Ziggy's Reading Corner: December 2017

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Review: The Clay Lion

The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

What if you could go back in time to save the person you love the most?

The rules are simple. If you want to travel back in time, you need to be at least eighteen years old. You can only travel within your own lifespan for a maximum of six months. And above all else, you must never, ever, change the past.

But that's exactly what Brooke Wallace plans to do.

As Brooke faces existence without her beloved brother, his life cut short by a rare disease, she can think of only one solution - travel back in time to prevent his death. However, her attempts at fixing the past challenge her to confront everything she believes to be true about herself. And ultimately, she is forced to discover whether or not we can ever truly be in charge of our own destiny.

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: I see how the cover fits the story but it is kind of plain. I do like that the title doesn't give you any hint of what is to come.

Characters: I really felt connected to the characters, especially Brooke. Her grief almost comes off the page as you read. Branson seems like a fun brother to have and Charlie just seems so sweet.

Plot: I love time travel books but this one is different. The characters can't travel to any time, only a small part of their past.

Overall: This book is heart-breaking but yet uplifting at the same time. You can really feel for the characters and what they are going thru. I really enjoyed this different look at time travel.

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

Review: Undead and Unwed

Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

First Betsy Taylor loses her job, then she's killed in a car accident. But what really bites is that she can't seem to stay dead. And now her new friends have the ridiculous idea that Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen, and they want her help in overthrowing the most obnoxious power-hungry vampire in five centuries.

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: The cover and titles of all of her books are clever and fun. I am always drawn to these books because of the fun & clever titles.

Characters: I love the characters. I am kind of reading this series out of order. Not on purpose but it doesn't seem to matter. The characters are just so much fun.

Plot: I love the whole premise of the series. A brand new vampire that is the one prophesied to be the new queen of the vampires. The book is full of humor that keeps me wanting more.

Overall: I love this book but I didn't expect anything less as I have read a couple other books in the series. I plan to read the entire series and I can't wait to delve into more of the fun.

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Review: Dilemmas

Dilemmas by A.K. Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Mac is loving his life within Cam’s new Pack in the US, particularly loving his part-time work in Chastity’s new orphanage for abandoned, or abused, Shifter kids. Life is good, almost perfect. Then his beast starts acting strange and what entails tests him beyond anything he’s ever dealt with in his life. A dilemma that can only end in one of two ways: unending misery or a lifetime of joy.

Cam and Chastity are relishing their life as newly mated and as the Alphas of their new Pack when their world gets turned on its end. They're thrust on a mission to rescue a hybrid Shifter baby and they also have their own dilemma and news that will bring the Pack a happiness that none of them would have thought. That is, if all goes as planned, and with Cam and Chastity, that is rarely the case.

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: Boy does this title fit this book. It is definitely full of dilemmas.

Characters: Once again, all the characters that I like are back. There is no end to great characters in this series.

Plot: There is so much going on in this book. Cam & Chastity deal with the orphanage issues, their own family surprises and Mac finally meets his soul-mate. Maybe not quite what he expected but he finally found what he needed.

Overall: This series just keeps going. There is always something new happening as the characters and the pack grow. I am looking forward to what happens next.

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Review: A Highlander's Return

A Highlander's Return by A.K. Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Grant, Alpha of the Pack in the Highlands, returns home triumphantly with his special mate by his side. Blessed by the Goddess herself, as their two hearts beat as one. Anxious to show her off to his Pack he cannot foresee what is about to unfold. Not everyone within the Pack is happy to see his return and even less pleased that he brings back an American as Alpha She-Wolf.

A Father whose jealousy eats at his soul, changing him forever and putting him on a course that will lead to devastation and heartache. A childhood friend who is capable of the worst kind of betrayal that leaves Grant with a heart wrenching dilemma.

Can Grant keep his soul-mate safe? And at what cost to him, her, and the Pack?

Continue the story of The Highland Wolf Clan series with this novella of Grant and Shelly’s return to Scotland.

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: Not sure why but the covers have changed. The first several books have a kind of constellation look to the covers. Almost like the stars creating a wolf in the sky. This one is totally different. Not bad, just different.

