Book Review ~ Sugar Spells

Sugar Spells (The Spellwork Syndicate #2)

by Lola Dodge
published by Ink Monster
expected release date: October 30, 2018
genre: YA, Supernatural, Paranormal

**Received e-book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review and has no monetary value.

Summary (Goodreads): After her run-in with a jealous warlock, apprentice baker Anise Wise can’t wait to get back the kitchen where she belongs. But thanks to her brush with death, the land of the living isn’t all cupcakes and marshmallows.
Anise’s magical mojo is way out of whack and her evolving powers are stirring up trouble. As the town buzzes with news that Anise can bake deathly spells, unsavory characters start lining up for a taste. They’ll stop at nothing for the chance to use Anise and her witchcraft to further their own plots.
She plans to hole up researching magic recipes until the attention dies down, but then she discovers the horrifying terms of her bodyguard’s contract. Wynn has saved her life so many times, she can’t leave him trapped. But doing the right thing will mean risking death or worse—being cast out of her dream job.
For this witch, justice might not be as sweet as advertised.

My Thoughts: I love the covers for this series. They look magical and match the story inside.
Book 2 finds Anise unable to do any magical baking without ruining everything. It turns out she has some residual death magic in her system. Anise chooses to bake the death magic out by making macaroons, a lot of macaroons. She's able to put these to good use, selling to a mannikan, and getting the funds needed to get Wynn out of his contract.
I really enjoyed most of the story. In order not to ruin the bakery again Anise ends up in different places while trying to get back to just her normal fire magic. My favorite had to be Gabi's family home and the cryptozoo where her family does their vet work. I would love to have a story that focuses just on the animals. They also end up in a strange cave system that brings more bad things but also some new friends. Carrot could end up being a very fun character, especially compared to others in the same role.
Overall, I liked the story and where it ended up. I'm still not sure about the alternate dimensions so soon into the series but it worked out. Even though Wynn is not my favorite character I'm glad something good happened for him and that we got to know him a bit more. Can't say I want to see a romance between him and Anise but he's growing on me.
Looking forward to more baking, magic and vampires in Wicked Tasty.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ The Ghoul Vendetta

The Ghoul Vendetta

by Lisa Shearin
published by Berkley Publishing Group/Ace Books
expected release date: January 31, 2017
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural

**Received e-arc from netGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Men in Black meets Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum in the fourth urban fantasy novel in the series starring seer Makenna Fraser and her fellow agents at Supernatural Protection & Investigation.
The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) are paid to keep the peace. But that’s not so easy when an endless evil threatens to tear that peace to pieces...
A vampire gangster’s nephew is abducted off his yacht by a bunch of low-rent Creatures from the Black Lagoon. A slew of banks are knocked over by what looks like the cast of Night of the Living Dead. All of this may seem like the movies, but, I promise you, it’s not.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I know the culprits aren’t wearing disguises or makeup. They’re real. Deadly real. Especially their leader—an ancient shapeshifter who leaves a trail of chaos and blood in his wake. Now, he’s taken my partner, Ian—and his intentions aren’t pretty.
The worst part? This is only the beginning...
The beginning of the end of the human race.

My Thoughts: This was my favorite book, so far, in this series. We see both professional and personal growth in Mac.
We start with another date for Mac and Rake and of course it is interrupted by another weird attack. This time by a kraken and creatures from the black lagoon kidnapping a prominent member of vampire society. These two just need to be allowed to have a real date with nothing happening. We do see their relationship go a few steps forward by the end of this book but it is seeming like a very slow process.
This book sees the return of Ian's stalking, many faced ghoul. He's gone back to robbing places like when he and Ian first came in contact with each other (sort of). Only this time he is leaving presents that awaken something in Ian. I liked the progress of Ian's character and the reasoning behind the ghoul's obsession with him.
This obsession leads to Mac doing everything she can to save her partner. While finding out just what she is capable of on her own. We also find out just how many people outside of SPI care about these two characters. I liked how everyone came together to help out even if it wasn't to take part in the battle.
I'm hoping that we get to see more of Rake's friends. I'm definitely interested in the dragons and their riders. They seemed to be an fun group and I want more.
Overall, this was a fun book.  I wish there had been more resolution to the conflict at the end but it did help move the series forward while giving new characters and reuniting old friends. Cannot wait to read more from this world.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Shaman Rises

