Archive for the ‘4.5 Star’ Category

Title: Cheat the Grave (Signs of the Zodiac, book 5)
Author: Vicki Pettersson
Release: May 25th, 2010
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 Stars

I have a confession, I am a VPeep, yes that’s right. I am a Vicki Pettersson fangirl. It’s partly because she is a Vegas girl and I love that connection in her stories, but also because she writes dark urban fantasy and I love it. She isn’t afraid to torture her characters or break the rules for the sake of the story. The last book in the series was shocking and turned the series upside down on its head. The main character, Joanna, was forever changed to the point that many thought the series was over with.. Yet, the series isn’t over and Pettersson returns to torture us, and Joanna, in the fifth installment of the Signs of the Zodiac series, Cheat the Grave.

The Signs of the Zodiac series feature not vampires, or werewolves, or any other typical supernatural character…. but instead modern super heroes. The world is made up of Agents of Light and Shadow, battling to keep the world balanced with the events being recorded in comic books, known to the agents as manuals. Our main protagonist is Joanna, an Agent of Light, mostly. Her mother was Zoe Archer, the Sagitarrius Agent of Light while her father was the Tulpa, the evil genius in control of the Shadow Agents in Las Vegas.

Joanna Archer is tough, hard, bitter, angry, battle worn, and alone. Abandoned by her mother and practically disowned by her assumed father, she started off this series all of these things and more. When I read the first book I wondered where she could possibly go from there? Over the last 4 books she has found companionship and family through her troop and some unexpectedly inherited friends and family. She has been trained to be a deadly weapon, but she has also softened in her judgment and acceptance of those around her. She lets people into her life and get to know her and becomes a better character because of it. Yet letting people in often means getting hurt, and Joanna is no exception. Her troop has abandoned her, her lover betrayed her….she is once again alone and wondering what she has left to live for.

Cheat the Grave gives us a rare look at our super heroine weak and vulnerable. Joanna is wallowing in self pity and unsure of where she belongs. This part of the book was the hardest part for me to read, I didn’t enjoy it but I know it was necessary and real. I wanted to smack Jo upside the head and tell her to snap out of it – she was a tough kick ass chick, not some mopey do nothing! As a side effect, this section was the slowest for me to read and I found myself wishing things were moving a bit faster.

Things picked up and the story shined for me as new characters were introduced to Joanna’s world. Cast out of the Light and not willing to be Shadow, Jo is looking for some place to belong. Rogue agents, independents no longer light or shadow, make themselves known to her and she is forced to question her beliefs about light and dark. Can there be Gray and is she willing to be part of it? The Gray Agents are all interesting characters that will make you smile, Carlos especially. Even Zoe Archer makes an appearance, and man she kicks some serious ass.

Cheat the Grave teases us mercilessly through Jo and Hunter’s relationship, bringing to light new facts and background information. The connection between the two is as strong as ever and a I can’t wait to see what is in store in book 6. The end of this one left me with hope for them, but Vicki Pettersson is known for taking that hope and stomping on it while laughing maniacally.

In the end, Cheat the Grave is another great installment in the series, featuring a few “oh my god no way” moments you don’t want to miss. It may have been a bit slow moving at times but the story telling and world building more than make up for it. Joanna Archer is at her limits and this book just pushes her harder, asking what will she do? What is she really made of? In this gritty dirty urban fantasy there are no happy endings, but if you are looking for great story telling and riveting character growth, this one is for you.

For a limited time you can get book 1 of the series, Scent of Shadows, free on Kindle from Amazon.com here.

FTC Disclaimer: Book was won in a giveaway

Title: Laid Bare (Brown Siblings, book 1)
Author: Lauren Dane
Release: August 4th, 2009
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Genre: Erotic Romance, Menage
Rating: 4.5 Stars

After reading a couple of heavy hitting Urban Fantasy books I wanted some light sexy books, I looked through my library and settled on the Lauren Dane books I had been hoarding. FictionVixen loves herself some Lauren Dane and she hasn’t steered me wrong yet, so it was settled. Of course I had some reading comprehension issues that day and mistakenly read Coming Undone before Laid Bare, but no harm was done as they stand on their own. Laid Bare and Coming Undone are not a series, but they are related as they are focused on a small group of friends and family. You can read one without the other, but why would you? They are too good to pass up on.