Characters: We meet a lot of new characters as Grant takes Shelly back home to his pack. I really liked a lot of the characters. I am not a fan of Nancy or Lachlan, which was the author's intent since they are the villains of this book. I did like the other characters introduced.

Plot: It was a nice change of pace to leave Cam & Fergie's packs and head on over to Scotland to meet Grant's pack. Grant has some work to catch up with his brother and cousin but he has some really great people in his pack also.

Overall: I enjoyed this look at the other pack that is briefly talked about. I would love to read more about them in future books. I am looking forward to more in this series.

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Review: Despair and Destiny

Despair and Destiny by A.K. Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Where is Rebecca? Who has kidnapped the sassy Witch from right under the noses of the Wolf Pack? Jacob is distraught and his anger knows no bounds as they fight to find out where his mate has been taken; and by whom. The answer is unimaginable and the bloody confrontation that leaves death in its wake shocks Jacob and Cam to their core.

Can they rescue her unharmed? Or will her ordeal affect her far more than even she could imagine? With happiness surrounding the Pack they have to pull together and seek her out. Before it’s too late.

Chastity faces her own fears of fitting into Cam’s billionaire lifestyle but finds something that she needs his money to fund. Will he agree? Or will she fail in her attempts to be at his side in the ‘human’ world?

With action, love, sadness and grief, read Highland Wolf Clan, Book 4, Despair and Destiny to find out all this and more; much more. If you love your Alpha Wolves, suspense, action and love then this paranormal romance is for you.

If you like Shifters and PNR then this series is for you!

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: As usual the cover is gorgeous. The title is fitting as poor Jacob has a lot of despair about Rebecca's situation.

Characters: I love that although the author kept the same characters, a few new ones are introduced throughout the book. I can't wait to read more and learn about the new pack members.

Plot: The last book ended with Rebecca being kidnapped and this book picks up there. I loved the story line. Even though I would say Cam is the MC, the series rotates around a central group of characters. The reader really gets a lot of insight into their daily lives. These characters go thru so much but they work together to get thru any issues that arise.

Overall: I love this series. I am trying to think of any unfinished business left for this series. I can only think of Mac. I really hope that he gets his HEA in the next book. I will definitely be reading on to see what happens with this crew.

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Review: New Beginnings

New Beginnings by A.K. Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

As the influx of Highlanders arrive in the US, Cameron’s brother Grant comes too. Intent on carrying out his brother’s bonding ritual, and returning home as quickly as possible. However, there are some surprises in store for Grant. Ones that are forever life changing, and which will test the very bonds of his friendship with one of his closest friends.

When Cam and Jinx find a young, lone, Panther Shifter in the forest, injured and facing up to an enraged bear, they do the only thing they can; they take on the bear to save the Panther. On finding out the youngster has no Pack, no family, Cam offers him a home and hopes he hasn’t made a mistake admitting a rogue Panther.

With Jacob finally getting his own bonding ritual, he feels as if he and Rebecca have passed the test of their blossoming relationship. That is, until disaster strikes and a new threat emerges; one he never envisaged.

Can the Highlanders integrate with the rest of the Pack? Will Grant accept his fate? And can Cameron keep everything together; including his multi-billion dollar enterprise?

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: The title is a good one as all of the characters seem to be starting over. I love the covers in this series. They are so beautifully done.

Characters: I love the new group of wolves added to the mix. Of course, the old ones are there as well.

Plot: The plot in this book didn't seem as deep as the last ones. There was a bit of fighting over a woman but not much else until the very last page. Of course, we have no idea what this new threat is.

Overall: I still love the series but I wish there had been more of a plot to this book. The first couple had so much fighting and drama that this one was a tiny bit of a letdown. I still can't wait to read the next book though.

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Review: The Alpha Decides

The Alpha Decides by A.K. Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Cameron Sinclair, multi-billionaire businessman, and now he is also the Alpha Wolf, a position he never wanted.

With his instinct to protect the Pack and those he cares for stampeding through his system, he struggles to awaken the white She-Wolf who now lies in a coma. Her fight to return from the darkness is one he watches closely, refusing to leave her side.

Just when he thinks that the Pack is safe, another threat rears its ugly head. A threat far worse than the one he’s dealt with, and one that could destroy not only his Pack, but the white She-Wolf. The emergence of a psychopathic killer is bad enough, but when that killer is an immortal Wolf the danger is tenfold.