Shaman Rises (Walker Papers #9)

by C.E. Murphy
published by Harlequin Luna
Genre: Adult, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy, 

**Received egalley from publisher and netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

Summary (Goodreads): Joanne Walker has two choices:

Defeat the enemy…or lose her soul trying

For over a year, Joanne has been fighting the Master—the world's most abiding evil entity. She's sacrificed family, friendships, even watched potential futures fade away…and now the Master is bringing the final battle to Joanne's beloved Seattle.

Lives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne's final transformation into her full Shamanic abilities come to her doorstep. Before the end, she'll mourn, rejoice—and surrender everything for the hope of the world's survival. She'll be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising.

My Thoughts: I did my usual procrastination on reading this, being the last book of the series. I'm still not sure how I feel about it after finishing. I enjoyed the book and was mostly happy with where everything ended up but there was still a feeling of something being off.
The main thing that threw me off was a death of a character. It wasn't something that happened in the middle of battle or at any time that would makes sense. We don't even see it happen.  Joanne turns around and looks and this person is dead. It comes up in another twist later in the story but still just felt like it was more for shock value than furthering the story in any way.
There was also too much going on at times. Trying to fit in every character that ever appeared in the series took up time that could have been more focused on Joanne's and the Master's stories. I wanted more of Joanne and Morrison, more of Morrison, more depth to the characters that we have come to love over the course of this series. Instead we have one epic battle after another. This isn't always a bad thing. There was plenty of action but not a lot of connection. When you thought they were done there was another tragedy happening that Joanne had to run off to fix.
This all sounds like I should have hated this book but I didn't. I still really enjoyed reading it just wanted more since it was the last time we were going to be with this group as it is. I'm happy for those that got their HEAs just wish it hadn't felt so rushed and chaotic.

Rating: 4

Book Review (Arc) ~Menagerie

Menagerie (Menagerie #1)

by Rachel Vincent
Published by MIRA
expected release date: September 29, 2015
genre: Adult, Mythology, Supernatural, Fantasy (dark),

**received e-arc from publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book right from the start. This is a dark look at what happens when humans get scared and decide the only solution is to round up anything that is not 100% human and imprison them one way or another.

*I wasn't as bothered by things that made this dark the way others were. They were highly disturbing but that is what made this book so great. If the author hadn't shown how bad the cryptids had it, the rest of the story wouldn't of had the same meaning.
*The reveal of how Delilah was still 100% human but had cryptid abilities was interesting. I'm not as familiar with what she is (really trying not to spoil here) so I was glad that it was well explained.
*I had an idea of what Gallagher was and it was another good reveal for the reader and the others that were around when it took place.
*I liked his  and Delilah's relationship. I was glad Delilah did just auto trust everyone around her that showed her a bit of kindness once she was caged.
* I liked the oracles and how they brought everything full circle from Delilah's past to the present.

Overall, I'm looking forward to this series. While I'm not sure where the author is going to go with the next book I'm interested enough to find out. With the way things ended and with the cryptids looking for lost family it seems like it can only go bad but here's hoping there's enough good to counterbalance them.

Rating: 4.5 

Book Review ~ The Stars Never Rise

The Stars Never Rise 

by Rachel Vincent
published by Delacorte Press
genre: YA, Fantasy, Supernatural, Dystopia

Summary (Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.