Laid Bare focuses on Erin Brown, a tough non nonsense sort of chick who has been put through hell and is somehow still standing. Erin struggles to get through each day pushing the loss she has suffered down and out of the way. The fates have plans for her tho and one day strong, sexy, dominant Todd Keenan walks back into her life after more than 10 years have passed. Todd Keenan has returned to his hometown after 10 years and a divorce, finally ready to be comfortable with who he is. When he walks into a small cafe to find the only woman to ever accept his dark desires sparks fly and the two embark on a wicked path of burning hot sex and unexpected emotional twists and turns. Things are only made more exciting, and complicated, when the couple find themselves intrigued and interested in adding Ben Copeland to their bed.

I absolutely loved Laid Bare. Words can not express exactly how much I loved this book. Lauren Dane blew my socks off and clear out of my house with the dominating and sexy Todd Keenan, and later Ben Copeland. To say that the sex scenes in this book were steamy is an understatement… they were an inferno unlike anything I have read so far. But Laid Bare is about more than just sex, Lauren Dane has a talent for creating endearing characters you wish you knew in real life. The sense of family and friendship she writes into this story compliment the plot perfectly and give the characters added dimension and depth. The emotional development between all three main characters was a joy to read.

My one complaint is that I felt the ending dragged on a smidge. I felt like I had my happy ending a good 50 pages before the end of the book and the rest could have been cut and I would have still been happy. Those last 50 pages do have value, i just wonder if they should have been rearranged to happen sooner.

I’m convinced Lauren Dane somehow downloaded all of the things that make me tingle from my head and put them into this book… Erin even has pink hair! If you like steamy sex scenes featuring dirty men and their dominating ways, you will not want to miss Laid Bare – just make sure you have a high speed fan nearby to cool you off.

Title: Coming Undone (Brown Siblings, book 2)
Author: Lauren Dane
Release: January 5th, 2010
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Genre: Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars

Coming Undone focuses on Brody Brown, Erin Brown’s (from Laid Bare) brother. Brody is the ideal big brother, if you can still say that about a sexy 40 year old tattooed biker guy. He took up the reigns raising his siblings when he was just 17 and has been their protector for all of his life. He runs a successful tattoo shop and has little time for more than a casual fling here and there. His world is reshaped when he starts up a casual relationship with his new neighbor, Elise Sorenson. Elise is a single mom who has to worry about her daughter first and foremost, she has no time or desire for a full time boyfriend….. but that doesn’t mean she can’t have herself a piece of man candy here and there. Famous last words in any romance novel….

Just like Laid Bare, Coming Undone will have you wishing you had a strong breeze blowing through your living room… or maybe a cold shower. Brody is strong, admirable, loyal, and devoted to his family. He is also sexy and confident enough to turn any woman into a melted pile of goo. I really enjoyed this book, tho not as much as Laid Bare. That isn’t because the writing or story isn’t as good, but it is solely based on the male leads…. Todd is just more my kind of guy than Brody is…. but Brody is a very close second.

The growth of relationship between Brody and Elise is sweet and timed perfectly. I really enjoyed the way Lauren Dane incorporated Elise’s daughter into the story, giving her just as much importance as the other characters and doing so realistically. As with Dane’s previous book, the theme of family and friends is a strong support to the plot and only adds the depth of the story. There were a few time when I felt scene transitions were a bit off or done too quickly, but it was easily overlooked.

Lauren Dane writes erotic romance novels that feel realistic. The characters deal with real problems, real threats, and do it with real courage and bravery…. yet they get smoking hot love making to go along with it. If Lauren Dane isn’t on your auto buy list, she should be. Excuse me while I run off and stalk her mercilessly on twitter.

