Review: The Devil You Know

The Devil You Know by Jenna Black

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is the second book in the Morgan Kinsley series.

Morgan Kingsley is an exorcist. Her calling in life is to kick demon rear end. Although she would like to exorcise all demons, according to the law, she can only exorcise demons who possess unwilling hosts or who commit violent crimes. Ironically, Morgan is now a host for the Demon King, Lugh. However, she cannot be possessed the same as other hosts. She maintains her ability to know all and control her own body and mind. She is able to keep Lugh suppressed until she is asleep when he is then able to communicate with her.

Morgan's ability to keep her possession concealed works in Lugh's favor, there are those who seek to destroy him. Specifically, Dougal, Lugh's brother. Dougal sends a sociopathic demon known as Der Jager to find out who hosts the Demon King and destroy both the demon king and host.

I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed THE DEVIL INSIDE. This is not fast paced, but flows along at a very steady rate. There was a bit too much self-reflection for my taste; otherwise, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is a great book. Morgan seems to have progressed in character. She finally seems to be accepting reality and is slowly coming off her high horse. THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is more Urban Fantasy, than romance. Whereas, THE DEVIL INSIDE had more romance.

You do not have to read the first book to understand what is going on; however, if you do not, you may not understand some references. I recommend reading The Devil Inside before beginning this book. I highly recommend this book and I will be reading the rest of the series.




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Review: The Devil Inside

The Devil Inside by Jenna Black

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



THE DEVIL INSIDE is the first book in the Morgan Kinsley series.

Morgan Kingsley is an exorcist. Her calling in life is to kick demon rear end. Although she would like to exorcise all demons, according to the law, she can only exorcise demons who possess unwilling hosts or who commit violent crimes.

Morgan's worst nightmare is to be possessed, which is one of the reasons she is an exorcist. The other? To rebel against her family who think it is the most prized sacrifice to host a demon. Has Morgan's worst nightmare come true? Her life has shot straight to hell and has stayed there. If possessed illegally, Morgan my be literally burned at the stake, as she lives in an execution state.

Morgan is a strong, feisty woman who doesn't always make the best decisions, namely speaking before she thinks. Still, she is loyal and will risk her life for someone she cares for... even if that person has betrayed her. Morgan hides behind a veneer, afraid to let her true feeling out, afraid of getting hurt herself.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the author's writing. Jenna Black makes the pages flow effortlessly. The world she created is unique and interesting.



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Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead

Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Charley Davidson Grim Reaper extraordinaire, caffeine addict and sleep deprived has many mysteries to solve in THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD, the third book in the Charley Davidson series. I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series before reading this book. Not only would you be missing out on the stories, but you would missing many more laugh out loud moments, action, angst and sexual heat.

Charlie is continually being urged by Reyes to discover what she is truly capable of, while her father is encouraging her to quit the PI business. Charley has taken on a new missing person case and refuses to truly give her father's wishes credence. Charley must find Teresa before it is too late, she must also find the man Reyes was convicted of murdering ten years before, as well as who is poisoning the Rottweilers guarding the abandoned asylum. All of this on about two weeks without sleep and lots, Lots, LOTS of coffee. I was even a little sleep deprived myself so that I could finish reading this book!

In THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD, Charley was still her witty, gritty sarcastic self, but I felt this book had a more serious tone and... I LOVED IT! With Reyes, Garrett, and now Donovan, Darynda keeps the romantic tension tight. Almost too tight. I wanted more resolution in this book; I didn't get it. I hope that means a big pay-off in the end.

Overall, I believe I enjoyed this book more than the two previous books, which is really saying something! Charlie is funny, sarcastic, a little vulnerable, and a great female heroine! I can't wait for the next book. I couldn't put this one down!



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Review: Second Grave on the Left

Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT is the second book in the Charley Davidson series. I recommend reading the first book before reading this one. This book picks up about a week after the first book ended.

Charley Davidson, Private Investigator and Grim Reaper finds herself with pickles. When life gives you pickles, what do you do? You let your witty, sarcastic personality and fearlessness guides you through solving the mystery of where in the world is… Reyes Farrow's corporeal body. Reyes goes missing for the purpose of hiding his corporeal body from Charley.