My Thoughts: I always worry when everyone else loves a book. Hyped books don't always work for me. This one did. It is right up there as one of my favorite reads so far this year.
Even though the Church is in charge and everyone follows whatever they say, it wasn't a preaching/ religious story. It was clear from the beginning that everyone was under the thumb of the Church even if most didn't agree with what they were saying. Because of the demon invasion the Church rules by fear.
Nina was an interesting character for me. We kept being told that she was slow on the uptake and her sister was the smart one. For me, I'll take the slightly slower character that can survive in the world she lives in than the smart sister who is either incredibly selfish or not as smart as we are being told. Nina's new group of real exorcists are an interesting mix and have something for everyone.
The only thing that stopped this from being a five star for me was the romance. I liked the idea of Finn, at first he was one of the better characters. Unfortunately, the big reveal didn't work for me. It was just weird. I get the idea and could see how his situation greatly helped the group in their work but as not as far as being Nina's romantic interest. The situation just seemed to put her in a situation where she is just making out with random guys. Even if Finn is there, it's not really him. Like I said, I liked him as a character but not as a romantic interest.
Overall, for being a first in the series, the author grabbed me from the start and kept me until the end. I'm looking forward to seeing how the group does out in the wild dealing with everything that was figured out during this book.

Rating: 4.5

mini Reviews ~ Night Shift

Night Shift

by Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin, Milla Vane
published by Berkley
Genre: Adult, Anthology, UF, PNR, Supernatural, Shifters

Summary (Goodreads): New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at Midnight , as the scent of Bastien Smith’s elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that’s as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he’s found his mate, he’ll do anything to keep her.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews’ novella, Magic Steals , when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.

From Milla Vane—a warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

It’s seer Makenna Frazier's first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, and her first assignment is more than she bargained for when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince’s bachelor party goes every which way but right in national bestselling author Lisa Shearin’s Lucky Charms

My Thoughts: 
Secrets at Midnight / Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 12.5): I have only read 1 of the books from this series. I remember liking it so not sure why I haven't read more. This is a definite PNR story. It's all about Bastien finding his mate Kirby. Once he's found her it moves right into HEA territory. I did like what we got of Kirby's backstory and why she was repressing her other half. I didn't hate or love this story. It was cute.
Magic Steals / Ilona Andrewa (Kate Daniels 6.5): This is another series that I've only read short stories from even though I own the first couple of books. I didn't like this as a PNR story. I was ok with Dali being insecure and not feeling she is as good as other bad ass women in this series. What I didn't like was how immature she was. Things like hiding Jim in her closest because her mother showed up at her place. I was reading it going "Really". I did like mystery/story that took place. This was where Dali shined and she became more likable.
The Beast of Blackmoor / Milla Vane: Not Read, ran out of time before had to return to library.
Lucky Charms / Lisa Shearin (SPI Files 0.5): This was my favorite of the bunch. The author did a good job of introducing her new world and characters in a short amount of time. We find out about SPI, meet some crazy leprechauns, and learn Makenna's new dream job may not be as great as she thinks, even with the health benefits. There is something for everyone if you like the supernatural. From the Russian werewolf to the boss lady who's a real dragon.
Having read book 1 right after this, I will say I hope the author gets back to the things that were set up in this story. Other groups trying to get their hands on the Seer so they have the advantage, etc.

Rating: 4 This is an overall rating for the anthology as a whole.

Book Review ~ Side Jobs

Side Jobs (Dresden Files #12.5)

by Jim Butcher
Published by Roc
genre: Adult, anthology, supernatural, fantasy

Summary (Goodreads): Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher-a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. The tales range from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious. Also included is a new, never-before-published novella that takes place after the cliff-hanger ending of the new April 2010 hardcover, Changes. This is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan as well as a perfect introduction for readers ready to meet Chicago's only professional wizard.

Contains:
+ "Restoration of Faith"
+ "Vignette"
+ "Something Borrowed" -- from My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding
+ "It's My Birthday Too" -- from Many Bloody Returns
+ "Heorot" -- from My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon
+ "Day Off" -- from Blood Lite
+ "Backup" -- novelette from Thomas' point of view, originally published by Subterranean Press
+ "The Warrior" -- novelette from Mean Streets
+ "Last Call" -- from Strange Brew
+ "Love Hurts" -- from Songs of Love and Death
+ Aftermath -- all-new novella from Murphy's point of view, set forty-five minutes after the end of Changes

