed the book from cover to cover, and this is the third time I have read it through!  For anyone who is a fan of magical novels, and of characters who you never want to let go, then this is the book for you.  I especially liked the way she addressed the darker aspect of magic--very interesting, and ingenious!

Shadow of Death

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YFJ5UO/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_img_sol_0

Rating:  4 stars

I admit, from the first page this book had me comletely hooked.  The premise of story, such a controversial time in history, has always fascinated me, and this was no exception.  I love medical dramas, being in the medical field myself, so this was right up my alley.  The story started out strong, and the tension never stopped building, not even up to the last pages.  That being said, though, there were definitely some jarring errors I noticed within this novel.

First, the drama that is involved right at the beginning of the book between Laura and Johnny seemed a little...rushed, a little brushed off.  I understand it was written within a rush of riotous scenes, but still.  The casualness in which her husband brushed off their lack of love life bothered me a little too. I know for one my husband would at least find it suspicious.

The book, though, hit quite a few things right on the head as far as accuracy goes, especially the affair and the failed relationships between the human doctors.  From what I have seen, it's all too common for that to happen in the medical world.  The action was intense, and the story kept me clinging to the pages until I got to the last page.  

Double Dare

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0061YAUG8/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_img_sol_0

Rating:  4 stars

I very much enjoyed this short little story.   The characters of Lou and Sam were connectable, and enjoyable to interact with.  The storyline started off a little odd, but as soon as the two met, instant chemistry was in the air.  I love the idea of Double Dare, and I love that there could be something like this where you plan your own adventure.  I would have loved to have more of this to read, and I would have loved the author to continue the story, more time with Sam and Lou.  There were some spelling and grammatical errors within the novel, but they weren't enough to detract from the story, and the story kept me occupied from start to finish.  I got this book for free, and it was not a regrettable acquisition.

Awaken His Eyes

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051BBHGE/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_img_sol_0

Rating:  3 stars

This book started out well, and it was a very interesting premise, but the author lost me at a few critical points.  The first was that time jumps happened frequently, and with no announcement except in the next paragraph.  I don't like books that leave me jumping around trying to guess what it is I'm reading, and when it takes place.  The storyline was a unique one, and I found myself becoming personally invested in especially the story of Kael and Maeryn, but the other characters weren't so memorable for me.  Too many things were left unanswered, leaving more questions than anything.

Soul In Present Condition

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EN0ZOC2/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

This is the first book I have read from this author, and I got a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.  Upon receiving the book, there were a few things that immediately caught my attention.  At the very beginning, the author starts by writing out descriptions of people, then giving them first names, then whole names.  That, to me, was a little thrown off.  It made it difficult for me to follow if she was talking about the same people, or someone new entirely. 

The storyline itself is a unique one, that much I can say.  The idea of a real estate agent who can talk to ghosts was one that made me raise my eyebrow, but the story itself did not disappoint.  From the very beginning, when she encounters her first spectre, the story grabbed me and sucked me in.  The characters are vivid and pleasant to read about, even if I did want to punch a few vampires in the face.  That was another thing--I liked the blending of paranormal entities in this novel.  It was a smooth transition, and the fact that vampires were involved in the human world, with the ghosts, didn't deter from the story at all. 

As far as critiques go, I felt that this novel needed quite a bit of polishing, which is why I couldn't bring myself to give it 5 stars.  I cringed at the amount of fragmented sentences and inappropriate punctuation thrown in.  At first, I was about to give up on the novel because of the grammatical errors, but I stuck with it, and I wasn't disappointed.  When I got a copy of this novel, it was called a "stand-alone" or part of a series.  I don't think this novel could stand by itself.  There were certainly some points where I was confused about what the connections were between characters, or why relationships were the way they were.  However, if you are looking for a decent read, and are not a grammar Nazi, this will be the book for you!

The River Between

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AUTEI6/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

This story would have been extremely enjoyable for me had it not been the extremely Christian overtones running through it.  Yes, I understand that it is a period novel, and religion was more of a prominent discussion then, but there is a point where religion becomes preaching.  I don't like my books to preach to me.  The characters were interesting, although I found the main character somewhat of a user, leading on the men she was involved with and then crying when something went wrong.  It is only remotely historical, with snippets here and there mentioning the Civil War.  It was an all right read, but it was very slow to get into, and I almost gave up, but kept reading.  Read this novel carefully.