Can Cameron do what he’d vowed never to do? Can he take on the role as Alpha and neutralize the threat? Or will he run, as far and as fast as he can?

Book 2 in the Highland Wolf Clan series. Paranormal Romance With A Bite

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: I love the cover of this book. It almost gives a magical look to the wolf. The title is really not so creative but it fits.

Characters: I love that the characters from book 1 are carried over. There are some new characters introduced as well.

Plot: The book picks up exactly where book 1 left off. Of course, there is a new threat that they had no clue existed. This new threat is even more twisted than the last.

Overall: I really like this series. I am definitely looking forward to book 3. However, I am hoping that book 3 focuses on Fergie and giving some conclusion to his issues. He seems to have been forgotten about halfway thru this book. He isn't mentioned after he admits how he feels. Overall, a good series that I plan to continue.

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Review: The Reluctant Alpha

The Reluctant Alpha by A.K. Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Cameron Sinclair is a successful businessman, with offices all over the world and a multi-billionaire with all the trappings. He is also a Wolf and he vows never to return to Pack life, or his birthright as Alpha.

He is ‘summoned’ back to his Highland Pack by his estranged father and things do not go smoothly, resulting in him leaving to help his Uncle in the USA with several of his friends in tow.

What awaits is heartache, sorrow and the chance for a new life as Alpha of a large Pack. A life with love in it. His first sight of the white She-Wolf affecting him in ways he can’t even understand.

First, he and his Wolves have to take on a deadly threat, the deadliest of all; a corrupt and depraved Alpha with a horde of guards as immoral as their leader.

Will he take his chance at love? Or do as he always does; walk away?

If you love your HOT Paranormal Romance, then this is for you! Book 1 in the Highland Wolf Clan series. Another hot paranormal romance by A K Michaels with over 100 5* Reviews!

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: The title is perfect for this book and the cover is pretty.

Characters: I love the characters. Cam is always fighting who he is. His friends are also likable characters. They are easy to like and relate to.

Plot: The story revolves around Cam, his friends and his uncle's pack. I love how Cam is moved to help the pack even though he doesn't want to be alpha. Even though he is the MC, the author centers in on other characters at points throughout the book so the reader sees things from their view as well.

Overall: I really enjoyed this book. I love shifter stories and this was no different. I am looking forward to reading book 2.

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Review: The Edinburgh Seer: Edinburgh Seer Book One

The Edinburgh Seer: Edinburgh Seer Book One by Alisha Klapheke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

OUTLANDER meets MORTAL INSTRUMENTS in this new fantasy by USA Today bestselling author Alisha Klapheke!

Aini MacGregor has a deadly secret.

In an alternate, modern-day Scotland, she must hide her sixth sense or face the firing squad. Because of the king’s mysterious fear of sixth-sensers, his head of security hunts people like her. And the man's clan has a choke-hold on her hometown of Edinburgh.

When Aini’s father is abducted, she must risk death and use her ability to follow a trail of artifacts to save him.

Despite the rebels trying to lure her into their fight, the ghostly encounters, and the constant fear that the kingsmen will catch up, Aini believes she and her father’s apprentice will win out.

Until she learns who the apprentice really is.

His secret is far more frightening than hers and its unraveling will flip both their worlds upside down.

Scroll up and click your way into this fantasy full of unique magic, forbidden romance, and ghostly prophecies today!

My Thoughts:

Cover/title: The cover is pretty and the title only hints at the story.

Characters: The characters are ok. I really didn't feel much of a connections to them. I wish I could say I even have a favorite but I don't.

Plot: The plot idea could have been good but the book just didn't keep me interested. Honestly, I fell asleep twice while trying to read this book. I finally just decided to plow my way through.

Overall: It was an ok book but not one of my favorites. I was a bit disappointed because the plot idea had potential. It just didn't live up to it.

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Thursday, December 28, 2017

Review: Magic Awakened

Magic Awakened by Meg Cowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Read Meg Cowley’s new Arthurian high fantasy tale, the Morgana Chronicles series. Fans of SJ Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses will love it. Legend, as you’ve never read it before.
Who is Morgana?
Morgana Le Fay is a feared legend, but the truth? Well, the truth is a different matter.
Torn from her home after her father’s death, Morgana is thrust into life as a ward of the King of Albion, the respected and ruthless Uther Pendragon.

