Sunday, April 28, 2013

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris
Sookie Stackhouse #13

Dead Ever After




SPOILER- DON'T READ IT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED

AGAIN SPOILERS!!!!!

I'm very sad about the outcome of this series. Too many years invested in the relationship between Sookie and Eric. It seems Mrs Harris has shown that she can benefit from the reader's money but not from the reader's opinions.

Let me explain myself first. I joined CH's board years ago after I watched a New Year's marathon of Trueblood's first season. when I found the series was based on the books, I went to amazon and bought the box set. Over the next week, I read all of them. In the beginning, because of Trueblood, I was a Bill fan. after reading book 2, that changed and by book 4 (my personal favorite) I was an EL. Eric is featured in every book, he has more page than any other suitor. So you can understand the shock when The HEA is revealed as Sam. Not Bill, not Alcide, not Quinn. Sam, her friend, her boss. 

Sookie wanted something different at the beginning of the series. She wanted to meet someone she can't read telepathically. That's why she fell for Bill in the first place but in the end, she ends up with a guy who she can read easily. 

Eric has done many wonderful things through the years for Sookie. But, it the last book he is written as a selfish vampire.

But, not only does Sookie loses the man she loves, and settles for not even a second choice, she loses her friend. Pam is gone for the most part, since Sookie is banned from Fangtasia.

Worse, is that Eric, who is a rape victim, now is forced to marry a woman he doesn't love and has to be enslaved for 200 years.

My understanding is that some writers were defending CH about the fans been upset at her. I will recommend for them to first read her books (from the library, don't pay for them), then listen to the fans. Over the years, her board was the most hostile place I have ever been too. Her mods were extremely rude to EL's and newbies. Most of us left because there is no reason to tolerate the abuse. We have lives, lol.

Let me give you examples, if you are familiar with these writers, this is more or less what CH had done to us:

It will be like Kim Harrison- killing Trent on her last book and Itchy witch ending married to Jenks.

It will be like Jeaninne Frost's Bones leaving Cat and moving away. And Cat starting over with Tate.

It will be like Ilona's Kate Daniels going into hiding with Witness Protection and Curran falling for a vampire.

It will be like JWR's Zhadist getting captured again and Bella settling with Rhev.

It will be like Richelle Mead's Rose, not choosing Dimitri, not even Adrian, but running away with another teacher.

It will be like Stephanie Meyer's Bella, not ending with Edward or Jacob, but one of the pack like Sam.

It will be like Karen Marie Moning's Mac going back to USA, and Barron's dying.

It will be like Patricia Briggs' Mercy marrying Stephan, while Adam marries someone within the pack.

Please feel free to insert your favorite couple next.

At the end, Sookie is worst than when the series started, because she now knows what she is going to be missing. She will have a dull existence. And are we to believe that after one year of Sookie's protection, Sam will be able to protect her from the vamps? The same vamps that CH says we CAN'T trust?

Last, this author should be ashamed of calling her fans: malicious, disgruntled, entitled, immature, virulent and trolls. This is childish behavior, leaning towards a narcissist personality disorder and she is unable to take any criticism. I abjured you from my reading list.

The only good thing that came out of CH's boards, were the friends I made in Meebo, full of intelligent, sweet, charming, happy women who shared the love of the vampire Eric. (EL's and my sinners, yay!)

This book is DEAD to ME.

1/5 stars

"I'd never looked on Sam as a beddable man before- or at least not beddable by me- for a lot of reasons." -> Sookie, Dead Until Dark

The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1) by Tarryn Fisher

The Opportunist
Olivia Kaspen met Caleb in college. She tried to avoid him at all cost. She knew he was trouble from the start.
At the beginning she tries to stay away but later on she only wants him. She will do anything to get him back. And unfortunately, she makes the wrong choices. At the end they end up their relationship in the worse way ever. Years later they meet again, but Caleb has lost his memory after a car accident. She grabs the opportunity fate has handed her. The only problem is that Caleb has a girlfriend and she is evil.

