Review: Beauty

Beauty by Robin McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When the family business collapses, Beauty and her two sisters are forced to leave the city and begin a new life in the countryside. However, when their father accepts hospitality from the elusive and magical Beast, he is forced to make a terrible promise - to send one daughter to the Beast's castle, with no guarantee that she will be seen again. Beauty accepts the challenge, and there begins an extraordinary story of magic and love that overcomes all boundaries. This is another spellbinding and emotional tale embroidered around a fairytale from Robin McKinley, an award-winning American author. 

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I loved how well written it was and the author spent so much time on world building. The castle and everything about it is detailed so beautifully. My one issue (which isn't much of an issue) is that there is no new twist. It is a lovely, updated version of the Disney story that we all know and love. I wish the author had used some more creativity and changed things up a bit. That being said, I still loved reading an updated version of the story that I loved so much growing up.

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Review: Four to Score

Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Nabbing Maxine Nowicki, thief and extortionist, would be the answer to Stephanie’s prayers and monetary woes. The only trouble is that Maxine is no where to be found, and her friends have been mysteriously turning up dead. To make matters worse, Stephanie’s arch nemesis since grade school is also looking for Nowicki, hoping to cash in first.

Stephanie’s mentor and tormentor, Ranger, needs her. Vice cop Joe Morelli has invited her to move in… temporarily. And Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur, sidekick, Lula, and a six-foot-tall transvestite rock musician want to take Stephanie to Atlantic City. One thing is for certain, no good can come from any of it. 

My Thoughts:

This is technically my second time reading this book. I read it several years ago but I never actually reviewed it. I needed a book for a Goodreads challenge and it fit so I decided to read it again.

There is just something about a Janet Evanovich book. You can't not love it.

Stephanie
Stephanie is the most unlikely bounty hunter there has ever been. She stumbles and bumbles her way around and usually does catch her man. Just not in her personal life. She has two men very determined to bed her but not marry her. I love this little love triangle that is happening. She also has this kooky family. Her mom is in denial, her grandmother is cray cray and her dad hides from it all. LOL!

Morelli
What is not to love about Morelli? The hot playboy cop is every woman's dream. He is a bit clueless about women and his feelings as well. His family is just as kooky as hers. His grandmother Bella is just as kooky as her grandmother and uses her "evil eye" to get her way.

Ranger
I am a little bit disappointed with the amount of time Ranger gets in this book. He is sexy as sin and I love his banter with Stephanie. His attempts to get her to sleep with him are legendary and I think I only read one attempt in this book. So sad. I want more Ranger!

Lula
I love Lula. She is crazy and she knows it. I love the scenes in the book where she goes as Stephanie's backup. She always has a big gun and ready to take someone down. You can't help but love her character.

Sally
Now Sally is an unusual character. He is great at solving puzzles and is always up for helping the girls track down someone. You can't help but love his character either. He is larger than life, that's for sure.

the ending
I loved the ending. The tattoos were an awesome touch to the story and I have to say those three ladies were creative. I have a few more in the series that I want to read now that my intrigue of this series has been renewed. This book is full of laugh out loud fun and you can't go wrong with any of this series.

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Review: V Games

V Games by Caroline Peckham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

LAST ONE TO THE GRAVE, WINS.
Being a killer wasn't what eighteen year old Selena Grey ever expected she'd become. But with her stepfather's blood fresh on her hands, she finds herself walking into an eight by six prison cell where she'll live out the next twenty five years of her life.

Or so she thought...

When a man as beautiful as he is terrifying walks into the prison, Selena is the only one seemingly unaffected by his charms. But Varick's impossibly dark eyes are trained on her and her alone, frightening Selena of what his presence forewarns. It's not long before she finds out as she wakes on a ship in the dead of night, a captive of the forbidding Varick who seems more beast than man.

But when she arrives at a barren and isolated island in the stormy north sea, she soon realises that the obnoxious Varick may be her only hope of survival. Because, in a place where polar night reigns for the next six months, a powerful and cruel family are about to start this year's season of the V Games. And Selena is marked to participate in the blood sport, hunted by ravenous vampires and surviving the harsh terrain of the bleak island. And, not only that, but Selena just became the highest bid on contestant in a century...Find out why in Book 1 of the V Games Trilogy

My Thoughts:

I had no expectations of this book going in so I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. The idea of vampire hunters using vampires and criminals for an event rivals The Hunger Games was a really interesting idea. I loved the characters despite their obvious flaws. I really felt bad for the vampires because they were being forced to do the things they are doing. Yes, some vampires would kill on purpose but some would have a conscience. How is what the hunters are doing any better? I absolutely loved the wolf. The ending was an interesting twist and I have so many questions. What happens to Varick and the wolf? Will Selena keep her promise to Cass? What about Varick and Selena? Will they ever get the HEA that they deserve? I will be reading book 2 in the near future as I can't wait to find out the answers.