FTC Disclaimer: Books were purchased by me

Title: Dead to Me (Simon Canderous, book 1 )
Author: Anton Strout
Release: February 26, 2008
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 3.5 Stars

A few months back I declared my love of male written and male point of view urban fantasies, but up until that point I had only read Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. I asked for recommendations and Anton Strout’s name was tossed my way. When Literary Escapism announced the League of Reluctant Adults challenge I knew it would be the perfect time to pick up the Simon Canderous series and dig in.

Simon is an incredibly likable character. He is your typical bad guy gone good, but with an interesting twist! Simon has the ability to touch an item and is instantly transported into someone else’s experience with the object. At one time Simon misused this power, living a life of crime. Now he has turned his life around and is firmly on the side of Good, working for the Department of Extraordinary Affairs.

One of the things I like most about Simon is that he is just your regular guy, trying to do the best he can. He isn’t a super hero who can take a beating and still get back up. When he takes a hit, he goes down just like you and I would. When he uses his power, it has side effects that could be dangerous. There is a nice balance to his character and the world around him.

As much as I enjoyed Simon’s character, I also enjoyed the side characters in this book. Simon’s partner and mentor, Connor, was funny and sarcastic in all the ways I like. He is also dependable and trustworthy, even if Simon doesn’t always see it.

The plot was interesting and made fun by the government setting of the Department of Extraordinary Affairs. There is just something humorous about the idea of paranormal government agencies tied up with red tape, paperwork, and cleverly named seminars. Imagine if the forces of good had to fight evil while sticking to a budget?

My only complaint was that I think the book could have used more background, maybe a deeper look into why Simon gave up petty crime. While I enjoyed both Simon and Connor, there was something missing and I never felt like I absolutely could not put this book down. While Dead to Me may have lacked slightly in depth, it made up for in clever and descriptive visuals. Strout does a very good job of describing things in a way that is easy to visualize, while not overdoing it. Dead to Me shows a lot of promise for the series and I look forward to seeing where Anton Strout takes Simon and the DEA next!

Other Reviews:

Bitten By Books – 5
WickedLilPixie – 4

Title: Deader Still (Simon Canderous, book 2 )
Author: Anton Strout
Release: February 24, 2009
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Since I am posting this review along with my review for book 1 I am not going to go into too much detail regarding Simon and his powers, you can read it in the review above. Deader Still picks up just a few months after the end of Dead To Me and we find Simon still with the Department of Extraordinary Affairs but also a new member of the Fraternal Order of Goodness. The F.O.G. is a kind of good guys super club, they have been around far longer than the government paranormal agencies and allow Simon to play a little fast and loose with the rules.

We also find Simon a relationship with Jane, the “agent of Darkness” from book 1 as she attempts to find her place on the side of good. And here comes my embarrassing confession….. I don’t like Jane. I really don’t like her. Maybe I am just jealous because I totally want a Simon to call my own, but I just can not seem to get over my dislike of her. I don’t know what it is about her character but I am hoping Anton Strout has some evil plan in mind for her in the future.

Unlike Jane, the character of Connor continues to intrigue me. I really do like him almost as much as Simon, especially because he is always there for Simon. I really enjoyed the tension between Simon and Connor as Simon finds himself in the awkward position of being in charge because of his position with the F.O.G.. Deader Still gives me that little bit of depth I was looking for in Dead to Me and I found myself completely absorbed in the story. The mystery is better and the writing is tighter. The references to and obvious appreciation of the tv show Buffy the Vampire Slayer only help warm my heart to this series.

Deader Still takes the Simon Canderous series up a notch, delivering on the promise that I saw in Dead to Me. The tiny cliffhanger of hope at the end of this one has me anxiously awaiting book 3, Dead Matter.

Other Reviews:

Bitten By Books – 5
WickedLilPixie – 5

FTC Disclaimer: These books were purchased by me

Title: Broken
Author: Shiloh Walker
Release: March 2nd, 2010
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Sara is on the run, tho we don’t find out why til the very end. I found myself assuming she was on the run because her husband was abusive, the snippet flashbacks point to that. Yet, everything we see of her personality led me to think there was something else going on. She is a fighter, she didn’t seem like the running type. These contradictions had me invested in her character from the start. I love a good strong female lead who can be strong yet maintain her compassion and femininity and Shiloh Walker gives us that in Sara.