What a book!! It remind so much of the Avoiding series.
It is painful to read. The angst is superb. Days later I'm still thinking about this book.
Caleb's choices are poor to say the least. Half the time I want to scream at both and slap a few people. The emotions this book brings are incredible.
Airport blue has never been the best color ever and a penny has never meant so much.
4/5 Fangs- because I want more in the epilogue.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Heir Untamed (Latvala Royals #1) by Danielle Bourdon

Heir Untamed
Chey Sinclair doesn't have any money to pay her rent. So when someone knocks on her door and offers her money to fly to a different country to take pictures of Royalty, she doesn't think twice.
Once she gets there she is attracted to Mattias, one of the Princes. But, her heart goes to the head of security, Mr. Sander Fisk.
The more she spends time with him, the more she likes him.
Of course, as in any royalty plot, there is intrigue, someone wants to harm Chey and her life is in danger.

I like this Royal romance. I like that our heroine is independent. I really like Sander too.
3/5 Fangs

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Reflected in You (Crossfire #2) by Sylvia Day

Reflected in You
On the second installment things seem to be doing much better for Gideon and Eva. They seem to be working on their trust issues.
A few people from Eva's past are present in this book. One an ex lover. (Which I kinda of like). The second is just a horrible person.
When Gideon pushes her away and hangs with Corrine, I wanted to scream. I know the end result, but still.
I wonder what book three will be about.
4/5 Fangs

Monday, April 22, 2013

Bared to You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day

Bared to You
Eva Trammel comes from money, at least part of it. (Her dad, Victor Reyes doesn't have much but has tons of respect, loyalty and intelligence)
Eva has moved to New York and is starting a new job at Waters, Field and Leaman. She goes to the Crossfire building to time herself to prevent from getting there late on her first day of work. When she tries to help a woman who's purse falls, she meets Mr Gideon Cross. He has danger written all over him.
Gideon pursues her and gets her, but they both come from a terrible past (Spoiler- Fangalert- they were both  abused).
Cary Taylor is Eva's best friend and roommate. Their relationship is platonic.
Gideon has a hard time with it sometimes.
Eva is also extremely jealous of Gideon's ex'es.
The best part of the book- no cliffhanger.
Love Gideon although he is naive in regards to Corrine. Cary for the most part was great except at the end of the book. Talked about another damaged soul.
4/5 Fangs

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable #2) by Monica Murphy

Second Chance Boyfriend
This is the end to Fable and Drew's story.
After a couple of months apart, Fable is trying to go on with her life. She is working in a new place with a good boss, Colin. She has improved herself and it is easier to keep her brother protected.
But then Drew is back in her life and after a marshmallow call for help she decides to pick him up.
Things get crazy between both. Their relationship is better until Cruella de Vil is back in their life.
They fight for each other and there is an HEA.
Secondary characters are great like Colin and Owen.
Hopefully both get a book.
3.9/5 Fangs

One Week Girlfriend (Drew + Fable #1) by Monica Murphy

One Week Girlfriend
Fable Maguirre has a tough life. She is working two jobs to pay for her rent and food for her and her thirteen year old brother. Her mother couldn't care less about them.
When famous quarterback Drew Callahan wants to hire her to play his girlfriend for a weekend during Thanksgiving break and offers 3000 dollars she can't turn him down.
During the car ride to his parents she tries to get more information from Drew but she discovers he is hiding something (and what a mess it is).
There is an evil stepmother in this cinderella story. She is very hateful.

I like how Fable and Drew helped each other. Their love is intense. And the word MARSHMELLOW will never be the same to me. (as airport blue -now)
3/5 Fangs (cliffhanger to blame)

Knotted Roots by Ruthi Kight

Knotted Roots
When Roxie's rich parents decided to divorce, her world comes crashing down. But to makes matter worse, they think she should go to visit her grandmother Betty in the south. Someone she has never met.
The farm life is hard. Waking up early. Working many hours. At first she hates this but the more she stays the more she likes her life and of course the cute boy Chase.
She can't help falling in love with him. He is hurting and she is helping him heal.
Tough decisions to make in the end. Will she choose Chase?
I liked most of it. Had a hard time sometimes with the way Grandma and Roxie communicate.
3/5 Fangs