Charley is working on a missing person’s case while she tries to find Reyes; therefore, Charley utilizes her PI skills to aid her friend, Cookie, in searching for a missing woman. The missing woman, Mimi, is a friend of Cookie's who recently asked for help, then disappeared. It turns out that Mimi is one of six classmates from Mimi's high school who have met an unsavory fate in a month’s time. Whoever is behind it all has a long reach, because Charley finds herself in real danger more than once over the course of her investigation.

Demons who have escaped hell are holding Reyes' body captive. They're torturing him, hoping to draw Charley out... to capture her and the portal to heaven. Charley only cares about saving Reyes. But he doesn't want to be saved. Reyes would have to kill Charley if he thought the demons would gain access to her and the portal.

The storyline is fresh, with a strong cast of characters. The writing is tight, fast paced, incredibly witty and left me wanting more and chuckling out loud gaining odd looks from those around me. The story delivers a spunky heroine, witty best friend, ghosts, multiple mysteries to be solved, and most important of all: a tortured hero.

SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT was filled with mystery, action, snark, angst, and sexual heat. It is a unique mix of Chic lit, detective suspense, and urban paranormal genres. FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT was definitely not a "one hit wonder" and I look forward to reading THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD.



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Review: First Grave on the Right

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT is the first book in the Charley Davidson series. Charlotte "Charley" Davidson is not your average PI. She sees... and talks to dead people. She is bright. And shiny. Maybe even sparkly. No, she isn't a vampire. Sheesh. She is a grim reaper. She is THE Grim Reaper. Scythe? No. Black cloak? No. Bony fingers? MMMaybe. Snarky sense of humor? Absolutely! Charley ferries lost souls to the other side aka heaven, usually after helping them resolve whatever issue was holding them back. Lost souls from all over the world can see her shining and seek her out so that they may cross over. When not ferrying lost souls, Charley helps her uncle solve murder cases with the help of the murder victims. She has been helping her father, then her uncle since she was 5 years old. Recently, she has helped a woman flee from her abusive husband, she is helping the police solve the murder of three lawyers who were all murdered about the same time AND trying to discover the identity of her dream lover.

I couldn't put this book down. I counted down the work day so I could hurry home, make dinner, get the kids ready for bed, so that I could continue on with the story. Okay, I did take a short break in the middle of the work day so that could read a chapter. Or three. I found FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT to be wacky, off-beat, and a tiny bit naughty. Charley is a strong, take no prisoners, my way or the highway kinda girl. I found myself laughing out loud, highlighting the really great parts and re-reading certain paragraphs to truly appreciate the humor. The storyline was fresh. The world building was solid. I couldn't fine any plot holes. FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT was thoroughly enjoyed. Great one Darynda Jones. Take a bow, well met.



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Review: A Bloody Good Secret

A Bloody Good Secret by Sierra Dean

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A Bloody Good Secret is the second book in the Secret McQueen series by Sierra Dean.

Secret McQueen a hybrid vampire/werewolf bounty hunter has recently been given a promotion by the Vampire Tribunal to Warden. After completing an impossible mission, Sig (Leader of the Tribunal), hand delivers Secret's next assigned target. Reeling from secrets discovered, a new ward and the target being a close friend, Secret copes the only way she knows how, she takes refuge with her grandmere. After three months of avoiding her responsibilities, Secret is forced to go back and prove her target's innocence before the Tribunal issues a warrant for Secret's own death.

***SPOILER ALERT*** I really enjoyed Ms. Dean's voice. This is a quick paced read with plenty of action and steam. This time the story looks deeper into Secret's vampire side unlike the first book which concentrated more on her werewolf side. I found this book more enjoyable even though there appears to be a love pentagon, the saving factor was there is only one sexual relationship occurring at this time. I find the multiple sex partners too reminiscent of Anita Blake. I hope that in future books this gets resolved. I found the story line to be well played, keeping the mystery until the climax. I hope to see more of Nolan and Kellen Rain. Overall, I'm looking forward to the next novel.



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Not Sure What to Read Next???

We've all been in that slump where we just finished an AWESOME book or series and we don't know what to read next. We're afraid that because of the AWESOMENESS we just finished, our next book won't even compare. You are probably right, but don't let that stop you from moving forward.

I've been there on more than one occasion and I've rarely had someone to help me over the reading slump. I've read book reviews, used sites like goodreads and Amazon to help me through, sometimes successful, sometimes not so much.

