Haven't been doing much over here because I realized that i basically have to edit all of my reviews, and some of them don't even have the right book.

 

Also, BookLikes hasn't been working for me as an organizational site. It's been a while since I've been on so we'll see what new changes have been made.

All right, I admit it! Haven't uploaded my books to BookLikes yet because it's a massive amount (almost 5,000). So imagine my surprise when after 36 minutes I get a notification and see this:

 

Awed. Yes, that's what I'm feeling. Honestly I thought there would be a huge number of books that wouldn't be there! Now we'll see how the reviews come over!

Ahhhhhh! Another sweet little peek into the lives of one of our favorite couples: Judd and Brenna.

They are one of my fave couples and it's so great to see them going strong and any time with them is a treat. The best part is it's a chance to see how Brenna is still healing Judd, and that in the end despite it all Judd is still a man. You'll be grinning and happy by the end of this one.

Yeppers, another freebie from the amazing Singh.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, and you know the two love birds can’t keep their hands off each other.

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

Originally reviewed at Book Whipsers.

***Sorry, I have hunted and hunted trying to find the link again! But I can’t!***

Dorian's and Clay's happy family get together. Along with kit and a few other friends. It's another great peek into the DarkRiver pack and some beloved characters. There's ahhhhhh moments and plenty of laughs. Oh and a bake off between some hot dominants already mentioned above. Thank you Singh for another wonderful freebie.

Sexual Content: Clean!

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

This is a short freebie from the authors website, another window view. This time readers get to peep in on the Rats. The incredible spies that give Darkriver a huge part of the intelligence. It's nice to get this itty-bitty chance to visit them as I've been so curious with their “pack” and their history. In the end it's just what the title states. A conversation. It's nice to hear from the Rats how their alliance with Darkriver.

Sexual Content: Clean!

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Maybe I went into it with too many negative thoughts, there were no shifters as love interests this time around. But I don't think that's it. There was no fire between Dev and Katya. The whole I'm-stuck-in-the-Net-don't-trust-me stick has been done, but now add the twist of Katya being brainwashed by Ming turning her into a walking weapon. One designed to kill Dev. It just added a little too much to the same old story that seems to be the Psy female way of the romance. Plus, the fear that she might not be able to make it out of the Net is no longer a fear after Faith and Sascha safely made the jump. Of course Singh tries to make us guess by saying no Psy has ever entered the Net of the Forgotten . . . yeah. We still know what's going to happen.

The side plots where actually the most alluring parts of Blaze of Memory. Stepping into Sascha and Lucas's lives again, and it's made better by the fact that Sascha is preggos!! Yeah, our first baby in the Psy-Changeling series (you know what I mean). Other characters get to step in and it's great to see them. It bodes well that Singh is going to continue to utilize past characters to pull the story ahead. Readers aren't simply getting the evil villains' view point and the happy couples. Each book is a taste of the latest sizzling couple and visiting old friends.

My favorite part of Blaze of Memory is seeing how the Forgotten have evolved and the slow erosions of the Net. It's clear Silence has failed, and may actually be speeding up all of the issues that had driven the Psy to create Silence in the first place. The warfare and battle of minds is another interesting view point that is shared with readers. As Ming breaks Katya and basically kills the woman she was under silence. The true beauty of this story is how Katya creates herself and is basically reborn. And while I stated above that “there was no fire between Dev and Katya” their romance was sweet and by the end of the book I was warming up to them.

For me, after some of the more incredible entries into this series, this title just didn't have enough to bring to the table. Hunger pains kept hitting. It's with hope and fear that I look forward to the next book. Hope that they keep coming out with incredible new twists and developments because this series has somewhere to go! Fear that the series doesn't just fall back and slow down. For me this was probably one of the few weak titles in the series.

Sexual Content: The sex is a tad more kinky, not by much.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

***Review copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.***

Susan Krinard is a new to me author, but once I heard that there would be Valkyries I was all up in this book! Norse mythology! Um, yes please. A classic trickster Loki that can change shape into anything he wants, male or female, making for a pretty steamy and deceptive read! Sexy scandals. Check. Did I mention Valkyrie?? This title had everything that makes me foam at my metaphorical mouth! Then a few pages into the book it hit . . .