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Review: Point Blank

Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When an investigation into a series of mysterious deaths leads agents to an elite prep school for rebellious kids, MI6 assigns Alex Rider to the case. Before he knows it, Alex is hanging out with the sons of the rich and powerful, and something feels wrong. These former juvenile delinquents have turned well-behaved, studious—and identical—overnight. It's up to Alex to find out who is masterminding this nefarious plot, before they find him.

My Thoughts:

The book started off with Alex pulling a stunt that was very ironic one it played out. I could just picture the chaos that would follow a stunt like that. Of course, this puts Alex back with the MI6 for another mission. This mission takes him to an elite school for rich boys. This school is beyond strange and things are not as they seem. In fact, they are down right creepy. I like that he makes friends with James but I feel this character is kind of flat. You barely get to know him before all the action goes down. Then after all the action dies down, Alex doesn't even ask about his friend. I just wish there was a bit more character building so I might actually like some of the other characters. Overall, it was a good book.

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Review: The Wells Bequest

The Wells Bequest by Polly Shulman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Leo never imagined that time travel might really be possible, or that the objects in H. G. Wells’ science fiction novels might actually exist. And when a miniature time machine appears in Leo’s bedroom, he has no idea who the tiny, beautiful girl is riding it. But in the few moments before it vanishes, returning to wherever—and whenever—it came from, he recognizes the other tiny rider: himself!

His search for the time machine, the girl, and his fate leads him to the New-York Circulating Material Repository, a magical library that lends out objects instead of books. Hidden away in the Repository basement is the Wells Bequest, a secret collection of powerful objects straight out of classic science fiction novels: robots, rockets, submarines, a shrink ray—and one very famous time machine. And when Leo’s adventure of a lifetime suddenly turns deadly, he must attempt a journey to 1895 to warn real-life scientist Nikola Tesla about a dangerous invention. A race for time is on!

In this grand time-travel adventure full of paradoxes and humor, Polly Shulman gives readers a taste of how fascinating science can be, deftly blending classic science fiction elements with the contemporary fantasy world readers fell in love with in The Grimm Legacy.

My Thoughts:

This book was good but not as good as book 1. I did enjoy the characters and the time travel trips. I loved that Samuel Clemens was in the story. The robots & automatons were interesting. I feel like the author only scratched the surface with this series. There is so much potential for this series and the objects that could be in the repository. I look forward to what this author comes up with for the next book.

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Review: Bewitched in Oz

Bewitched in Oz by Laura J. Burns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Even though sorcery is forbidden in Oz, Zerie Greenapple is determined to use her magic. When the Flying Monkeys find Zerie and her friends using magic, one of their gang is captured. Three friends go on the run through the wild landscapes of Oz to try and find Glinda the Good, who they hope will save them from the evil Princess Ozma. But will magic be enough to lead these three friends to safety? This exciting tale of adventure and fantasy surrounds readers in a world of complexity, where the truth is always shifting and the integrity of friendship is constantly questioned.

My Thoughts:

I am a HUGE fan of the original Oz books and some of the re-tellings that I have read as well. So I absolutely couldn't wait to read this book when I found it on a shelf at our library. This author is not Frank Baum so I didn't expect her to keep to the original story perfectly. I am rating her based on her writing (and my opinion of the book)... not on how well she kept to the original story. They are two different authors and I will be fair and treat her as an individual.

There are some parallels in this book with the original story with common characters and places but Ms. Burns took ownership and made this story her own. I really enjoyed the new characters that she introduced. They are young and they act accordingly with crushes and jealously, etc. Unlike other reviewers, I didn't expect young characters to act like adults. These characters have their own skills that they are learning and developing along the way to Glinda the Good's castle. They are also learn that sometimes things are not as they appear and the same goes for people. I literally got lost in this book and read it all in one sitting. I believe that Ms. Burns has earned herself a new fan.