Protecting What's His (Line of Duty #1) by Tessa Bailey

Protecting What's His
Ginger Peet is tired of her drug addict mother. When the opportunity rises to leave town with her sister Willa, she doesn't think twice.
She moves from Nashville to Chicago. On her first day she meets Derek Tyler, a homicide lieutenant.
Derek knows what he wants and he wants Ginger. He will protect her and Willa.
Derek is an alpha male to the core. Funny lines and steamy ones too.
I liked the secondary characters like Willa and Evan.

3/5 Fangs (Spoiler Fangalert: because Ginger acted very dumb going back without Derek's help.)

"I'm ruined. You ruined me, Ginger"

The Love Game (The Game #1) by Emma Hart

The Love Game
So what happens when your girlfriends tell you to make the playboy fall in love with you. You have a month to make hunk Braden Carter fall in love with you.
And what happens when your friends bet you, you can make Maddie Stevens fall in love with you in one month.

Fireworks-- that's it!

They both want to make the other fall in love and then leave her/him.

But when Braden and Maddie spend time together, they both learn that they like each other. There is much more than meets the eye.
Maddie thought Braden was like her brother Pearce, who used her best friend and then left her. But, Braden is proving to be very different.
Now, what happens when one of them finds out they have been played? Fireworks-- again!
4/5 Fangs

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

About Last Night

Mary Catherine Talarico moved from Chicago to London to make a new life.

She takes the train and she has a story for every passenger she commutes with. She has decided handsome guy is "City" because of the clothes he wears.

She works in the Victoria and Albert Museum, in the hand-knitting area.

When she has a bad date, with a bad combo of alcohol and antihistaminics she ends up in City's home.

City is Nev Chamberlain. He is a banker. His family is rich. He also has a passion and that is painting.

Can these two different people work?

Nev has a horrible brother and his mom can be quite a problem.

I love City. He was good to Mary Catherine.

3/5 Fangs

Belong To You (Cole #1) by Vi Keeland

Belong to You
Sydney is enjoying her honeymoon. She is in Hawaii but instead of having her new husband with her, she has her best friend Sienna.
She was with Michael for seven years but she didn't like the Sydney she was during this time. She always like to sing but stopped because of him. She breaks up the engagement and decides to enjoy her honeymoon.
When Jack approaches she can't believe how handsome he is and flirting is taken to a new level. Sydney decides to enjoy her last few days in Hawaii with him and no regrets before she goes back to New York.
But, in a short time she knows she has fallen for him and her life in New York is not the same. Of course, Jack can't stay away and we learned more about who Jack really is.
I love Jack- will see what happens in the next book.
4/5 Fangs

Blood Trade (Jane Yellowrock #6) by Faith Hunter

Blood Trade
Jane is suffering from depression. She can't stand the betrayal from Leo and Bruiser. Beast is bound to Leo. But Jane doesn't want Leo to know.
So when the opportunity to leave town arises to help the Master of Natchez, Mississippi, she packs her bags taking with her Eli and Alex (kid) Younger.
When she gets there she realizes that the rogue vampires have changed and maybe witchcraft is involved. Rick and Bruiser both make an appearance. Bruiser has changed into something else. (Spoiler Fangalert "Onorio")
Rick also drops a bomb at Jane's feet. (Spoiler Fangalert: His cat thinks he is mated to Beast)
A friend from her past, Bobby and Misha with her daughter appear in the city too. Jane is running out of time. She needs to learn how to kill the new vampires and save her friends.
Evan is called to help and he seems to resolve some of his issues with Jane. Also, the sheriff, Sylvia Turpin seems to accept Jane better and she seems to develop a crush on Eli.
The action is good. But this triangle is tiring.
I want Jane with Bruiser for a while, even if she ends up with Rick as her HEA.
3/5 Fangs