The Reluctant Heir

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H2SLOI/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars

This story was a quick, enjoyable read with just enough sexy fun thrown in to add to the story.  The characters really made the story, Adelinde over the loss of her brother, Clarke over his guilt from her brother's death.  The story between these two is electric, and their connection is instantaneous and inviting.  It's a quick read, which I enjoyed, and I felt myself wanting to read more of this story, but the author managed to wrap it up nicely and still make the reader feel like they were fulfilled.  Enjoyable.

The Reiver

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JN0GAI/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

 Rating:  2 stars

I received this book for free, like everyone else, and because it was free I wasn't expecting much, truth be told...but I was shocked at the pace that everything went, I was surprised at the quickness of the story, and not pleasantly so.  The story seemed to go well enough, a captive in a Scottish castle, but then it begins to just go in a very weird direction where the woman falls in love with her captor out of nothing in particular he did, then he lets her go...and then finds her again.  The entire story was just a blink and then done, and not very well explained.  It's a quick read, and an adequate way to pass a half hour, but for me the story was just too unbelievable.

The Road To Nowhere

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1105749460/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  4 stars

I enjoyed this book from the getgo.  The description of the book, from the description of zombies to survival, all sounded intriguing.  But, as the book was being read, it began to read more like the Walking Dead than anything.  Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it read a little too similar for my tastes.  I liked that Kurus were the explanation, instead of zombies, and I liked that it wasn't zombies specifically.  The characters were connectable, I just wish we would have found out more about our main character before the end of the book.  I liked the development, but the story was too similar to something already done for me. 

The Puzzle Master

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AVD1BA/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

This book held so much potential for me. I enjoyed the premise, and I enjoyed the story the author told, but something about the dates revealed kept pulling at me.  And then I realized:  all the dates said 2011.  The book is supposed to be set after Bin Laden was killed, well after the 9/11 attacks.  I tried to ignore the date issue, trying to get into the story more, but the dates just kept pulling me.  It was difficult to follow, and difficult to keep everything straight, especially with all the jumping around the author does.  It would have been fantastic, but I really think the author needed to do a little more streamlining with his timeline.

A Bookish Escape: Book Review : Traveler by Ashley Bourgeois & Kathr...

A Bookish Escape: Book Review : Traveler by Ashley Bourgeois & Kathr...: Traveler Authors:   Ashley Bourgeois & Kathryn McGowan Source:   Author 551 pages ( ebook ) Goodreads S...

The Shopkeeper

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZVSCK4/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars!

This book grabbed me from the very beginning, enthralling me with its words describing the wild west of old.  I loved the main character right away, Steve Dancy seemingly a normal shopkeeper, though at the beginning of the book we don't know from where.  But then, all hell breaks loose and you see Steve for who he really is--a gunsmith, and one of great renown.  You begin to see the depth and the layers of this character as the story progresses, and the book sucks you in more and more as the pages turn.  I was beginning to think there would be a romantic element, and I was pleasantly surprised to not see the author go into that direction.  I loved the ring of authenticity of this novel, and I loved the way the author brought the West to life for me.  I recommend this book to anyone, and everyone.  If you haven't read it yet, you are missing out.

The Serpentine Fire

http://www.amazon.com/The-Serpentine-Fire-Flesh-ebook/dp/B002IC0KC6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1376836773&sr=1-1&keywords=the+serpentine+fire

Rating:  4 stars

I really liked the fantastic idea of this book. It took the things of magic and myth and turned them into reality in a way that was enjoyable and intriguing to read. The authors did a fantastic job in making this book a quick read and an edge of your seat enjoyable read of thrill with jus a bit of fantasy

The Witch's Stone

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XIFVPG/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  4 stars

From the beginning, this book grabbed me and wouldn't let me go.  From the setting, in Scotland, to the characters themselves, to the atmosphere, Ms. Brown does an absolute stellar job in creating the scene for her tale.  From the title, I was expecting something more paranormal in nature, but then I was pleasantly surprised to see the reality of the situation come out.  The main character, a previously broken woman, at war with the demons within herself, keeps the story driving in a direction where you are completely unsure of the outcome.  Caid, her male protagonist, is juicy in all the right places, and flawed in his own right.  This writer's ability to make flaws in her characters doesn't draw away from the story--in fact, the flaws she creates for her characters only proceed to drive them more energetically together!  The only criticism I would make for this book is that there were some jumpy scene changes, where a character would be in one place, and then in another, with no clear delineation of time.

