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!