Valkyrie titles must be jinxed for me. Especially, the characters. To be honest I think Krinard was trying to make Mist the mythical legend—AKA the Valkyrie in question—more human. She isn't aware of how stunningly gorgeous she is, or when men are openly lusting after her. Mist also suffers from serious self doubt. Now I'm not saying those are bad qualities. But Mist is old. I mean she's a walking fossil old. At a certain point in her centuries old life I'd expect her to realize that "girls got sex appeal." One huge mistake in her past causes her to question every step she takes after that. It's just so unrealistic. Yes, it's good to question yourself. But not to a point where you would blindly trust a stranger, who clearly has evil intentions. Or to ignore your instincts when a "clue" just up and slaps you across the face. Mist has to be rescued numerous times, comes off as really-really stupid, and while her genuine kindness makes her endearing it can't save her character.

That stranger I mentioned above just happens to be a elf named Dainin. Who is a emotionless, cold hearted guy, who just happened to start Ragnarok. Of course he was tricked and is now living with a monster inside him. So for the write price he'd betray Mist. The majority of the book is set up to show what a hotty Dainin is, his suffering, and his eventual arrival to the point that he needs to help Mist out. Of course I can't forget that he would allow someone else to pay for his sins. Or the way he is willing to betray Mist. It's purely evil and it over shadows every move he makes, even when he's finally willing to die for Mist. Clearly he's the love interest in this series. One that I'm not feeling. He's a great character and highly fascinating, but it just doesn't work out for me. He still deceives Mist even after he realizes that he needs to help her. Hot N cold, sing it Perry.

This book was fairly long. But I felt like I just read the first half of a novel, where it's trying to frantically build up the world while making plot progress. For me there's barely anything that truly happens. Boredom is a feeling no reader should ever feel. The mythology was half baked at best and I felt that Krinard stepped back on a few of her "rules" of magic. There's too many questions running about at the end. Is Norse mythology the only true mythology of this world, are there others? How do they tie in? And on, and on! Plus, Loki's name gets mixed up with a few of the other characters. You can't have errors like that! Not when there is a character that can become anyone. I spent a good time wondering if it was an error, or if it was actually Loki.

In the end this title has potential I'm really curious as to what will happen in future books, but I'm only continuing if the next title can transform this series into what it could be. The action is tons of fun, even if Mist really never brings the heat. There's an interesting romance developing, even if I'm not that into it. The main reason for reading Mist is for Loki. Man is he scandalously delicious! Probably one of my favorite literary renditions of him. Come for the Norse mythology, stay for Loki.

Sexual Content: Nothing overly graphic, but there’s some sex and some naughty-naughty by Loki.

2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Come on! You know You've just been dying to see a girls night out in the DarkRiver pack! So this deleted scene is a real treat, especially since it's from Branded by Fire. Love me some Mercy!

It's really short, but we get a glimpse on how Mercy got her pretty toenail polish that Riley liked so much. It's a hoot having all the ladies together and seeing them laugh and joke. Especially over sex toys . . .

Thank you Singh for another wonderful freebie.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

***Copy received for an honest review by author.***

Transforming Love is basically, in house building terms, a frame without a foundation. The basic Paranormal Romance steps are here, but it feels like nothing is expanded on. After the last page turned—even while reading—the characters were instantly forgotten.

The sex scenes, definitely have potential. The romance wasn't fleshed out enough that the full affect of—what is clearly a great romantic concept—the courtship left me empty. The female lead (see still can't come up with names) was solid and I admired that she wanted to do things her way. The male leads acceptance and eventual sacrifice was amazing and I felt so bummed that I couldn't truly enjoy it.

The story feels like a rough draft. There needs to be more effort put in. It feels like I was reading a standard fanfic, an ode to the paranormal romance genre. There's clearly a lot of love for the work here. To be a true story there needs to be sheetrock, paint, wiring, and a lot of other things to make it a home to paranormal romance readers. Right now those wooden beams are mighty shaky.

Sexual Content: Standard PNR lov’in.