Overall, a great adventure in the land of Oz. Now I just need to get my hands on a copy of the next book...

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Review: Stolen

Stolen by Vivian Vande Velde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The same day that the villagers of Thornstowe finally hunt down a witch with a reputation for stealing children, a 12-year-old appears in the woods with no memory of her past. Is there a connection between Isabelle, the girl who doesn t know who she is, and the girl the witch stole six years earlier? One of the few things Isabelle remembers is a chant that keeps running through her head: Old as dirt,
dirty as dirt.
Ugly as sin,
mean as sin.
Don t let the old witch catch you!
Could Isabelle have been stolen by the old witch of the woods, or has she lost her memory as the result of an accident? And what about the baby the witch stole right before the villagers attacked? Did either the witch or the baby survive the fire the villagers set? 

My Thoughts:

I was pulled into this book right away. I couldn't read it fast enough. I just wanted to know who the little girl was and her story. The book was easy to read and kept me interested in what happened to the missing girls.

Honey
I honestly didn't like Honey. She was a spoiled, rotten brat. She certainly didn't act like an 18 year old ready to move on with her life.

Ravyn
Ravyn was so adorable that you couldn't help but like her. She was so happy and fun. I couldn't help but smile at all her constant barrage of questions.

Mady & Frayne
It could be because they have lost 2 children but they seem a bit odd. They also seem to let Honey get away with too much. They treat her like a two year old instead of the 18 year old that she is supposed to be.

the ending
Boy was I surprised! There was no way I would have guessed who the little girl was. I don't want to give the ending away but things are certainly not what they seem in this book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the little twists and turns that the author threw in.



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Review: Witch Slapped

Witch Slapped by Dakota Cassidy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Ebenezer Falls, Washington...a sleepy burg or murder central?

The game is afoot...as amateur sleuth Stevie Cartwright plunges head first into a murder investigation. With twists, turns, and suspects aplenty, this one will keep you guessing from start to finish.

USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy serves up mayhem and murder in Witch Slapped, Book 1 of her series, Witchless In Seattle Mysteries.

"Oh, good. Not a problem. I'll invoke the Gods of Pilates. I'm sure they'd be happy to help. Hang on just one sec while I dial them up. Oh, wait. I can't. Know why I can't? Because my hands are tied behind my back with zip ties, Win!"

A rib-tickling cozy mystery complete with an ex-witch, a dead British spy, a cotton ball bat, and a cast of suspects that will keep you guessing right up to the end! Join the hunt for a murderer with Stevie, Winterbottom, and Belfry, in a race against time as the local police prepare an eight by ten cell for our intrepid ex-witch.

What's a girl to do when she's a broke, shunned ex-witch with a very tiny, very hungry bat familiar named Belfry to feed?

Hello. My name is Stevie Cartwright, and I've been witchless for thirty days.

If only there was a support group for down-on-their-luck ex-witches who've had their powers slapped right out of them (literally). Just as I was licking my wounds after returning to my hometown of Ebenezer Falls, WA, and navigating my suddenly non-magical existence with the help of my familiar, the only friend I have left in the world—things got sticky.

Enter an ex-spy and newly departed spirit named Winterbottom, who's infiltrated my life with his sexy British accent and a couple of requests...

Thanks to Belfry's successful attempt to use me as a human antenna to the afterlife, I can somehow hear Win. I should be ecstatic; helping departed souls used to be my witch specialty. It's like I got the teensiest piece of my old life back. Except Win's dropped me right at a dead woman's feet.

Madam Zoltar, the town's beloved fake medium, has been murdered, and Win wants me to catch the killer.

My old life won't be worth much if it gets me whacked before my new life has barely begun--and that seems to be exactly what the killer has planned!

This cozy mystery has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy's bestselling paranormal romance series, A Paris, Texas Romance.

My Thoughts:

This book started off a little bit slow for me. It did pick up further into the story so I did end up enjoying it.

I loved Belfry! He was the most unique familiar I have ever read about. Most witches have cats but I really enjoyed this unique twist. Since it is such a fun twist, I will let you read the book to find out what her familiar is.

I also loved the banter between Stevie, Belfry and Win. Another thing I loved was how much "air time" Win got in the book. A lot of authors add ghosts but they don't always get much of a part in the story. Win was a central and very important part of this story.

My favorite part was that I didn't solve the mystery. Usually I figure out who did it but not this time. Overall, a very fun cozy mystery.