My Thoughts: I will admit up front that I am an anthology junky. I own all but one of the books listed in the description.That said, just because I own them doesn't mean I've read them yet.
Even the ones I had read previously I enjoyed. I liked looking back at earlier times in the story-line.
Aftermath was my favorite for the reasons listed. It was interesting seeing things from Murphy's POV. Especially after how Changes ended. This story was also heavy with the werewolves working alongside Murphy. It also featured a bad guy/group that I found interesting even in the short amount of time we got with them. They were amphibian with acid spitting growths on walls.
Overall, If you are a fan of this series, you'll enjoy most of these stories. There are some that are better than others. One the author even tells you up front was his first attempt at writing a short story and it shows. I still liked the story (Restoration of Faith) even if the writing wasn't up to par. It was also nice to have the continuation between Changes going into Ghost Story.

Rating: Overall: 4

Book Review ~ Timeless

Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5)

by Gail Carriger
published by Orbit
genre: Adult, Stempunk, Supernatural, Shifters

Summary (Goodreads): Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly.

Until, that is, she receives a summons that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?
TIMELESS is the final book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

My Thoughts: I've been putting this off. I haven't really been happy with the final book in series that I've enjoyed overall. I wanted to read Carriger's new book Prudence but realized a few pages in that I really didn't know enough about the daughter since I never finished this series.
This book start a couple years after book 4. The Maccon's are comfortably living in Lord Akeldama's closet, the pack is living next door, and the vampire hive has moved to the country. The quiet doesn't last. With a summons from the oldest supernatural, a murder of the Scotland beta, and secrets coming to light things go downhill fast.
I didn't hate this book but I also didn't love it as much as the previous books. The trip to Egypt was all over the place. A lot happens but I felt lost and still had questions when it ended. There were lots of mummies, deaths, near deaths, kidnappings and attacks that were eye rolling, strangers in balloons and of course the Tunstell's acting troupe.
I did like having Madame Lefoux around even if I never understood what she was around for. Also I liked how the author addressed the issue of Lord Maccon being immortal and his wife decidedly not. My favorite scenes were between Biffy and Professor Lyall. They had a nice relationship even if it only took place in this book. I would definitely read more about those two or just about Biffy growing more into his current/future role in the London pack.
Now I will be moving on to the new series featuring the Maccon's daughter Prudence. Who we found out in this book does not like her name.

Rating: 4

Mini Thoughts ~ Waistcoats & Weaponry

Waistcoats & Weaponry (Finishing School #3)

by Gail Carriger
published by Little, Brown Books
Genre: YA, Steampunk, Supernatural, Shifters

Summary (Goodreads): Sophronia continues second year finishing school in style -- with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown. She, best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and charming Lord Felix Mersey stow away on train to return classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspects what or who would be aboard the suspiciously empty train.

Mini Thoughts: This was not my favorite of this series. Sophronia annoyed me in this book. Lots of flopping back and forth between Lord Mersey and Soap. Also, seemed very selfish for a lot of it.
I also didn't like the main plot of this book. The whole train ride and the picklemen I found boring.
There were two things that saved this for me. The writing was great as usual and the secondary story of Sidheag and the Scotland pack. This gave more background and got characters into place for when  Parasol Protectorate starts up.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Dead Heat

Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega #4)

by Patricia Briggs
published by Ace
Genre: Adult, PNR, Fantasy, Shifters, Supernatural,

Summary (Goodreads): For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, as Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday. Or at least it starts out that way...

Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.

My Thoughts: It's saying something that the author got me to tear up over a side character that we just met in this book. This has been one of my favorite series since they started and this story was a great addition to the set.
Anna grew on me more in this story. She was still the same Omega, doing what she needed to do to help. It seemed more fluid, to me, rather than just a defiance thing. My favorite thing about this story was learning more about Charles' past. It humanized him in a way that we haven't gotten in previous books. Learning that he had actual friends and almost another family outside of his father and brother.
I also got the one thing I wanted more of from the previous book, the FBI and Cantrip agents. I'm not sure how they can be kept in future books but I would definitely like them to be. This goes along with the fae making it clear that they are following their own rules and choices are going to have to be made.
The only thing that kept pulling me slightly out of the book was all the horse trivia. I very much felt like Anna and could not understand half of what was being said. That said, there were some great horses with great personalities that added to the overall plot.
*On a side note. I finished Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop just before this and really noticed (and loved) the difference in the authors' worlds. We have a story in this book (Dead Heat) about a werewolf who stays in his wolf form for months and the author makes a point of stating this is not good in her world. Where as in ViS the wolfs cannot stand to be in human form for even a full day at times. I always like when the authors lay down the rules for the supernatural/magic in their world and then stick to it.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Wild Things