1/5- I couldn't finish it or wish I hadn't

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Japanese steampunk. Those are the two magic words that have put Stormdancer on many a readers TBR pile/bookshelves. Jay Kristoff has created a world to rival the best Epic Fantasy ones, and writing so beautiful that I had the urge to highlight almost every sentence. Unlike most EF titles the war and conflict of the nation is actually developed, the war isn’t for the sake good action scenes. It’s road to revolution and hopefully freedom. How a single person, a group, and an idea can better the world.

They will win. Though it take a hundred years, they will topple your Shōgun. Burn his fields and cities. Fade away into shadow. Into places his armies cannot reach. More than flesh, they are an idea.

The steampunk mixed into the Japanese (Japan called Shima here) culture is well done. The technology didn't feel over the top and it's pollution of the world is authentic. For those not used to Japanese culture and terms there's a handy-dandy glossary in the back. The gryphon's or Arashitora (trans. Thunder Tiger) is really wonderful and I love the connection that a Stormdancer can have with one. Very Valdemar-ish. The myths and living legends are beautiful and haunting.

The city's broad cypress-bark roofs were desiccated and gray, stripped of paint by the merciless sun and polluted black rains that fell in Shima's winter months.

The goggles that are standard issue for pretty much every steampunk have a use besides eye protection while flying in the sky. Everyone needs them to protect there eyes from the sun. Pollution and the death of the world is a big issue here. It's amazing seeing the portrayal of people simply accepting that it. There's no food, animal or plant kind, as the technology’s advancement kills nature. Every field of lotus used to make the fuel powering the technology sterilizes the land, and the cure to prolong the use of the land is a shocking revelation. There's prisoners of war used as slaves, child labor, disease caused by the pollution.

"One day you will understand, Yukiko. One day you will see that we must sometimes sacrifice for the sake of something greater."

Stormdancer isn't simply about the story of a kingdom gaining it's freedom from a mad tyrant. The people realizing that they are the power of the nation. It's about Yukiko's journey from the innocence of youth to adulthood. To being able to see the truth and confront and deal with it. Growing up out of the self righteousness of youth. There is a love triangle here, with a point behind it. The romance shows the ramifications of being in love with an idea of someone and the reality of love.

Yukiko is a wonderful leading lady for the youths to look up to. She's responsible and can take care of herself. While still accepting that she is a child. Her interactions with the gryphon and the people around her felt so real. Her kindness to a beggar girl in the streets, to the hardness she shows her farther develops and evolves.

As always, there were a few things I have to knit pick. The red lotus is never explained. Ever thing is called lotus: lotus flies, lotus rats . . . Is it because they are some how created by the lotus? Or because lotus is so influential they just need to add it into everything because it's shaped it? Plus, how is this lotus different from other lotuses and how was it developed? The immediate love interest over a pair of green eyes was beyond annoying. Kristoff created an interesting coming of age story around it, but it was still naive. Maybe. That was the point. (I'll go with that.)

"Each of you must decide where you stand," she called. "All we ask is that you refuse to kneel. You are the people. You have the power. Open your eyes. Open your minds. Then close the fingers on your hand."

Stormdancer isn't just a story of a woman growing up. Or the revolution of a nation. It's both, and much more. Showing the horrors of tyranny, the price of rebellion and taking a stand, the toll of simply ignoring the world around you, death and loss, and the gift of choice. Kristoff blends aspects of many genres to create a complex tale. This is for readers who have interest in steampunk, epic fantasy, Japanese culture, action, political intrigue, and those craving a unique and different world. Ah, perfection.

Sexual Content: There are geisha in this tale. There is some sex, but very mild no full on bedroom scenes. Sexual humor and some peeping toms.

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Fire-fire. Burn-burn! There's no doubt that Mercy's book would be amazing, and that whoever she got paired up with the sparks would fly. Riley being that other half, not what I had in mind. The way he treated his sister, in Caressed by Ice, with such overbearing control put me off. I just knew that Mercy would have to be the one to give, which would be a shame since she's one of the few female Sentinels featured in this series.