The Witch's Book

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AAXZS1I/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  2 stars

Definitely not my cup of tea--way too similar to other things that have been written, and too psychoanalytical for my liking.  I struggled to get through it, even remotely.  The writing was choppy and not well done, which didn't help either

The Wedding Gift

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BVNF4O/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

I read this book in just a few hours.  It was a short read, and for the length of it it was enjoyable, but I felt that there could have been so much more done to it.  The romance itself was interesting, and Julie, the main character, had enough flaws to make following her story interesting, but I felt the story lacked a depth of character.  It's a good short little romance, but I don't know if I'd read the others. 

The Vincent Boys

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00907AVIU/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

I was very surprised when I went to go put this book up for review that it was listed as a young adult or teen novel.  The things in this book, especially the sex and the stringing along of men, are certainly things I don't want my teen to be exposed to.  The story was good, and I like a good conflict as much as the next girl, but I don't think that labeling it as teen was appropriate.  Also, an editor was desperately needed.  I cringed every time a typo came up, or a fragmented sentence was used.  As the book progressed, the errors seemed to get a little worse, which disappointed me.  The characters were nice, though, and I think that a lot of people can relate at least to loving two people at once, but I think this book needed work. 

The Watcher

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/146113613X/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img


Rating:  5 stars

For this novel, all I can say is Wow.  From the first page, this novel immediately sucked me in, and it didn't let me go throughout the entirety of the story.  I loved the characters, both Myers and Slater were so realistic and layered that you couldn't help but connect with the characters, and you couldn't help but root for them. 

The way this author writes creates such a vivid experience that I found myself sweating, seeing every single detail as it happened, seeing the killer as he took his victims.  The author's attention to detail is outmached. 

The suspense of the book never lets up--it continues to build, until it explodes into a dramatic climax.  I love that the main heroes get injured--most murder mysteries leave everyone coming out unscathed, but I love how this author brings up the injuries his characters suffers.

There is plenty of romance between the psychiatrist and the detective, but it's not enough to deter from the story itself.  I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone!

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042RUKX4/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  4 stars

This novella was quite enjoyable--the connotations of the novels of a similar point are not lost, but it adds to the humor of the novella.  This was a pleasant read, and it brings to a new light the possibility of vampires existing.  From being a lowly PI to watching his first vampire attack, it follows the protagonist's journey and makes the reader want more at every turn.  The ending leaves you wanting more, but, as all good authors, it is to be continued in the sequel.  If you're looking for an enjoyable vampire read, this is for you!

The Vampire Club

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W4MLNY/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

 Rating:  3 stars

Opening this novel, I was preparing myself for the vampire version of the Babysitter's club, as the title promised.  In that regard, I wasn't disappointed.  The book opens on a group of college students majoring in Vampire Studies, with the only interest of finding the existence of vampires.  I thought that this premise was an interesting one, and I hadn't read before any books about a club finding the existence of vampires before, so I kept reading. 

The book continued in a pleasant way, the storyline was engaging and the characters amusing, but for me there were definitely a few issues.  The author uses the word "for" a lot--"for this reason," "for that was why"...that drives me nuts.  There is a time and a place for the word for, and it's not in every other sentence.  Also, when the ending occured, I don't like the way the main character approached it.  It was the culmination of his goal--and yet he felt condemned?  I know that a drastic change like that can alter a person's perspective, but that seemed a little extreme. 

If you want a good read, though, with an amusing plotline and a twist on your traditional vampire novel, this one's for you!