As court life in Camelot tries to mould her into a simpering courtier, Morgana fights to regain her independence and find her place, but where is that? Her father is dead, she has no home, and she cannot think of anything worse than seeing the insufferably arrogant Prince Arthur every day.

Magic may be the answer, for it may give her the freedom to make her own choices and find a new belonging. However, as Morgana struggles to untangle the truth about magic, the alluring sorceress Morgause, and the very king himself, all three long feared by many in Camelot, she finds herself drowning in questions with no answers.

Can Morgana find the truth, and the key to her powers?
If you enjoy page turning, fast paced fantasy, with characters that could step off the page, then you will love the Morgana Chronicles, which has hints of Marion Zimmer Bradley and the BBC series Merlin.
Read Magic Awakened today.

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: The cover is beautiful and the title/series name drew me in immediately.

Characters: Emrys might be my favorite character, I mean who doesn't like a talking cat? Morgana is definitely not what I expected in this book. Arthur is a bit one dimensional as we do not learn as much about him.

Plot:This is a very different look at Morgana and Arthur. I like that she was a strong character. I also liked that Arthur stood up for her and realized that she didn't mean for any of that to happen.

Overall: I love the note from Morgause & the song that plays at the beginning of chapter 7. The augmented reality really brings this story to life. I would love for it to be longer and a deeper plot.

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Review: Shock of Fate

Shock of Fate by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Vanessa Cross has never traveled anywhere by magical tree trunk. She’s never used a wish-fulfilling bowl to create lunch, befriended gnomes, or confronted a troll. Her plans for summer break include lazing on the beach, shopping, and hitting the beauty salon—her usual way of coping with a hypercritical stepmother and an aloof father.

Yet fifteen-year-old Van’s hopes for summer fun drastically change when she is coerced through a portal to an alternate reality called the Living World. Once there, she discovers the only way to get home is by retrieving a relic called the Coin of Creation.

Along the way, Van not only meets new friends, experiences her first love, and learns about the magic in life, but finds that a great destiny awaits her . . . if she can survive the treacherous journey.

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: The cover is ok but doesn't really draw me in. The title doesn't do the book justice as it really gives the reader no insight into the story.

Characters: Van is kind of superficial and has a lot of growing up to do. She is definitely not my favorite heroine at all. Her best friend is also very superficial. Some of the other characters are ok. I did like that you got a lot of background info on the MC. I just didn't like her much despite all the insight into her and her life.

Plot: This book is full of adventure. I loved the magic thrown in and the world building is definitely well done. I think my favorite part might have to be the Minotaur. I really loved his story and how he got into his predicament.

Overall: I enjoyed this story despite not liking the MC very much. If the MC had been more likable, I think the story would have been so much better. However, it was not a bad story and I enjoyed the adventure.

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Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Review: Drone

Drone by Jackson Dean Chase
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Vikka Raymer is a fifteen-year-old Drone, a member of the worker caste destined to labor in the factories of the New World Plutonomy. When Vikka is forced to sell her organs to pay her family's oxygen bill, she becomes trapped in a secret genetic modification program.

The experiment transforms Vikka from a frail waif into a super-soldier. She escapes the program with the help of a mysterious, handsome stranger. Hunted by both the NWP and the Revolution that opposes them, Vikka must learn to harness her new power and decide whether to help her rescuer reform the NWP from within or join the Revolution to destroy it.

Drone is the epic YA dystopian sci-fi adventure you've been waiting for!

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: I like that the cover really doesn't give you much of a hint at what is to come. The title doesn't do it justice.

Characters: The characters are ok. I kind of felt bad about Cage. He seems to be stuck in the middle of Zan and his father. Zan & Vikka are ok characters but I didn't feel much of a connection to them. I did feel somewhat sorry for Vikka because of how callously they treated her family.

Plot: There is so much going on and the secrets make it more complex. There seems to be a bigger problem at the end but it is very brief and not well explained. I am guessing that is left for the next book.

Overall: This was an interesting book. There are lots of secrets. Overall, it was a good way to spend an afternoon.