Own the Wind (Chaos #1) by Kristen Ashley

Own the Wind
This is the first Chaos series but to understand the little cameos we see in this book, you should read the dream man series and the Rock Chick series. And since you are doing that might as well read the Colorado series.
This is the story between Tabby and Shy. In the last dream man book we saw the sparks between these two. Now, years later Shy isn't shy to tell Tabby to get her life together and stop hanging around with trouble, even if this means her best friend.
Tabby listens but she gets away from Shy as soon as possible. She falls in love and then tragedy changes her life again. Shy is back but how can they work. Chaos- the motorcycle club may not like their relationship, specially daddy and President Tack Allen.
Tabby's friend keeps on messing up and this will affect the club.
Love the cameos of all the other awesome characters like Lee, Elvira, Tyra, Tex, Hawk, Brock, Mitch. I can get enough of their world.
This book has less fight scenes but more romance. It's a winner. Love KA's books.
 I sigh when Shy says "I'm gone for you".
5/5 Fangs

Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin #8) by Jennifer Estep

Deadly Sting
Gin Bianco is invited to a gala by Finn. He takes her shopping were she ends up buying a red dress. Which is the color that goes with her lifestyle.
The museum is showing all of Mab's possessions and in a way Gin is still interested about her Nemesis.
To her surprise, Owen is there but with someone else. Things get worse for Gin when they get attacked.  Gin is trying to keep herself alive and her friends too.
I love this series until the last book. Owen change(is Donovan all over again). He hurt Gin and in this book he keeps on hurting her. He has so many chances to be more and he fails. I'm surprised his sister doesn't call him on it.
There is hope but the flame is so small. I think Violet eyes have to improve dramatically in the next book or Gin needs to move on.
I still love Finn and Bria.
3/5 Fangs

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Lover At Lost

If you haven't read this series, you are missing it big time. One of my favorites from all time.

Qhuinn has suffered from lack of acceptance from his family, just because he isn't perfect. Having eyes with different colors really suck in this world. Luckily, the Brothers don't care. They believe he is a great fighter and a man of worth. (If my Z likes him, I like him).

Qhuinn is in love. But the love is not returned or so he thinks. He believe his soulmate is happy with his boyfriend Saxton. It's tough for Blay and Qhuinn to open up to each other and so many misunderstandings occurred. Their relationship has to bloom in between all the lesser and Xcor's continuous attacks to the Brotherhood.

Qhuinn and Layla are happy about her pregnancy but things never do go as planed.

I love Payne in this one (and she has never been one of my favorite characters). I feel bad for Xcor and his love for Layla. I love Assail and can't wait to see his story with Sola. Sola is tough as nails and she doesn't give up. She'll be a great addition to the other Shellans. Trez and iAm as shadows are interesting but I gotta admit I like Assail better.

We have the little plot against our King Wrath. I'm pretty sure this is only the beginning of his problems (specially since Beth really wants a baby). 

You know what a missed more: the interaction within the Brothers and their Shellans. My Z has some page action but I wanted more (he is my favorite brother), I really miss all of them.

Can't wait for the next one.

4/5 Fangs

Love Irresistibly (FBI / US Attorney #4) by Julie James

Love Irresistable
Cade Morgan is the Assistant U.S. Attorney and because of a case he needs help from attractive Brooke Parker who is the counsel for a large five star restaurant company. He wants help with planting microphones under a table were two suspects are eating.
Brooke thinks Cade is very attractive but also very arrogant. He seem to be a college football legend, even if he doesn't bring it up. He is also the famous lawyer who put the famous Twitter Terrorist behind bars.
Both have had a hard time keeping a relationship because of the long hours they work. But sparks are flying.
For Cade life gets complicated with family problems, a new brother, Zach, he didn't know he had. And Brooke has some pretty hard decisions to make regarding her job.
Secondary characters are great too. We have Ford, Zach, cameos from prior characters.
Enjoyable as all Julie's books.
4/5 Fangs

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Lux 0.5

Shadows





A prequel from the Lux Series.

This novella is about the relationship between Dawson and Bethany.

Dawson Black, is a Luxen, an alien on Earth. He is usually the calm brother. But his life turns upside down when a new girl gets transferred to his hometown.