Wild Things (Chicagoland Vampires #9)

by Chloe Neill
published by NAL Trade
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, PNR, Supernatural

Summary: (Goodreads): Since Merit was turned into a vampire, and the protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House, it’s been a wild ride. She and Master vampire Ethan Sullivan have helped make Cadogan’s vampires the strongest in North America, and forged ties with paranormal folk of all breeds and creeds, living or dead…or both.

But now those alliances are about to be tested. A strange and twisted magic has ripped through the North American Central Pack, and Merit’s closest friends are caught in the crosshairs. Gabriel Keene, the Pack Apex, looks to Merit and Ethan for help. But who—or what—could possibly be powerful enough to out-magic a shifter?

Merit is about to go toe to toe, and cold steel to cold heart, to find out.

My Thoughts: Another enjoyable installment in the Chicagoland series. I probably liked this book for all the wrong reasons. Since he first showed up Gabriel has been my favorite character in these books. I really want a book from his POV circling around the supes.
Ethan and Merit are laying low (hiding from mayor) with the supes. During an annual festival things get a little out of hand. We find out about other types of supernaturals "living" in the world besides the ones already out. In the aftermath it is discovered that someone is kidnapping supernaturals. In order to get out of trouble with the elves Merit and Co. have to find the missing and return them to their families.
The story line with the mayor seemed to resolve too easily. I also didn't like that it happened off page. The story went from A to C without showing anything between.
The rest felt like a transition type book. With decisions being made regarding Chicago, GP, and the future it set up for some possibly interesting stories.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ The Whispering Skull

The Whispering Skull (Lockwood & Co. # 2)

by Jonathon Stroud
published by Hyperion
genre: MG/YA, Supernatural, Fantasy, Paranormal

Summary (Goodread): In the six months since Anthony, Lucy, and George survived a night in the most haunted house in England, Lockwood & Co. hasn't made much progress. Quill Kipps and his team of Fittes agents keep swooping in on Lockwood's investigations. Finally, in a fit of anger, Anthony challenges his rival to a contest: the next time the two agencies compete on a job, the losing side will have to admit defeat in the Times newspaper.

Things look up when a new client, Mr. Saunders, hires Lockwood & Co. to be present at the excavation of Edmund Bickerstaff, a Victorian doctor who reportedly tried to communicate with the dead. Saunders needs the coffin sealed with silver to prevent any supernatural trouble. All goes well-until George's curiosity attracts a horrible phantom.

Back home at Portland Row, Lockwood accuses George of making too many careless mistakes. Lucy is distracted by urgent whispers coming from the skull in the ghost jar. Then the team is summoned to DEPRAC headquarters. Kipps is there too, much to Lockwood's annoyance. Bickerstaff's coffin was raided and a strange glass object buried with the corpse has vanished. Inspector Barnes believes the relic to be highly dangerous, and he wants it found.