The Uninvited

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Q56PR0/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_img

Rating:  2 stars

This story could have been amazing, and judging by the cover art and the synopsis I was expecting to be swept off my feet in a breathtaking horror book.  But, I was disappointed.  The book left more questions than ones that were answered, and I found myself skimming for something significant to happen.  I wish the author had put a little bit more of themselves into this novel.  As it was, it felt like it fizzled out at the end.

Water

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PY2U8Q/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  2 stars

This book for me was a very difficult one to admit my feelings about.  One one hand, Terra writes very vivid descriptions, and I found myself whisked off to various exotic places,which was fun, and her character descriptions were good...but the storyline itself had much to be desired.  The relationship between Micah and Kaitlyn was steamy, yes, and then when it got screwed up I wanted more elaboration on it, but then it...fizzled out. 

To label this novel as eco-friendly is very deceiving.  Eco consciousness was mentioned maybe five times in the book, self-sustaining, ok.  Recycling, okay.  But, being a Gaia and bringing balance to nature, with no real explanation as to the why, the how, the modus operandi of what she actually needed to do?  I thought that there was going to be this gigantic explanation that happened, to explain away why things were going on the way they were...but there weren't.

Don't get me wrong, I like psychological thrillers as much as the next girl, and I had a hunch from the get-go that Shawn was going to be up to no good...but the whole situation there I wish was elaborated on a little more, not just I am kidnapping you and then going to rape you repeatedly in various ways and then leave you on a volcanic island, only to be defeated by a sprained ankle.  I wish for so many things to have been different with this book that could have made it fantastic, and I can only hope that there are improvements on that in the next one. 

We Shall Rise

Rating:  4 stars

http://www.amazon.com/Shall-Rise-Misfits-Lore-ebook/dp/B005ZWPVZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375712056&sr=1-1&keywords=We+Shall+Rise

I enjoyed this book a lot, but there were some things that were decidedly unclear for me in the story. They mention lots about hybrids and mating, and all of these things that would be normal...within one's own race. Now, the mating of vampires to non-vampires, or the creation of hybrids, the how and the why of that is unclear. They talk about purebloods and the mixed breeds, but the real meat and potatoes of what I want to see, the conflict, isn't really there. I know by the ending of the story ( I wanted to cry) I was heavily invested in the series anyway. I want to know what happens to Kaden and Reysa, how Tatiana overcomes everything she will grow to endure, and I want to know what happens now to the entire Misfit group faced with this new challenge. I liked the romantic elements of this novel as well, they were there but they weren't in your face...but I wish there had been more conflict in the book, or more explanation of conflict, instead of just boom! rebellion.

Warrior's Bride

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HYHH42/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars

From the get-go, this book warmed my heart.  The connection between the main characters was so real, so palpable, I felt myself pining for them when they left.  After their initial one-night stand, and the subsequent meeting much later, the story wove a tale of lost and found love, and it is a book I would highly recommend for anyone to read!

Walking on Broken Glass

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1426702272/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

I opened this book with decidedly mixed feelings; the main character, Leah, does not seem very connectable to me in the beginning.  I have never been drawn to alcohol or drugs, and I find the way she handles her problems and the way she handles her relationship with her husband weak and superficial at best.  As the book went on, and Leah admitted herself into rehab and began to explore her relationships with the people there, a more Christian undertone went through it.  I am not a huge fan of Christian fiction, I feel that it ends up being too preachy, and I think that this book did just that.  Even halfway through the book, I had difficulty relating to the characters and the way that Leah was handling herself even in AA.  The ending was a redeeming quality, but I feel overall the book lacked luster.

Waking the Dreamer

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MOECHU/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  4 stars

Waking the Dreamer was a quaint little tale about Tyler and Zack, brothers.  The story moved rather quickly, which I liked, and I liked the paranormal elements as well as the abruptness of their discovery.  I found myself wanting to know more about Eena and Talia, and I was disappointed when the book ended with more questions to answer than there had been before.  But, it was an enjoyable read.  If you're looking for an interesting young adult novel, this is for you.

Verita

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051BIC1W/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars!