Need advice? Let me know what you read last, how you felt about it, do you want more like it or something different? What will you absolutely NOT read? I'll take all this information and make recommendations. Comment here and I'll respond.

Review: Something Secret This Way Comes

Something Secret This Way Comes by Sierra Dean

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Something Secret this Way Comes is the first book in the Secret McQueen Series.  Secret McQueen is a Werewolf/Vampire hybrid. She was abandoned by her werewolf mother, raised by her witch grandmere, and is now on the vampire tribunal payroll. When not bounty hunting for the vampires, she works with her partner and mentor Keaty. Secret abhors werewolves and chooses to keep her werewolf side a secret (no pun intended.) She is feared by most vampires, apart from Alexandre Peyton. Six years ago, Peyton nearly killed Secret in a botched assassination attempt that left Peyton with only one fang. It has been status quo for the last six years until one fateful night, Peyton makes his return known. Secret must stop Peyton from completing his plan to rule the world *bwahahaha* or at least New York City.

I read this book quickly. For me, this usually means it is at least a 4 star book. There was a lot of action, which I love in an UF. I liked the supporting characters of Keaty and Holden. The story line in general was solid.

So why give it 3 stars you ask? Because it was very reminiscent of Anita Blake and the maneuverings of the love triangle felt contrived and shallow. I was disappointed as this book has pretty good reviews overall.

I want to continue on with the series, but I'm not sure if I can stomach the romance. In this book, it felt like it was just airlifted into their individual scenes. I will have to stew on it a bit to see if the promise of the next installment will be alluring enough to keep me going.



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Review: Fifty Shades Freed

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Fifty Shades Freed is the third book in the Fifty Shades Trilogy.

"Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past."

Of Fifty, Fifty, Fifty.... I read this book from Friday night to Sunday night. I expected it to go faster, but I was tired and had to do things, like sleep.

I picked up this book on the recommendation of other members of the Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics Group. I know, I know. There is nothing Paranormal or Fantasy about this series, but their enthusiasm drew me in. Had I known ahead of time, this book was classified as Erotica with BDSM, I would NOT have read any of them. I am glad I did not know. It would have been a grave mistake to not have read these books.

This series is one of my top favorite all time series. The emotions and angst, the damaged Fifty, the strength of someone so young as Ana to take hold and prove her love for him was truly unconditional, it was a roller coaster (run on sentence, but can't help it!!!)

My only regret is that it is over. I'm not much for re-reading books, I get bored, but I may even consider re-reading this series... eventually.

Thank you E.L. James for sharing your talent!



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Review: Mind Over Matter

Mind Over Matter by S.J. Clarke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Mind Over Matter is the first book in the ASI Series.

Rebecca's daughter was kidnapped 3 years ago and Agent Dan Cooper was the lead investigator on the case. Due to a recent vision, Rebecca believes that Sabrina is still alive. Rebecca asks Dan to help her find her daughter before it is too late.

Overall, I liked the book. It was an easy and fast read. The progression of the relationships were believable and the storyline was solid. There were a few leaps of logic the characters took that I was left behind on, but I liked the slow reveal of certain details. It kept me reading, not once was I tempted to skip along to the next paragraph or skim the book (this happens sometimes when I find the book predictable.)

Thanks to R2R for the opportunity to read and review this book.



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Review: Hidden

Hidden by Kelley Armstrong

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Hidden is book (Novella) 10.4 in the Otherworld Series.

I want to start off by saying this is the best and most fulfilling NOVELLA I have EVER read!

Clay and Elena take their two 4 year old children to a remote cabin to spend the Christmas holiday as a family. Their plans are changed by evidence there may be a man-eater in the area. Clay and Elena have to balance family with Pack duty while maintaining their "werewolf" secret from the twins.

This novella drew me in from the start. It provides an excellent window into the inner workings of the Michaels/Danvers family.

As a rule, I stay away from novellas as they are generally too shallow and leave me wanting more (not in a good way.) Clay and Elena are my favorite characters in this series. So much so, that I've only read the books that are directly about Clay and Elena. I would love to read more about them and their family.



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Review: Blood Warrior

Blood Warrior by H.D. Gordon

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars



Blood Warrior is the first book in the Blood Warrior Series.

