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Quick Book Review – How (Not) to Kiss a Toad by Elizabeth A. Reeves
How (Not) to Kiss a Toad by Elizabeth A. Reeves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Totally quirky and inventive, this paranormal romance was easy to read, easy to fall into for a few hours, and easy to love. I’m pretty sure there has to be a “next book” at least I hope so! Off to look for it now (fingers crossed)!
Quickie Book Review – Witchy Business by Eve Paludan
Witchy Business by Eve Paludan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A quick paranormal read… great characters, interesting setting and details. I was a little irritated by the way the main character Elle, went along with being man-handled by her so called friend… It felt a little too out of character and flimsy. But overall, I was ecstatic to see one of the main tenants of paranormal mythology so morphed into something quite new and original.
Nice way to spend a relaxing spring day outside reading!
Quickie Book Review – The Burning of Isobel Key by Jen McConnel
The Burning of Isobel Key by Jen McConnel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very nicely done. The juxaposition of past and present were well-done, never jarring or hard to follow. And both time lines were brought nicely together near the end.
My heart ached for Isobel and all that befell her. I was drawn to most of the characters in a similar way. The interaction between the characters felt “true” and complex, like it should. Particularly, the interaction regarding pagan/ Christian beliefs was very well thought out by the author and added another layer of “realness” to the novel.
I’d recommend this novel to anyone who likes women’s fiction, light-historical, or paranormal romances.
Quickie Book Review – Give Me by L.K. Rigel
Give Me: A Tale of Wyrd and Fae by L.K. Rigel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have so many good things to say about this book. First, it’s a very well written novel and the intricate weaving of a couple of timelines was done very well. The characters, while not always likeable, rang true and clear. The setting and descriptions made it easy to transport myself to this strange land as I read along.
The author’s take on the Wyrding and spells was a breath of fresh air, as was her take on fairies. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes their fantasy/ paranormal to have a creative flair.
Book Review – Spell Checked by C. G. Powell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was clearly a sleeper– I picked it up on a whim, half expecting to feel “meh” about it after I read it. Boy, was I wrong.
I loved the star-cross lover angle, the historical details, the way the whole motley lot of them congregated in one place to teach the magic to one so untrained. And the genetics/ science aspect was an interesting detail for the author to add as well.
When done, I felt sad that it was over, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Fans of H.P. Mallory’s Jolie Wilkins series should really like this series as well!
Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
Have I said before how much I love this time of year?
Mmmm. Fall. Halloween. English Toffee lattes and Sweet potato pies.
And of course, for all the wonderful chances to get FREE books and swag through the seasonal Blog hops! I’m participating in one such Halloween hop that has soooo many participating Authors and sites that my head is spinning and I’m giddy with the excitement of it all.
In case you don’t understand how a “hop” works, just click the banner above and find yourself with gads of other sites to “hop” on over to. Each site is giving something away, whether free books or cool swag, so definitely check out the other sites and see what you can win!
Now, for my Giveaway:
I’m offering up a paperback copy of Kill Me for your reading pleasure, an ebook copy of Kill Me, and a cool little mini-poster that features the Kill Me cover art (autographed too!)
Short Story Review- The Witch Sea by Sarah Diemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This short story didnt feel so much as “written” as it did painted by masterful brushstrokes. It was lyrical, haunting and exceptionally crafted. In fact, I got so into it that it certainly didn’t feel like a short work at all, just that I’d read a novella (devoured actually) in record time.
If your expecting a little girl-on-girl action, you won’t get it here. Well maybe just a little, but this is certainly not erotica. This story is more a fantastical love tragedy than any standard genre read.
I’ve certainly found a new favorite author! Pick it up, you won’t be sorry:-)
Mini Book Review – WBI: Witches Bureau of Investigation by Richard Capwell
WBI: Witches Bureau of Investigation by Richard Capwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun, zany book geared towards a younger audience, but surely fun for the adults as well. The kids were funny, and the supporting cast of characters quirky, “real” and should make for interesting plot lines in the future. (I’m assuming this is a series, or will be).