Bethany is the new girl at school and she is shocked to meet one of the cutest guys on her first day. She can't believe how beautiful his eyes are.

Things get complicated when they fall for each other. How do they tell their respective families? What if the DOD finds out?

Love seeing their relationship from Dawson's POV. His love for Bethany. Jennifer Armentrout knows how to write her alien. This is another of my top series ever.

I am just waiting for the movies. (A girl can hope).

4/5 Fangs

Ink (Ink #1) by Holly Hood

Ink
Hope has moved with part of her family to Cherry California. Her mother left them for her son's martial arts instructor. Her youngest brother stayed with her mother too. Hope felt obligated to stay with her dad because he is an alcoholic and she is worried he will get hurt.
She meets tall dark and dangerous guy called Slade. He used to go to the same school she did but got kicked out.
Slade hangs out with the band and Emo people. She attends a few of the concerts, but something isn't right.
Hope also has the attention from a classmate who is the Major's son.
A little bit of a love triangle ensues but Hope can't say no to bad boy Slade. That is until she discovers his secrets.

A like Slade for the most part but I felt like he didn't fight hard enough for Hope. Hope is seventeen but acts much older. Having many responsibilities. I liked her relationship with her dad and best friend Karsen.
3/5 Fangs

Until Fountain Bridge by Samantha Young
On Dublin Street #1.5

Until Fountain Bridg


Ellie Carmichael is Braden's sister from On Dublin Street (one of my favorites books from 2012). This is a novella about her and the man she loves Adam Sutherland.

Ellie had loved Adam for as long as she can remember. And now that she has a life with him, she goes down memory lane with help from her diaries.

She lets Adam read them with her.

We see when Ellie's attraction starts and how long it takes Adam to realize he shares the attraction.

Very well done, I loved it. Love these characters and Samantha Young is absolutely a great writer. 

Can't wait for the next book.

4/5 Fangs

Sleeping with Mr. Sexy by S.L. Scott

Sleeping with Mr. Sexy
Lydia Nichols landed her dream job. She is moving to New York from San Francisco. The night before she has to move she goes out with her friends to celebrate. Her best friend is Chase. She drinks a little to much and ends up sleeping with him.
Chase Andrews has been a ladies man but he just wants a real relationship with his best friend Lydia.
Lydia has a hard choice to make in the end.
3/5 Fangs

Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry

Dare You To
This is the second book in the series.
This is the story of Beth and Ryan.
Beth is struggling to survive. Her mother is an alcoholic/drug addict. Her mom's boyfriend is a piece of work. He beats her up.
When things get out of control. Beth is sent to live with her uncle Scott (an ex-ball player) and his wife Allison. Allison is not happy to have this angry teenager in her house. Because, Beth is angry. She wants to stay with her best friend Isaiah. Instead she is forced to attend a new high school.
Before she left her old life she met Ryan Stone, who attempted to get her phone number as a dare. To her surprise good old boy Ryan is a student at her new school and he is a popular kid. At the beginning the dare is what makes Ryan become closer to Beth, but later on things change.
I like Ryan as a character. He is sweet and is up front. Even when he has to stand up to his family and friends to keep Beth in his life.
3.5/5 Fangs

Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder

Falling into you
Nell Hawthorne is broken. She had a perfect life. Grew up next to Kyle Calloway. They were neighbors and friends since they were in a crib.
When Nell gets asked to a date by another guy, Kyle can't handle it. He doesn't understand it but soon they both figure out that they want to be together at the age of sixteen. A couple of years go by and Kyle and Nell's relationship has blossomed. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and Nell's world changes forever.
Kyle's brother Colton comes back to town. He doesn't stay but makes a connection with Nell.
They meet again, and two broken souls try to heal each other.
Very sad at times. I wish the book was a little longer. The road to healing is going to take a while.
3/5 Fangs