My Thoughts: This is a book where I really like the world the author has built. Ghosts of every type have taken over the night time and the only ones that can see and stop them are the young. The only down side is the POV. For some reason I do not like Lucy's voice. She seems very snobby and at times seems to be trying to hard to be the "mean girl". My annoyance with her made me put the book down several times.
It's unfortunate because when I forced myself to look past her and focus solely on the story it was really good. We had talking skulls in a jar, a source that kills with a look, and a "friendly" competition between Lockwood agency and one of the large official agencies. Throw in deaths, black market auctions, and an interesting mystery and you have a good read.
Overall, I had a hard time rating this one. The story was good, with lots of interesting elements that kept the story moving. On the other hand I wish it had either been told by someone else or mixed in at least one other voice. The ending makes me want to find out what happens next but it's really going to depend on mood and who's POV it's told in.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review ~ Visions

Visions (Cainsville #2)

by Kelley Armstrong
published by Dutton
genre: Adult, Supernatural, UF, 

Summary (Goodreads): Omens, the first installment in Kelley Armstrong’s exciting new series, introduced Olivia Taylor-Jones, daughter of notorious serial killers, and Gabriel Walsh, the self-serving, morally ambiguous lawyer who became her unlikely ally. Together, they chased down a devious killer and partially cleared her parents of their horrifying crimes.

Their success, however, is short-lived. While Olivia takes refuge in the old, secluded town of Cainsville, Gabriel’s past mistakes have come to light, creating a rift between the pair just when she needs his help the most.

Olivia finds a dead woman in her car, dressed to look like her, but the body vanishes before anyone else sees it. Olivia’s convinced it’s another omen, a sign of impending danger. But then she learns that a troubled young woman went missing just days ago—the same woman Olivia found dead in her car. Someone has gone to great lengths to kill and leave this young woman as a warning. But why? And what role has her new home played in this disturbing murder?

Olivia’s effort to uncover the truth places her in the cross-hairs of old and powerful forces, forces that have their own agenda, and closely guarded secrets they don’t want revealed.

My Thoughts: I'm enjoying the mix of mythology and supernatural crime drama. We find out a lot more about the town of Cainsville and it's inhabitants in this book. I actually found this part of the story more interesting than the dead person in the car. The person in the car did become a part of the overall story but still felt disconnected to me.
The three men in Olivia's life were also a big part of the book. I have to say I like Ricky above the rest as far as couple material. James is just crazy and if there is not more to his story then I will be amazed. Then there's Gabriel. I really like this guy but at the same time I'm torn. I've reached the point that I'm tired of over half of Olivia's commentary being excuses for Gabriel. Whether it's for his actions or his in actions I don't need her excuses, it's part of who is he is and I wish it could just be.
Overall, I'm still happy with this series and where it seems to be going. I like the Fae aspect and want to know more about how all three are intertwined in this ongoing feud between the different factions.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Twice Bitten

Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires #3)

by Chloe Neill
published by Penguin Group
genre: Adult, PNR, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural

Summary (Goodreads): Merit, Chicago’s newest vampire, is learning how to play well with others. Other supernaturals, that is. Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene—and to spy for the vamps while she’s at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan’s offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Merit must accept the assignment, even though she knows that she’ll probably regret it. And she’s not wrong. Someone is gunning for Gabriel Keene, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She’ll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals—not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries old master vampire.

My Thoughts: This might be my favorite so far. Liked the addition of the shifters and the fact that it wasn't another round of Celina and a traitor in the house.
We finally get some real Merit and Ethan action, unfortunately it doesn't last nearly long enough. There is something about these two on the page, whether working, fighting, or just making everyone frustrated that works and makes you want more. Even when I want to kick Ethan he is quickly moving up the ranks as a favorite vamp character.
I liked the dynamics of the packs. They are such a 180 from the vampires that it was easier to enjoy and want to be on their side. That said the whole "traitor" thing didn't make sense considering how power is passed down. It served the purpose of the final set up but would have liked it to make more sense.
Overall, really enjoying this series. There are a ton of great side characters that can easily steal a page or two. Don't know why I waited so long to read this series but I'm looking forward to reading more. Book 10 just came out so plenty to catch up on.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ What's a Witch to Do

What's a Witch to Do (A midnight Magic Mystery #1)

by Jennifer Harlow
published by Midnight Ink
genre: Adult, Romance, Mystery (Cozy), Supernatural

Summary (Goodreads): High Priestess might sound like an ’80s hair band, but its Mona McGregor’s life. She runs the Midnight Magic shop in Goodnight, Virginia, and leads a large coven. She’s also raising two nieces and hasn’t been with a man for fifteen years…until a handsome doctor takes an interest in her. But Mona’s life really heats up when Adam Blue, a sexy werewolf, arrives at her door. Adam informs her that someone wants her dead and he is there to protect her. Hell’s bells! When a demon begins stalking her, Mona has to suspect her coven members, and even her family.