Alexa Montgomery is not your average teenager. She trains daily with her mother, not knowing why. She is urged routinely to always take care of her adored younger sister. She dreams of running away, but would never abandon her sister. This is the norm for Alexa until one night, her home is attacked by vampires. Alexa is left with a difficult choice, stay and fight with her mother, or get her sister to safety. The choice made, she begins the journey to discover the secrets held from her for the past 17 years.

When I first started this book I was utterly lost. If not for the fact I had to finish it and submit a review by the January 29th due date, I would have put it down. I struggled 30% in and was urged by fellow goodreads readers to push on. I'm not sure how far I was in when it happened, but I was grabbed and dragged the rest of the way through the book. I couldn't put it down and stayed up through the night to finish it. I have to agree with another reviewer that there was no climax! It was a build to the climax that didn't happen and we are left with a cliffhanger!

Some grammar and typos were distracting, I even found myself looking up word meanings to make sure I wasn't wrong about them being used incorrectly. With all that being said, I'm glad I continued on and I'm looking forward to the next installment.



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Review: A Devil Named Desire

A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A Devil Named Desire is the second book in the Devil's Bargain series.

Hope has lived with a lot of guilt over the years, starting when she was 12 years old with her parents untimely death. She and her sister were separated in the foster care system, then again two years ago when her sister went missing. Hope hits bottom when she is told her sister is most likely dead and does the unthinkable.

Gabriel, an Archangel and long time "friend" to Sammy Divine, knows Sammy is salvageable and capable of love, if only he can get Sammy to see it. Sammy feels Gabriel needs to see that Sammy was not completely at fault when he gave into temptation in the Garden of Eden.

One fateful day, Gabriel sees the Darkness following Hope and is determined to protect her from the Soul Eater. Gabriel and Hope's lives collide with help from Sammy Divine and begin spiraling together.

Once again Terri Garey succeeded in quenching my Sammy Divine thirst while giving us a great story about Gabe and Hope. I flew through this as I usually fly through Terri Garey's book and cannot wait until the next installment. I enjoyed seeing Nicki in this book and I find myself eating up any information as to how she is doing with her HEA :)



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Review: Toil and Trouble

Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Toil and Trouble is the second book in the Jolie Wilkins series.

Jolie Wilkins, a novice witch, prepares to battle Bella and her followers. Jolie's primary goal is to exact revenge on her former captor. All seems to go as planned... or does it.

I flew through Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble and went straight to Toil and Trouble. I was completely captivated for more than 50% of the way through the book. I would have given this book 5 stars had I not figured out a major plot point at that time. I had to force myself to continue to read the book. It finally pulled out of the slump about 80% of the way. A small change earlier in the book would have prevented the great disappointment I felt when I guessed an important component to the ending. I still recommend reading, as for the most part, I feel the writing was better than the writing in the first installment.

Thank you, H.P. Mallory for writing and for the affordable Kindle books.



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Review: Cheri on Top

Cheri on Top by Susan Donovan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This is a light quick read. It was just what I needed after a spate of dark and heavy reads. This book is typical Susan Donovan. If you generally like her books, you will find this read enjoyable.



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Review: Explosive Eighteen

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Explosive Eighteen is the 18th book in the Stephanie Plum series.

I really think this series needs to reach an end. The books are full of the same stuff different title. I think she needs to pick a guy and wrap it up. This book was better than the 15, 16 and 17, but it really hasn't been the same since 12. An author really needs to know when the money train is over and the fans deserve a resolution. I keep holding out for it to get back to the magic at the beginning of the series. In addition to all this, the ebook prices for these books are unreasonable.

Ok. Time to get off my soap box :) I found the book to be a light quick read. I enjoyed it overall, but the magic is gone for me.



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Review: Bound by Blood

Bound by Blood by P.A. Lupton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Bound by Blood is the first book in the Garner Witch series.

Agent Brianna Reece is disturbed by the similarities in the victims of a serial killer and herself. With the help of a suspect, Nathan Donovan, Agent Reece hopes to bring the serial killer to justice. Along the way, she discoveries family secrets that will change her life forever.

I found it hard to put this book down. The storyline was excellent and the world and relationship building were believable. I look forward to the next installment and I've recommended this book to anyone who will listen!



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