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Review: A Match Made in Spell: Lexi Balefire, Matchmaking Witch

A Match Made in Spell: Lexi Balefire, Matchmaking Witch by ReGina Welling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Lexi Balefire, matchmaking witch extraordinaire, can find just about anyone’s perfect match—except her own.

Lexi hopes her dedication to bringing soul mates together is enough to counteract the wickedness that runs in her family, but without access to her full powers, she might never get the chance to find out. Musician Kin Clark wants to prove he’s the one to break her cycle of bad luck, but a gaggle of female groupies vying for his attention has Lexi worried he’ll break her heart instead.

When a formerly happy client gets dumped unexpectedly, Lexi will need to uncover the secrets of her past in order to put the pieces back together again—all while dealing with four fighting faerie godmothers, an obnoxious arch-nemesis, and a man who might just change her fate.

With the Beltane celebration—and a magical deadline—looming, will Lexi get exactly what she’s always wanted—or more than she ever bargained for?

My Thoughts:

Cover/title: Although the cover here is fine, the cover on my copy is adorable with the witch sitting on top of the house. The title is what really drew me in. It is just a fun title.

Characters: There are so many fun characters in this book, I doubt that I could pick a favorite. I love the fairy godmothers. Their antics make me smile. Salem is another fun and quirky character.

Plot: I love the story line. There is a lot happening in this book including a few surprising twists. I won't say anything else because I don't want to spoil it for future readers of this book.

Overall: This is a fun and quirky book. I loved so many things about it. The characters, the fun title/cover and the overall story. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Review: Lost Library

Lost Library by Kate Baray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Lost Library brings together a mysterious, magical book and a quirky heroine to create the adventure of a lifetime!

John Braxton arrives unannounced on Lizzie Smith's doorstep looking for answers she doesn't have. She may have a magical book, but she hasn't a clue what to do with it--or even how to read it. And John's revelation that he's a Lycan isn't making the job any easier.

Before the code to the book can be cracked, Lizzie and John stumble into the middle of a power-hungry mastermind's plan. Caught up in one man's search for power, Lizzie soon begins to uncover surprising secrets about her past and powers. Can she and John put a stop to their new found enemy's plans?

Take a romp through the life of the quirky and well-meaning Lizzie as she discovers magic, creatures that go bump in the night, and maybe love.

***Note that this title was previously published with the same title and cover through a different publisher.***

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: The cover doesn't give much of the story away. The title doesn't really give the reader much insight into the story either.

Characters: I really enjoyed the characters even though you don't get much background info. I definitely would have liked more background but the story stood well on its own. The story seemed to center more on the spellcasters and the lycans were more of an afterthought.

Plot: It is definitely an interesting start to the series. I am intrigued about the spellcasters and what they can do. I wish the Lycans had a little more to do with the plot. John is really the only lycan in story with a brief appearance from a few others.

Overall: I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I really enjoyed the new view of lycans and their spellcasters. I am definitely looking forward to reading more about them.

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Review: That Voodoo That You Do

That Voodoo That You Do by Lorelei Delille
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Theodore Prudcomb was a no-nonsense kind of guy, proper, conventional, and just the facts. Those were the qualities that got him the office manager job at the ad agency. But right now, the facts were that he needed a place to rent and he needed it soon. The only decent apartment available in New Orleans was located above a voodoo shop. That meant the beautiful, vivacious Delphine Larieux, proprietor of the voodoo shop, would be his landlady.
Delphine needs a tenant, and thinks the straight-laced but handsome Theodore just needs to loosen up. Luckily, she has just the voodoo spell to take care of that.
It’s a game of opposites attract in this sexy romp through Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, filled with magic, mayhem, and colorful characters.
Will Delphine’s spell work? Will Theodore learn to loosen up? Or will Delphine be a victim of her own magical meddlings?

My Thoughts:

Cover/Title: I thought both the cover and the title were catchy. I wanted to read the book without even reading the synopsis.

Characters: The characters were ok. I felt that the reader doesn't get to know them very well.

Plot: The story seemed a bit rushed. I really wish it had been drawn out a bit more. Some more detail or additional background would have been nice.

Overall: I found this story a nice easy read. Will I read book 2? Maybe. I have a lot of other series that I would rather delve into first.

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