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Review: Curses and Cupcakes

Curses and Cupcakes by Michelle M. Pillow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Welcome to Everlasting, Maine, where there's no such thing as normal.

Marcy Lewis is cursed (honestly and truly) which makes dating very interesting. With a string of loser boyfriends behind her, she's done looking for love in all the wrong places. That is until the new firefighter arrives in the sleepy seaside town of Everlasting. Nicholas Logan is unlike any other man she's ever had in her life. When someone starts sending her photographs that raise a red flag it soon becomes apparent that she's not just cursed, she's in serious danger.

Nicholas doesn't know what to make of the charismatic young woman managing the local coffee shop. As a string of mysterious fires begin popping up around town, the two unite in search of clues as to who or what is responsible, discovering along the way that things are very rarely what they seem to be.

*Books in The Happily Everlasting Series can be read in ANY order!

My Thoughts:

All of you ladies out there remember being a young girl fascinated by fairy tales and princesses. Remember how the solution to every problem was true love's kiss. That kiss is so magical that it can break a curse. I was reminded of my childhood and those wonderful tales today as I read this book. Inside of its pages, I found a young woman cursed to date losers. Not only that but instead of them becoming her idea of prince charming, she became their perfect woman. Can you imagine not being able to choose what you like, what you clothes or hairstyle you wear?

This book was so much fun. I loved the characters. They were fun and quirky and I enjoyed learning about them. I loved learning about Marcy's curse and some of her dating experiences. I enjoyed reliving that magical moment all you women know about. That feeling you got when Romeo kissed Juliet or when Cinderella got her prince or when Aurora was awakened by that magical kiss. That moment when a good story makes you smile and feel all happy. This is a feel good story and a wonderful way to spend an evening (or early morning in my case).

I am curious... Who was your favorite prince charming or Romeo growing up? It can be from a movie or a book or a real live person. I don't want to leave the guys out... guys: who was your Juliet. Let me know in the comment box below.

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Review: The Full Moon's Slumber: A Cinnamon Mercy Claus Mystery

The Full Moon's Slumber: A Cinnamon Mercy Claus Mystery by Snow Eden
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Cinnamon Mercy Claus has been a witch for two years. At least that’s how long it’s been since her grandmother let her in on their little secret. She’s in the process of picking up her life and starting over, searching for something that means more to her than her mundane existence. Then a fairy drips down out of her bathroom faucet and tells her the moon’s gone all wonky and it’s up to Cinnamon to figure things out. 

Since there’s nothing like a threat to the earth’s very existence to give your new life a kick into high gear, Cinnamon heads out across the country—with a talking dog and a woman who absolutely terrifies her—to figure out a mystery she doesn’t have a clue about. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoy paranormal books so I was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, it fell kind of short for me.

Let's talk about what I liked, first. I thought it was interesting that Cinnamon was a witch AND related to Santa Claus. I also liked Ginger. She had a lot of energy and spunk for a talking dog.

That is where it ends so let's move to what I don't like. The author states at the beginning that Cinnamon is related to Santa Claus and doesn't even use that as a basis for her series. This just seems more of a random fact thrown in. Then you have a random faerie and a water slug just thrown in randomly. Oh and the water slug knows his runes. Follow that with some trolls to clean up her house and a weird woman that eats her furniture. Why? Then comes Ginger. Ginger is an elf that turned herself into a dog to fit in better. Yeah, that makes sense...(insert eye roll here) Wouldn't she do better to just dress normally? We have short people in the real world. The weird woman keeps coming back and eating whatever and anything she can find. She doesn't have a preference for anything in particular, I guess, and the author doesn't take the time to explain what this crazy woman is. As if the book isn't weird enough, let's turn the plot to the missing moon goddess. No moon goddess = no moon and this is horrible and we have to save the world. Blah, blah, blah.

Overall, the books was a jumbled mess. The author just decided to throw all kinds of weird crap in there and hope it all held together as a story. There is no character building or world building but hey it has a elf/dog that likes to drive cars. Oh and a crazy woman that eats bugs, people and furniture. The saving grace was that the book was so short. Yes, I am done and can move on to a real book!



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Review: Broken Glass

Broken Glass by V.C. Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Flowers in the Attic and My Sweet Audrina series, now Lifetime movies, comes book two of the haunting saga of identical twin sisters tortured by their perfectionist mother—until one of them snaps.