Quinn. I could say so much about this man, but the easiest thing to say? Wow. Somehow Walker crawled inside my head and created a man I couldn’t help but drool over. He is broken, tormented, wounded. He is protective and strong, but still respectful of Sara as a person. He is so emotional within his own head, but expressing it was next to impossible. Somehow Walker makes this fault both endearing and lovable.

I loved the plot of Broken, great twists that I didn’t see coming! I did wish for a bit more action throughout the story, but I am not sure it would have fit in and that doesn’t keep me from loving this book. The development of the relationship between Quinn and Sara was certainly strong enough to carry the story. It was passionate and desperate in all the ways we book sluts love. One of my favorite dialogue scenes from the start of their relationship:

Sara cocked a brow at him. “Didn’t you tell me a few days ago I’d be better off keeping my distance from you?”
“Yeah, I told you that.”
“Hard to do if you come looking for me.”
Quinn shrugged. “I don’t see you walking away.”
“I was here first,” she said pointedly.

But what really gets me about this book is the smokin hot sex appeal of Quinn and his mouth. He talks at all the right times, and I love it. For a man who claims to not know how to flirt, he sure picks it up quickly.

Raking his teeth over the soft skin of her wrist, he said gruffly, “You really shouldn’t look at me like that in a public place, Sara.”
“Look at you how?” she asked, her voice almost as hoarse as his own. She blinked at him, looking a little dazed.

This book is not in a series, per say, but it is related to the previous book Fragile which features Quinn’s brother Luke. I will be picking Fragile up without question. Broken is an excellent read for any romance reader and Shiloh Walker is definitely going on my “must buy” list of authors!

Other Reviews:

The Book Vixen – 4
Peace, Love & Pat – 4

FTC Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author as part of an ARC TOUR

Title: Road Trip of the Living Dead (Amanda Feral, Book 2)
Author: Mark Henry
Release: March 1st, 2009
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 4.5 Stars

I opened up Road Trip of the Living Dead and prepared myself to be entirely grossed out by Mark Henry’s sick and twisted sense of humor again. He did not disappoint and I quickly found myself gasping and giggling at Amanda Feral and her “pottymouth.” I mean how can one not love her?

I’m a total shoe slut. Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin: this is an open invitation. Feel free to run a train on me. The cost? Stilettos, duh.

In Road Trip of the Living Dead Amanda, Wendy, and Gil find themselves up to their supernatural asses in trouble and are forced out on the run (all because of some really gross ghost urine!). The gang uses the need to leave town as an opportunity to visit Amanda’s deathly ill mother. However, nothing is ever simple for these three and their road trip quickly turns into an adventure filled with action, danger, gold grills, and fleshlights (google if you must, but I warn you… do it when you are completely alone! its errrr interesting).

While I found book 1, Happy Hour of the Damned, to be heavy on the character plotting, book 2 was a nice blend of character and interesting storyline. If anything I think Gil and Wendy took a smaller role about halfway through and I missed them a tiny bit! The mystery and suspense was better and more to the forefront than the previous book. I was engrossed in the oddly developing story and simply did not want to put this one down! Mark Henry brings in some new characters that are sure to make you laugh, including a sexy new werewolf named Scott. We even got a smexy scene that will make you snicker!

I have only one itsy bitsy complaint (or I would have given this 5 stars) ~ I wanted more with Amanda’s mother. We get such a tiny glimpse of her at the end and I was slightly confused as to what happened to/with her. There was quite a bit of setup as to Amanda and her mother and that plot line seemed to take a bit of a backseat in the end. However Amanda did make a few comments that lead me to believe this was intentional and more is coming.

With Road Trip of the Living Dead Mark Henry had me once again laughing hysterically, out loud, causing the hubby to look at me like I had lost a few marbles. If you haven’t yet jumped on the Save Amanda Feral bandwagon, don’t worry, there is still time! Book 1, Happy Hour of the Damned, is being re-released as Mass Market Paperback on January 26th and you can pre-order it from amazon.com here. You can read my review of book 1 here. Book 3, Battle of the Network Zombies is being released on February 23rd.

FTC Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author.