With two handsome men and a determined demon after her, Mona teams up with Adam to find out who really wants her dead . . . and who really wants her.

My Thoughts: While this looks and reads more like a cozy mystery, I would definitely label it more under romance. The mystery was there but the "will she ever find love" question was the bigger story line. Since there were plenty of supes in this story it did not bother me that it was a romance.
I liked Mona for the most part. I almost quit the book at one point because the author kept using the term moron but spelling it mo-ron. I was glad when she stopped. Mona flipped a lot between being this strong, high-priestess type character and a whiny why me type. This doesn't sound good but it fit with the character and the situation/town she lived in.
The mystery part of the story was obvious and used more as a reason to throw Mona and Adam together. Even when they "caught" the person responsible you knew it wasn't done.
Overall, I was more interested in the setting and overall supernatural groups than Mona/Adam's HEA. The story of Mona's sister and her 2 nieces is probably what I want to know the most about. Also, the FREAKs. Since there is a series featuring them (F.R.E.A.K.S. squad investigations) I may check it out before reading the second in this series.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review ~Warrior

Warrior (Doppelganger #1)

by Marie Brennan
published by Orbit
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural, 

Summary (Goodreads): When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed. But what happens when the doppelganger survives?


Mirage, a bounty hunter, lives by her wits and lethal fighting skills. She always gets her mark. But her new mission will take her into the shadowy world of witches, where her strength may not be a match against powerful magic.


Miryo is a witch who has just failed her initiation test. She now knows that there is someone in the world who looks like her, who is her: Mirage. To control her powers and become a full witch, Miryo has only one choice: to hunt the hunter and destroy her.

My Thoughts: By the end I was really glad that I stuck with this book. There were times (especially during some of Miryo's chapters) that it lagged a bit. Once Miryo and Mirage were together and trying to figure things out I was hooked and had to now the end results.
Both women were interesting in their own ways. Miryo was book smart and strong in her magic and studies. In contrast Mirage was very good on her feet. Started as a dancer and then became a warrior.
The author created an interesting world with the competing warrior schools that I wish had been more of a focus. Since we only know a little about them, it was difficult to feel the hatred that Mirage felt for certain warriors from other schools.
Overall, I found the ending satisfying. I liked how the conflict between the witch and doppelganger was resolved and intrigued with how the resolution turned everything in the witches world on its ear. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 Witch.

Rating: 4

(mini) Book Review ~ BackUp

BackUp (The Dresden Files #10.3)

by Jim Butcher
published by Subterranean
genre: Adult. Urban Fantasy, Supernatural

Summary (Goodreads): Let's get something clear right up front. I'm not Harry Dresden. Harry's a wizard. A genuine, honest-to-goodness wizard. He's Gandalf on crack and an IV of Red Bull, with a big leather coat and a .44 revolver in his pocket. He'll spit in the eye of gods and demons alike if he thinks it needs to be done, and to hell with the consequences--and yet somehow my little brother manages to remain a decent human being. I'll be damned if I know how. But then, I'll be damned regardless. My name is Thomas Raith, and I'm a monster. So begins "Backup" a twelve thousand word novelette set in Jim Butcher's ultra-popular Dresden Files series. This time Harry's in trouble he knows nothing about, and it's up to his big brother Thomas to track him down and solve those little life-threatening difficulties without his little brother even noticing.

My Thoughts: This is a short story from the Dresden Files. I really liked that it was told from Thomas' POV. He is one of my favorite vamps in any series and it was nice to get a glimpse of this world from someone else's eyes.
Thomas finds out from his sister from that other family that a group they have been trying to wipe out in the Oblivion war has just hired Harry to help with a fake kidnapping. The real purpose is to get a book into the Harry's hands in order to keep them in existence.
Even without remembering what was going on in the series at this point, it was still a great read that gave a little more insight into one of my favorites.