I very much enjoyed this novel!  I am a huge fan of fantasy and sci fi novels, and the way that this one started out left me skeptical at first, but then I became entranced and invested in Brett's struggles, finding myself wanting to learn and grow with her.  I loved the detail of the new world, Verita.  It was incredible, the amount of detail and thought the author put into it.  I rarely gushingly rave about a book, but this one was one I found myself enjoying immensely and will be reading again.  I can't wait to acquire the second book.  As an author myself, who does cliffhanger endings, I want to congratulate this author on the use of it--I almost bought the second on the spot.  Fantastic story, well-rounded and detailed characters, and a world I would love to go to myself (I'm a biologist!)

Venom

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Q13KKU/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  1 star

I couldn't finish this book.  The grammatical errors and misuse of the English language killed it for me.

Variant Breed

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IUR488/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

The concept of this book was intriguing when I first picked it up, and it was the concept that got me interested in reading it.  The underlying tones of family, and finding a place where you belong, are something that is unique to this novel.  But, those tones unfortunately weren't enough to make the story really stand out to me.

I had difficulty connecting with the characters in this novel.  Neither Chris or Zachary seemed to be fully fleshed out enough to really be emotionally attached--actually, I found myself connecting with Abby more than the others.  I know this is supposed to be only the first installment, but it fell short of my expectations.

Venetia

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008F62BVW/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img


Rating:  3 stars

When this book advertised itself as a supernatural thriller, I was expecting something more than what I received.  The entire first half of the book was as if I was reading a travel brochure regarding Venice--the description, even the inclusion of so much Italian was too much for the story, and I think that it pulled from the storyline, if anything.  The way the author wrote was as if he expected the reader to know everything about the city in which the story takes place already, and I will be the first to admit I know nothing about Venice.  For the first half of the book, the prologue was the part that had me hooked.  The way the book began, the way the grisly truth came out, instantly had me hooked.  However, there was where the hook ended. 

At around literally 50% into the book, the pace picked up.  The supernatural "thriller" element began to build itself, but for me, I was already not as interested in the book as I would have been had the action built like a normal novel would.  However, as the book came to a close, you could see the supernatural elements that had been hidden in the beginning weaving their way into the end, to assist in the climax.  All in all, not what I expected to read...but if you are willing to invest in half a travel brochure, half a decent thriller, I would recommend it to you.

Vamplayers

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZCV5LK/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars

I have to admit, when I first opened this book, my expectations were not that high.  But, I found myself caught up in the story of Lily and her Sisters, and the events that they went through throughout this book.  I really liked the author's approach to different types of vampires and vampire heirarchy.  It was something different than the standard, and I liked it.  The book is definitely more geared towards a young adult audience, but I would strongly recommend this to anyone who wants a fresh new take on a vampire tale, with a little fun thrown in too!

Wild Irish

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043GX2FW/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars

All I can say, honestly for this book, is wow.  Wowwie wow wow.  I got this book because it was free, and I am not disappointed at all.  The characters are inviting and fun, and even within the first few pages I already felt a connection to Jesse and Alexi.  All of the characters in the book had a realism to them that many authors find difficult to achieve, and I commend the author for that.  The conflict within the story, the family interaction and drama, was perfect.  The whole storyline was believable, and if you're in the mood for a little bit of sin this book doesn't disappoint either.  The author did a fantastic job weaving a story that the reader became invested in, and I will make sure to get the author's next one!

Wicked Temptations

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JESENW/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

Rating:  4 stars

This was the first book I have read from Patricia Watters, and I found I really enjoyed her writing style.  The story, though, seemed to be a little disjointed for my taste.  The premise of the pioneer woman coming from back east to start a Newspaper is an interesting take, and I liked the fact that her main heroine was not your typical young, beautiful heroine.  I liked her personality as an older "spinster", as she called herself.  As the story progressed, I liked how the characters grew, but the whole ordeal with the cattlemen and the way it was resolved was too neat, too easily reconciled.  The writing was well, but towards the end of the book the storyline was a little difficult to follow. 

Wicked Mourning

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056372HA/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars

This book was entirely too short, but fantastic nonetheless.  A great read for a steamy romance, and even in the short time they were together Reggie accepted her, baby and all.  I loved that. 