The Secret of Ella and Micha (The Secret #1) by Jessica Sorensen

The secret of Ella and Micha
Ella ran away from home eight months ago. After the death of her mother, she couldn't cope. She left her father and best friend, Micha behind.
But Micha feels more than friendship towards Ella and she probable feels the same way but won't allow herself to open up to him.
During this eight months, she has been in Nevada, in college. Now, that summer break is starting, she has no other choice but to go back home.
She brings her roommate. Micha is right there when she gets home.  And little by little Micha tries to get the old Ella to appear.
Micha is suffering his own heartbreak but he wants his friend back and he will stop at nothing to get her.
This is the story of learning to forgive yourself and deciding to keep on living.
3/5 Fangs

Ruined by S. Pratt

Ruined
Bailey Michaels has a fiancee. However, this doesn't stop her from wanting a man she can't have.
Angel has been the love of her life. He pushed her away.
Now, suddenly there is the possibility they could be together. They just have to hurt a lot of people before they can ride the horse into the horizon.
The books keeps you guessing on who Angel is and why they can't be together.
This was not my cup of tea. Maybe because she hurt Carron her fiancee in the process and he seems like a really nice guy.
2.5/5 Fangs

Making You Mine (The Moreno Brothers #5) by Elizabeth Reyes

Making You Mine
I'm late to the Moreno brothers' stories. But this one was pretty good.
Salvador Reyes is the last single brother. He likes his life. Personality type A. He is in charged of all the restaurants his family owns and he is thinking of expanding. He had the duty to help hire staff specially chefs. When Grace Zendejas comes to interview, he is happy to dismiss her, something makes her dangerous and lying on her application is the perfect excuse. Luckily for him, when Grace comes back, his brother Alex hires her as a bartender. Everyone immediately loves her. Salvador can help but start falling for her. However, things go south after a trip to Vegas and Salvador is in danger of loosing the woman he cares for.
The whole Salvador family is a pleasure to read. Great epilogue. I will have to check the other siblings books soon.
3/5 Fangs

Surrender Your Love by J.C. Reed

Surrender Your Love
Brooke Stewart had a bad day. She was tired of waiting for a prospective client. But the client sent someone else, who is too sexy for his own good. She decides this will be a waste of her time. She doesn't do drop dead gorgeous. Mystery Man is a no go. Funny how things changed, the next morning when she wakes up next to the same guy. Too much alcohol is involved. Last thing she remembered, she was out with her roommate partying. After an awkward morning. The last thing she expected was to see him again.
Life is changing too fast, she has a new job and now her boss is Mystery Man.
Jett Mayfield, playboy millionaire knows what he wants and he wants Brooke. He offers a consensual relationship of sorts.
Everything is going great until the big secret is revealed.
What can I say, plot is similar to other stories but yet the difference makes it work. I like their chemistry and banter.
3/5 (why because of the cliffy)

Clash (Crash #2) by Nicole Williams

Clash
Clash is the second book.
It start with Lucy and Jude together (where there should always stay). They are trying to keep a long distance relationship. He is in college, playing football and she comes to his games. He also goes to visit her any chance he has.
But, a Spirit Sister (a girl is assigned to a football player for the year) starts invading Jude's space, Lucy starts getting jealous and having doubts about their relationship.
When a awful misunderstanding takes place. Lucy pushes Jude away. And most of the book is Lucy pushing Jude away.
How many times can the girl do that and Jude still be there for her. Yes, he has an awful temper but he is working on it.
I liked this book more that Crash. I thought Jude was great in it. He can be so sweet-specially during the games.

3/5 Fangs

Crash (Crash #1) by Nicole Williams

Crash
Lucy Larson is new in town, her family has moved recently after tragic events. She meets Jude Ryder and her life will never be the same. The guy is intense, has ran with the wrong crowd for a while.
They end up attending the same school. This is their senior's year. Rumors are going around her first day of her senior school year about her relationship with Jude.
Lucy is intrigued by Jude and when he acts as her boyfriend she can't resist him. But, their happiness is short lived. Jude makes a mistake and he may loose Lucy, sending her into another guy's arms.
This book is full of tragedy and heartache. You can't help feel sorry for Jude. The first couple of chapters were shocking and the last few chapters as well. I really like Jude's character.
3/5 Fangs