Since that was my biggest fear of the series I was surprised to find a middle ground met, in a way. Mercy is amazing!! It was wonderful to finally be in the head of a kick butt, no hold back female's head. Now I'm not saying that the previous women aren't amazing and 100% awesome. It's just nice to have a woman who doesn't need to have a man to save her. With that said Mercy doesn't escape being a damsel a few times. Riley and her hot relationship is wonderful to watch, witty banter, and hot sex. What's not to love. Best part is seeing Riley, AKA The Wall, totally get riled up by Mercy. It's clear her wildness is exactly what Riley needs to save him.

What I enjoyed the most was seeing how dominate females mate. Especially, the struggles that they go through. It was refreshing, but I just have to know. Why can dominate males be OK with betas, but females seem to have to have a dominate mate? Maybe it will be addressed later on, but the way Singh puts it seemed like that was the standard. And if the female couldn't accept that dominance . . . well it's not good.

It always seems that no matter how good the paranormal romance the series loses its way from the world building and just progresses to couples and bedroom scenes. Not happening here. The plot and impending consequences aren't forgotten. Something is building in the PsyNet. The world is changing with it. Every action has a repercussion. That, mixed with a scorching romance, will leave any fans incandescently pleased.

Sexual Content: Hot scenes and sexual humor.

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

All right! All right, I'll admit it! This little shorty made me tear up. It was so fun getting to peek in on Kit and Rina, they're both side characters that I've loved seeing throughout the series. The best part was their banter. Rina is such a firecracker! Oh, she has to have a book!!! Anywho. It's great that we get to see the two interact together, and I love the family bonds that are shown here. If your a faithful Psy/Changeling fan you do not want to miss this.

Oh, another freebie from the author.

Sexual Content: Some sexual humor.

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Dorian's character has always left me feeling fond of him, but there's that underlying annoyance. Basically the ultimate bad boy that is going to get paired up with a Psy, a race he can't stand—who has 100% justification to feel that way. The instant his character was introduced it was clear and I think the reason why I've never liked him is because his just a standard PNR man candy bad boy.

Overall Hostage to Pleasure was comfort food for the series. The love story didn't interest me because it was clear what all the struggle and conflict was going to be about. Sure that's true for most PNR's, but the last book proved that this series should be offering readers more.

That said Ashaya turned out to be an amazing character. It was great seeing a Psy mother openly caring for her child—well as openly as she could. Her personality and her Journal entries were absolutely fun. Plus, the big "secret" of the monster that she's running from but most protect was amazingly done. The reason for why she broke silence is chilling and also interesting as it correlates with the Darkmind on the Net.

The best part of this read was how the Human Alliance is progressing and all the other factions. Maybe it's a bad sign that I enjoyed all the other characters interrupting the main body of the story, but it bodes well for where this series is going in the future.

In the end, this book dropped the ball from where the last one left off. (Yes, I know Mine to Possess is going to be hard to beat.) Ashaya turned out to be a startlingly amazing character and I enjoyed every minute of her. It's clear Singh has some big plans for this series and I can't wait to see what the Ghost and the Human Alliance is going to do.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, some standard HOT paranormal romance scenes.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Orginally reviewed at Book Whispers.

***This review is written for readers who have read the previous titles***

Ethan is dead. Even though this is exactly what I wanted from book one, it feels like a scape goat. Now Merit can finally grow as a character and the readers can truly get to know her. Sure there's a lot of Ethan moaning and groaning. It also infuriates me that Merit couldn't be a character because she was so far up Ethan's butt that she couldn't be strong enough on her own.

Jonah and Merit's relationship is amazing! Jonah is the male candy that I have wanted for Merit to have from book 1. He's smart, funny, he is THERE for Merit, and it's clear that he genuinely cares for her. (Plus, so far he doesn’t have the totally wacked up vampire baggage that seems to come with the fangs.) In Jonah's hands Merit is growing and I love it, he's not over powering her.

The apocalypse is happening and the reason behind it was one of the worst apocalypses ever. Certain Cadagon vampires should have known what it was that was causing all of it. They were protecting the freaking item for goodness sake! Also, I wanted to know how the person who stole the item even knew it was there to be taken. It never fell together.