Whose Angel Key Ring

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006HAPXEK/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  2 stars

I liked the beginning, and the premise of the short story, but it fell terribly short of expectations.  Too much reminiscence, too little conclusion...disappointing. 

While The Savage Sleeps

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHJGMDI/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  4 stars

From the first couple pages, where the first murder happened, this book had me instantly hooked.  I like a good horror novel as much as the next girl, and this book did not fail to meet those expectations.  It began simply enough, with a seemingly straight-forward plot, and then it began to take very interesting turns, twisting and convoluting the storyline and making you keep guessing as to what will happen next.

The characters are interesting, the psychic aspect of it seemed a little out of place at first, but then as the storyline progressed it became more of an integral part of the plot, and gave the main protagonist (Cameron Dawson) more intuition into the crimes.  The way it wrapped up so nicely, with the explanation that was found, seemed a little too simple for me, and gave me a little bit of a disappointed twinge at the end.  But, I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone!

When Horses Had Wings

http://www.amazon.com/When-Horses-Had-Wings-ebook/dp/B005WX73YG/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1373640996&sr=8-1&keywords=when+horses+had+wings

Rating:  4 stars

I thought this coming-of-age book set in the 1970's was an interesting read.  It brings to light a lot of touchy subjects that many authors avoid, and that is the subject of both spousal abuse and adultery.  The main character is connectable, and she is an interesting person to watch grow and evolve, and to watch the hardships she faces shape her, rather than break her.  As the story progresses, I would have liked to see a little more outside involvement, but that was the way it happened in those days--much in the marriage went unnoticed except between the couple.  All in all, an enjoyable read.

What the Heart Wants

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006F75RHI/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title


Rating:  5 stars

This book started out with a bang, and the book never ceased to amaze me.  A paranormal romance like this was giving me something else to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.  I couldn't help but cheer for the main couple in this novel--they are extremely drawing, and their story is compelling.  I loved the intensity of the characters and the story, and I found myself finishing this book within hours of picking it up!  I cannot wait to read the second one!  The ending left me wanting so much more to be there, and I am chomping at the bit!  A very very engaging read, and one I will recommend to all my friends who like romance novels.

Z (A Novel)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KFGSDQ/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars!

I thought Lauren's writing style was very unique and clever, and I loved the fact that there was an underlying Zorro theme throughout this book.  All through the novel, you find yourself wondering, who exactly is this man?  What is he doing?  Should I like him, should I not?  But, you can't help loving him, and loving him for all his quirks and faults.  Nix, her main character, is flawed and connectable, and you find yourself joining this character on her quest for information, and enjoying every instant.

I loved the quirkiness of th is book, and I loved the way Lauren wrote it.  I can't wait to read more of her things!

Year of the Dead

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477520589/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars!

This book, I will have to say, surprised the life out of me.  The premise was absolutely terrible--a combination vampire and zombie novel, get real, right?  No.  The unique approach, albeit very far-fetched and out there, was enough to draw me into the book.  The storyline was very intriguing, with zombies, as zombies go, killing off the stupid and those not able to adapt quickly, and then vampires pick off the ones that survive.  The creation was very interesting.

The humans, the characters whose stories you follow, were connectable.  I liked how Lee jumped from chapter to chapter, almost making it a diary type of book about the characters who have to live in this hell.  Some of the characters seem almost too perfect, but I think that Lee's goal was to do that.  The one very interesting part, which kind of irritated me at first, was how focused he was on Mormons and LDS.  Then I realized, the story did set place in Utah, and the Mormoms, as he says in the book, are very prepared for emergency situations.  It was surprising, as I don't normally like books that involve religion.  All in all, this book was a very quick read, and I can guarantee i'll be picking up his next one!

Zombie Candy

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00819Q254/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars!

I read this book a while ago, but just never got to posting a review.  This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and not a typical zombie novel by any means.  Candy is a woman scorned, and the way she comes up with revenge on her husband is hilarious, to say the least.  The story was pulling, the characters sympathizable.  I liked this book thoroughly, and I enjoyed the twist at the ending very much.  Elaborate, twisted.  I loved every minute.