The magic is of the Samantha Stevens / Nanny McPhee variety and not too scary or heavy for the younger kids either. Off to see if there is another book out yet 
The Blurb from Amazon:
By chance, eleven-year-old twins Nate and Herman Howe meet Mrs. Weatherby, a retired member of the Los Angeles branch of Witches Bureau of Investigation. The boys ask her to help find their mother, who has been missing for six months. Reluctantly, Mrs. Weatherby agrees, though all of her licenses to work magic have expired. She reaches out to her old colleagues, for information and assistance, but they soon uncover a dangerous plot that threatens the safety of the entire world. The Bureau may be compromised, so it’s up to Mrs. Weatherby’s band of old agents to follow the clues and keep the horrors of history from resurfacing.
Snag a copy of my novel KILL ME!
After waiting several weeks (and chanting in the moonlight, and chasing a rabbit so I could pet it’s foot) Amazon has finally lowered the price of KILL ME to $0.00 – so it’s finally FREE! I have no idea how long the mighty ‘Zon will keep it free, so I’d suggest you hop on over there and snag a copy pronto. (Ebook is free. Not the paperback)
For those of you without an eReader, or who just prefer a physical copy in your hot little hands, I’m also running a paperback giveaway over on GoodReads, so there’s still hope for you yet!
BOOK BLURB:
Vampire Bette wants to find a human with untapped talents that she can mold and control. Using a haunted violin, she lures Claire in with her lilting song and bewitching smile. In that moment, Claire’s life is unraveled and she finds herself with more than strange dreams and overdue bills to worry about. Much more.
Unfortunately for Claire, life isn’t all song lyrics and seduction. Tied to darkness by blood and power, Claire must harness her abilities if she has any hope of returning home to her daughter and regaining her former life.
REVIEWS:
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Book Review – Broken Shell Island by Dalya Moon
Broken Shell Island by Dalya Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First off, I really need to point out that this book was totally clean. As in, G-rated-not-so-much-as-an-innuendo clean. Those of you that know my work might have been confused, so I felt like I needed to clarify that from the get-go.
Now, to the meat of things. Broken Shell Island was one heck of a ride. It’s been a while since I’ve read something targeted to the often-more imaginative younger generation and reading this book reminded me of the magic of innocence and how inventive and creative writers can be when they shrug off the status-quo of adulthood.
Moon writes with crisp clarity, even when the story calls for suspended disbelief. After reading this book, I’m almost convinced that there really is a Broken Shell Island out there, and this novel was just a clever book-inside-a-book-inside-a-book plot!
While the writing style pulled it all together, the perfected details made this story. The Goats! I loved those little guys. And the tiny, bubbling bit of magic that saved the day– just goes to show that no matter how inconsequential a talent, it could very well come in handy in the right moment.
I’ll certainly read more books by Dalya Moon, even though my tastes usually run more adult.
Quickie Book Review – Death’s Avatar (#0.5) by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kick-*ss heroine, race against the clock to save the world, and a brilliant way to showcase the series (by offering readers a prequel novella). Def. will be reading book one in the series very soon. In fact, it’s already on my ipad, patiently waiting for me!
Book Review – Me and My Ghoulfriends by Rose Pressey
Me and My Ghoulfriends by Rose Pressey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting “light” paranormal about a woman who can see and talk to ghosts– and owns a bookstore, the hot new business owner next door, and the *itch that owns the clothing store across the street.
As with the other books by Pressey that I’ve read, her humor and ability to give us quirky, realistic characters is what makes the books. The plotting in this book was fine (if though a little obvious)but the sparkle is in the people.
I’ll read more of the series for sure.
Book Review – Something Witchy This Way Comes by HP Mallory
Something Witchy This Way Comes by H.P. Mallory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a huge fan of HP Mallory’s. Not only does she invent such quirky characters, but she has a way of making me divide my loyalties when it comes to who the main character, Jolie, should end up with (in my opinion.) And her creative plot lines are so much fun to immerse myself in and drown out the daily sorking-stiff boredom.
That said, I found this latest installment in the series a bit of a departure from the “norm” of things. I don’t want to give away any of the plotting, but I’ll just say that this book is more focused on Jolie (independent of the whole Rand/ Sinjin thing) and that took some getting used to. Like I said earlier, I am soooo on the fence about which guy is the *right* one for her that I crave move screen time with each of them.
Something Witchy also reveals a few big surprises that will forever alter Jolie’s path, so if you haven’t picked up your copy of this novel yet hurry up and do so! I’ve been waiting for the release for months just so I could discuss!