The apocalypse was fun. It allowed the books to explore sorcerers, fae, water sirens/nymphs, and some alternative myths. The GP vampire in charge of the house was a great plot show and tell for readers to see how corrupt the GP really is. It was great feeling the rage and rallying over the injustice of it all. The build up for a real adversary in Mayor Tate is awesome, as well as the development of the office of the Chicago supernatural Ombudsman.

Character development . . . er, I don't think Neill knows how to do it. Mallory changes so much and it never feels real. It's so sudden that the big plot bomb (yeah, another one!) was so obvious that I was annoyed the series was even going there. Oh, and the major plot bomb of the last book is simply taken back. Oh, and the whole Catcher thing in this book was awful. There were some tender moments and than some mood swings so big that I just couldn't believe it.

This series both thrills and teases me, and drives me bonkers! Even though I want to give up on it I just can't stop. Neill's writing is too addictive! I keep crawling back for certain reasons, and now that Jonah is going to be a recurring character I have to know what happens to him. Merit's latest relationship may annoy me with the dramatic short cut it took, but I am there.

Sexual Content: Plenty of sexual humor and some bedroom time.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back

Originally reveiewd at Book Whispers.

A standing ovation!! Neill actually listened to me!! She read my very first reviews of Some Girls Bite and gave it to me! (OK, not likely.) While many fans found the "big shock" of Hard Bitten horrible—many were left feeling mutinous—I was jumping for joy and doing a happy dance. I've said my peace on that, moving on.

Neill seems to forget that not every reader is fond of Ethan. This apparently was the book that readers should like Ethan he’s changing, wooing Merit. There are many points made that while Ethan made the choice to choose the House over Merit, she does the same thing. My problem is that Ethan didn't choose the House over Merit, he was afraid. He ran like a scared little kid and gave up Merit. Merit keeps secrets for a while, but ends up telling Ethan that there are some things she can't tell him. Secrets that are not hers to give. Big difference.

There are moments in a series where authors of amazing skills (such as Keri Arthur in her Riley Jenson series) can take a character that isn't well liked—even hated—and redeem them. That was what needed to happen to Ethan. However, I'm having my doubts about the Neill's ability to create good character growth. Other characters still annoy me and they seem to have bipolar disorder with jumping personalities.

The mystery was really fun, while it didn't surprise me like the last one it was really well developed. Something was missing with this one. (Yeah, I know I got what I asked for and I'm still moaning.) Three huge plot developments occur and yet the majority of the book felt like filler. The bright side is Jonah, Merit's Red Guard "partner", he's amazing. Oh, I hope he gets to move in on Ethan claim of Merit.

Sexual Content: Plenty of sexual tension, making out, and humor.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

****Review copy received through Netgalley for an honest review.****

Leaving off from the last book Allie is still on the hunt for Sarren to find Kanin. Of course we all new that the journey would lead her back to New Coventon the place where everything began. Even though I figured Allie would somehow end up joining forces with Jackel, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Those two are a hoot together. They both push and pull in a relationship that is good for Jackel and not so good for Allie.

Oh, and Zeke. Sweet, yummy, amazing, wonderful, and awesome Zeke. There was no way that their story wouldn't continue after the amazingness of the last book. The love story of vampire and human that Kagawa has spun is truly—using my own words—"sweet and forbidden romance". Even when it wasn't in the forefront of the series, I was obsessed about these two. Don't get me wrong the story that isn't all about the romance, the rest of the story is just as magnificent, but the love story is sooooooooo good that my mind couldn't help but fret and obsess over it.

Mind. Boom! Boom! Brain matter all over the place! The Eternity Cure has been high on my list as the most anticipated sequel of 2013. Its magical to feel this kind of need for a book. Of course reading this book fed the hunger, but left me starving when the last page turned. Kagawa is amazing at mixing dystopian, romance, action, mystery, vampires, and haunting love. Sure a few things are predictable, but the character growth and developments are a balm to the picky reader. Allie's inner monster is ever progressing and I look forward to seeing the next metamorphosis. Oh, and to the end of this latest cliffhanger!

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, making out, and talks of getting it on!

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.