Written with the taboo-breaking, gothic atmosphere that V.C. Andrews is loved for, The Mirror Sisters is the latest in her long line of spellbinding novels about mysterious families and tormented love.

My Thoughts:

I loved book 1 in all its twisted glory and I had high expectations for book 2. Those expectations were met. I loved the cover on this book. It really fits the story. The girls may look identical but they are anything but. They couldn't be any more different and their parents had no clue.

Haylee
Haylee is the more selfish of the twins. I feel she is a bit twisted and cruel. She doesn't have a bit of remorse for what she did in book 1. Her mother may not be the only person in this family is psychological issues.

Kaylee
I felt bad for poor Kaylee dealing with her predicament with Anthony. I was cheering for her to find a resolution the whole book. I loved how smart she was and how she used whatever advantage she could to protect herself. The cat was an unexpected ally and definitely helped her.

I felt bad for their father having the burden of dealing with all of this. He never saw any of it coming. He definitely had no clue as to how different these girls really were. The ending really opened his eyes. I am satisfied with the ending BUT I really want to read more. Good thing there is a book 3! If you are a fan of suspense or V.C. Andrews, you can't go wrong with this book.



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Review: A Fatal Family Secret

A Fatal Family Secret by Samantha Marks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? 
On the first day of high school, Kayleigh wishes she could be taller, curvier, and cooler. But when she discovers she's a shape-shifter, she bites off more than she can chew. Overnight, she becomes a target, and surviving the school-year means defending herself against cyber-bullies, learning to control her new-found powers, and hiding from the ancient secret society that kidnapped her mother. Morphing has consequences, and Kayleigh begins to realize that being able to change into anything can mean losing herself in the process.

My Thoughts:

I liked the plot idea. The idea of shapeshifters that could change into any shape at will is an interesting concept. That is where my interest ended. Kayleigh is scared of her own shadow and weak. She does improve but by the time she did, I was no longer interested. Her friend Bridget was not really a good friend and I didn't really care for her either. The story moved way too slow and I just didn't like the characters. I would have liked if the story centered more around the mother and what happened to her. Even if the author had Kayleigh and her dad trying to find her mother, it would have been more interesting. Honestly, I am not sure if I will continue on with this series.

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Review: The Journal of Curious Letters

The Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

What if every time you made a choice that had a significant consequence, a new, alternate reality was created--the life that would've been had you made the other choice? What if those new realities were in danger? What if it fell to you to save all the realities? Atticus Higginbottom, a.k.a. Tick, is an average thirteen-year-old boy until the day a strange letter arrives in his mailbox. Postmarked from Alaska and cryptically signed with the initials "M.G.," the letter informs Tick that dangerous--perhaps even deadly--events have been set in motion that could result in the destruction of reality itself. M.G. promises to send Tick twelve riddles that will reveal on a certain day, at a certain time, at a certain place, something extraordinary will happen. Will Tick have the courage to follow the twelve clues M.G. sends to him? Will he be able to solve the riddles in time? Will Tick discover the life he was meant to live? The first volume of an outstanding new children's fantasy series, The Journal of Curious Letters is filled with adventure, humor, riddles, and, oh, yes--danger... As M.G. warns Tick, Very frightening things are coming your way. Will you join Tick and his friends on an amazing journey through the Realities? What will your choice be? 

My Thoughts:

So I loved The Maze Runner series and couldn't wait to start on this one. I am so glad I did. I loved this book! The letters with the riddles tripped me up at first because they were way confusing and I had to read them several times. By the 3rd letter, I was getting the idea and actually figured out the clue by myself right away. The characters themselves were great. Sophia might actually be my favorite. I love how sassy and tough she is. The plot idea of parallel worlds was interesting and I can't wait to read more. Overall, this is a fun book and a great start to a new series.

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Review: 303 Red Dead Lane

303 Red Dead Lane by Jordan Deen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Evil has a new address...


For over a century, evil has dwelled in the house on Red Lane, or Red Dead Lane as the locals call it. As one family after another meets with misfortune inside the aging 
Victorian, it has fallen into disrepair. Forgotten. Waiting.

When the Maxwell family moved in, they were running from a long string of bad decisions. But their hope is quickly squashed by the evil. When police are summoned one summer night, all they find is violence and mysteries. Can they figure it out before the house kills again?