Worlds Apart

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1461169658/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  1 star

Unfortunately, and I really hate to do this, I couldn't finish this book.  Within the first two chapters, the grammatical errors, way of writing, and general overall story was just too hard to muddle through.  The story was confusing and made no sense, and seemed to jump in four different directions at once.  As much as I'd like to give it more of a chance, it lost me.

Wolfe She Cried

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CFUD528/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  3 stars

This murder/mystery/romance novel started out a little slow, and honesty I didn't know what to expect.  As the story continued, as happens with every mystery I read, I found myself trying to solve it before the murderer was revealed.  This story provided a surprise ending, although the handling of that ending I thought could have been done a little better.  I was pleasantly surprised with the book, though, but I would have preferred a little more drama in it, and not had it wrapped up in such a neat little package to take care of.  A good read, though, all things considered.

Wolf

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EGJ8KS/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  4 stars

I quite enjoyed this book.  I loved the werewolf aspect to it, or shifters as they are called.  However, with this book I would have liked to see more of the other shifters, and not just the wolves.  The characters, though, sucked you in and the storyline was fast-paced and the action never stopped!  A sexy, romantic, quirky novel that keeps pulling you in until you're done!  That being said, it thought the book ended rather abruptly :( I would have liked to see a little more of a settling of the plot, but perhaps that will come in another installment.

Witchblood

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1480066095/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  4 stars

This book caught me up right away.  I was expecting the vampire angle, from the getgo, but the way they threw in the witch powers, with the angels and everything else involved, got to be a little confusing at times.  The story was intriguing, and the characters were connectable, but the premise behind it was a little unclear.  An enjoyable read, though, and I'll be sure to pick up the next two if only to see how the story continues :)

Wings of Shadow

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1480234427/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Rating:  5 stars

I thought this book was fantastic. It caught you up in the first few pages, with its descriptions and its fey inclusions. The story was inviting, the characters connectable--any story of the fey in the real world, in modern times, is always interesting to me to read, and this one didn't disappoint. It is obvious there will be more books to come, and I look forward to them!

Willow Pond

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1468111728/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

As much as I would love to give this book a five-star review, I can't bring myself to.  From the description, I was expecting more of a period book, but there were very few actual period references, and too many current day references.  A writer myself, I know the importance of making sure to put dialogue specifically where you want it.  

The story behind everything was sound, and interesting for the reader to read.  With laryngitis currently, it was interesting enough to keep my attention all day, which I commend it for.  The characters, at least in the face of the kidnapping, are connectable, but then in some of their relationships I think they are a little hypocritical.  

The book, I feel, was well put together, but I didn't like very much how much it jumped.  It felt almost fragmented in parts, but then again, that could be the author's intentions.  The book was enjoyable, but I would have just enjoyed a little more accurate period references and consistency.

Wild Wild Widow, A Western Romance

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Widow-Western-Romance-ebook/dp/B005KT0H2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372255018&sr=8-1&keywords=wild+wild+widow

Rating:  3 stars

A typical romance, but a good page-turner nonetheless.  The story speaks of a widow, deprived of male companionship, and her need to adjust to ranch life.  If you're ever in need of a saucy read, this book will do just fine.  The endign could have been worked on a bit more, and if the book had been a little longer, I think it would have done even better.  As it was, though, it was not a disappointing read.

On Unfaithful Wings, An Icarus Fell Novel

http://www.amazon.com/On-Unfaithful-Wings-Icarus-Novel/dp/0986881147/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372203926&sr=8-1&keywords=on+unfaithful+wings

Rating:  4 stars

I got this Icarus Fell novel during a Kindle free promotion, and I can't say I was disappointed when I picked it up.  The main character was connectable, and sympathizable, and his story was one that isn't told very often.  It's not very often that a tale is told of a soul-harvester, and I thought this was a unique way to go after it.  I enjoyed the confusion the character felt, and I enjoyed learning as he learned the ins and outs of his new life.  The other characters were less connectable, and sometimes less enjoyable, but they also gave a unique element to the story.  All in all, a worthwhile read about an alternative afterlife.