The Prestons hoped some distance would help their teenage daughter find her way out of trouble, but instead they wound up heaping it on. When a horrific crime leaves a fifteen year old girl facing a prison sentence, the truth can only make things worse for her.

The Lewis family made their living buying and restoring houses, but the sprawling manor house just might push them to their limit. Can they overcome the evil that has taken so many before them, or will they just be the latest victims.

My Thoughts:

This book wasn't bad but the first half kind of irritated me. The first half was all police reports, newspaper reports & psychiatric reports. Then there was an interview with the girl that survived from the 90s family. I wish the author had written the story of each family like the last one. The last one felt like a normal book where you got to experience what they experienced as it happened. All the other families' stories were only told through the newspaper, police & psychiatric reports. I really think this could have been a 5 star book had it been written in parts and each part follows a different family and their experiences. I loved the last section of this book following Meghan and her family but like I said it was the only part written like that. Overall, an ok book but the execution was lacking.

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Review: The Prisoner of Cell 25

The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

"THE STORY I'M ABOUT TO TELL YOU IS STRANGE. VERY STRANGE. IT'S MY STORY."

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year. But MIchael is anything but ordinary - in fact, he's electric.

When Michael's best friends, Ostin Liss and cheerleader Taylor Ridley, make an accidental discovery, the three of them learn that there are other kids with similar powers - and that someone, or something, is hunting them.

After his mother is kidnapped, Michael will have to rely on his wits, his unique power, and his friends to fight the hunters, find his mother, and save the others.

My Thoughts:

I have read other books by this author and I absolutely loved them so I couldn't wait to read this one. I went into this with high expectations because of that and I was not disappointed. I loved this book and would find it hard to find something to complain about. Some of the other reviews complain about cliches and how many typical high school things are included in this book but I don't see those as problems. I found the book well written. It completely drew me into the story and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Yes, I finished it in one sitting with no breaks. I loved the Electroclan and their sense of justice. I will be looking for a copy of book 2 shortly because I want to know what happens next.

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Review: The Case of the Vision Spell

The Case of the Vision Spell by Amorette Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Do you think the body's eyes really see? How do you see in a dream? 

When the town librarian brings PI Penny Banks a document with a forged signature on it, it's up to Penny to get to the bottom of it. 

Someone isn't happy to have Penny poking around for clues. A retired mine worker is killed. Could a mysterious gold nugget hold the answers? 

Studying witchcraft with her knitting circle keeps Penny busy, but she manage to make time for some investigating. It’s a good thing her feline familiar is coaching her on time management! The Vision Spell promises to help her see the world in a whole new way, which might be the key to cracking the case… 

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet little mystery centered around a witch and her coven. I love that things just don't come easy and Penny has to work for them. She is improving both as a witch and a PI and people are starting to notice. The mystery itself was not overly easy or hard to solve. The clues are revealed one at a time so the reader solves it right about the time that Penny does. Overall, an enjoyable mystery and I am looking forward to the next one.

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Review: The Colossus Rises

The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

One Boy

Jack McKinley is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary problem. In a few months, he’s going to die.

One Mission

Jack needs to find seven magic loculi that, when combined, have the power to cure him.

One Problem

The loculi are the relics of a lost civilization and haven’t been seen in thousands of years.

Seven Wonders

Because they’re hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

My Thoughts:

I really wasn't sure if I was gonna like this book. I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are fun and full of adventure. The plot idea is interesting and not one that I have seen before. I really enjoyed reading about all the ways they dodge Torquin. There are still a lot of unanswered questions and I am interested in finding the answers so I will definitely be reading more of this series.

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Review: All Hallows' Moon

All Hallows' Moon by S.M. Reine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The good girl has become a very bad werewolf...

Rylie has moved to her aunt’s ranch where she can learn to safely control her murderous werewolf side. But the werewolf hunter she fell in love with over the summer has found her again. Seth has brought his werewolf-hunting family along with him, and they aren't nearly as sympathetic to Rylie.

Rylie struggles to reconcile her feelings while Seth fights to do what’s right. But what is right--obeying desire or duty?

My Thoughts:

I loved book 1 but book 2 has lost something along the way. There is way less action and there is no element of surprise. She knew who was after her and why. Most of the book was her trying to hide her secret from her aunt and avoid Seth's family. It was pretty tame and lacked a bit on the plot. I was genuinely surprised because I really enjoy this authors' work. This just wasn't her best. Overall, it was ok but fell a bit short of what I expected.

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Review: Dinosaur Lake IV: Dinosaur Wars

Dinosaur Lake IV: Dinosaur Wars by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis: 

For seven long years Chief Park Ranger Henry Shore has been dealing with and fighting anachronistic dinosaurs in his beloved Crater Lake National Park and in the surrounding town of Klamath Falls. It began with one lone leviathan, the one he tongue-in-cheek called Godzilla. Henry and his band of heroes defeated it but others followed: the flying varieties he named gargoyles, the mutant T-Rexes and roaming velociraptors that were so much smarter than their ancient ancestors. He, his rangers and the National Guard soldiers, fought all of them, but still the dinosaurs, cunningly destructive and blood-thirsty, kept coming. No one knew where they came from or what the future would now hold for a besieged humanity, they only knew the monsters were spreading like a voracious wildfire and had to be stopped before they ravaged the world. Eventually, he and his wife, Ann, their family and friends, retreated into a fortified ranger headquarters where they continued to battle the proliferating dinosaurs. Will Henry’s son-in-law, Doctor Justin Maltin, a brilliant paleontologist, find a way to exterminate the creatures and save them…save the world? And, more importantly, would he be able to do it in time? Dinosaur Lake IV Dinosaur Wars is the fourth and final book of the Dinosaur Lake series.

My Thoughts:

One of the things I love about this series is how the action just seems to come of the pages. You almost feel like you have pulled into the story and are experiencing it alongside the characters. I love that the author kept the majority of the characters that we all loved from the series. I was for some of the characters who died, but the dinosaurs have to get a kill in once in a while or they wouldn't terrify the people... right?! I love how the author wrapped up the series and how the end came about. The only thing I wish I knew for sure was what happened to the little helpful dinosaur. I really liked him and hoped that he survived the war. Overall, an awesome ending to a a series that I won't soon forget.

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Review: My Soul to Save

My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn’t wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can’t cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can’t possibly understand.

Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk... 

My Thoughts:

There is just something that draws you into this book and won't let go. I loved the story plot of a young bean sidhe (or banshee) as she is learning about her gift and how she can help people. The little peek into the Netherworld was interesting. I am intrigued and I can't wait to see what happens next.

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*Book Blitz* OTHER THAN by Mia Jo Celeste

We are super excited to be part of the Book Tour for OTHER THAN, a thrilling gaslamp fantasy
by Mia Jo Celeste. The new audiobook version is now available. Check it out!

Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy, Paranormal Historical Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: January 27, 2017

Other Than #PNR A purgatory as dangerous as Dr. Moreau’s Island with zombies and romance.

It only takes one drink from the Water of Immortality to kill Evie Woods—halfway. Trapped in
undead flesh, the world’s last skin-slider wakens on an island purgatory where a cursed spring
bubbles with immortality, and zombie cannibals crave living flesh.

Her only hope of escape rests in the hands of the one man who would see her fail. Bound to her
by cords stronger than death, Lord Victor Lowell is both the man of her dreams, and her darkest
nightmares. Contrary and intractable, Victor preys on others to maintain his angelic charisma and
preternatural prowess. Drawn to the compellingly gallant and vulnerable soul behind his mercurial
humors, Evie can only watch as protecting her forces Victor to sacrifice yet more of himself to the
ancient evil long tethered to his soul.

Trapped in an ever-escalating war they can’t stop, Victor and Evie fight time for a cure, but as the
long days pass blackness tears at Evie, ripping her thoughts from her one memory at a time. Victor
will to do whatever it takes to prevent her from deteriorating into a rotting husk, even if it means
dooming himself, but Evie won’t surrender his soul without a fight. Battle lines drawn, the soul
mates resolve to find redemption or die trying.

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Purchase Links

Amazon (Audiobook) | Amazon (eBook) | Kobo | iTunes

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour from April 15 - 27, 2019.

Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts
and more! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Other Than Book Page at Book Unleashed.

About Mia Jo Celeste

Mia Jo Celeste comes from a family of writers and English teachers, so it was no surprise when
she chose to pursue both careers. She grew up watching horror movies and reading romances.
To her, the two genres go together like salty and sweet in kettle corn.

Website: http://www.miaceleste.com/

Social media links: Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

Giveaway

WIN $5 AMAZON GIFT CARDS

Prizes up for grabs:

Five (5) $5 Amazon Gift Cards

Contest runs from April 3 - 27, 2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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