Rating: 5

Book Review ~ Her Ladyship's Curse

Her Ladyship's Curse (Disenchanted & Co. Book 1, part 1)

by Lynn Viehl
published by Pocket Star
genre: Adult, Steampunk, Supernatural, 

*e-galley received from netGalley/ publisher in exchange for an honest review.
**Disenchanted & Co. was first released in 2013 as two parts. The full book Disenchanted & Co. is available as of 1/28/2014

Summary (Goodreads): In a steampunk version of America that lost the Revolutionary War, Charmian (Kit) Kittredge makes her living investigating magic crimes and exposing the frauds behind them. While Kit tries to avoid the nobs of high society, as the proprietor of Disenchanted & Co. she follows mysteries wherever they lead.

Lady Diana Walsh calls on Kit to investigate and dispel the curse she believes responsible for carving hateful words into her own flesh as she sleeps. While Kit doesn’t believe in magic herself, she can’t refuse to help a woman subjected nightly to such vicious assaults. As Kit investigates the Walsh family, she becomes convinced that the attacks on Diana are part of a larger, more ominous plot—one that may involve the lady’s obnoxious husband.

Sleuthing in the city of Rumsen is difficult enough, but soon Kit must also skirt the unwanted attentions of nefarious deathmage Lucien Dredmore and the unwelcome scrutiny of police Chief Inspector Thomas Doyle. Unwilling to surrender to either man’s passion for her, Kit struggles to remain independent as she draws closer to the heart of the mystery. Yet as she learns the truth behind her ladyship’s curse, Kit also uncovers a massive conspiracy that promises to ruin her life—and turn Rumsen into a supernatural battleground from which no one will escape alive.

My Thoughts: The author did a good job of sucking you right into this story considering the length of this first part. I was instantly interested in Kit, her job, and what exactly made her so special. Was there something "special" about her or was she correct in her belief that there is no such thing as magic?
I found the rest of the characters just as interesting if not liable. I liked both of Kit's friends, they were so very different from each other and different from Kit that it worked and made sense for these two to be her friends. I started with a strong dislike for Dredmore but at the same time wanted to know where the author was going with the relationship between him and Kit. It had some very high moments just to turn around and have some of the lowest follow almost immediately.
Overall, while this was just part of the first book in the series, it gives you a glimpse into the world and the characters that live there. I thought the alternate America was well done without making it the typical western that you find in some steampunks. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this story/series.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Circle of Death

Circle of Death (Damask Circle #2)

by Keri Arthur
published by Dell
expected release date: February 25, 2014
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural, PNR

**eGalley received from netGalley/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads): PASSION REBORN

In one vicious night, Kirby Brown’s world is torn apart. Her best friend is dead, killed by a madman who is now after Kirby, and she has no idea why. When the police prove incapable of protecting Kirby, she has no choice but to trust a mysterious stranger. And while she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, she fears the strange abilities he wields.

An investigator for the Damask Circle, Doyle Fitzgerald, has come to Melbourne, Australia, to hunt down a killer. What he doesn’t expect to find is a cadre of witches capable of controlling the elements, a sorceress determined to take that power for herself, and a broken woman who is more than she seems. Doyle is certain that the reason behind the bloodshed lies in Kirby’s past—a past she has no wish to remember. Because Doyle isn’t the only one with magic in his soul: Kirby’s special gifts have the strength to destroy the world.

My Thoughts: I have not read the first book in this series. Other than not being familiar with the group in the circle, this did not hinder my reading or enjoyment of this book.
The action starts right from the start and just keeps going. At first I wasn't sure about Kirby. The consistency of her character was off for me. While she was the strong female lead you would want and need to be paired with Doyle. Her inability to trust (even though she couldn't tell you why) just dragged out too long. There were times when I just wanted to say that's enough of that same dialogue can we move this forward. Still overall, she worked in the long run, just the small things.
Loved Doyle and his team. Even if the book had just focused on the three of them and catching this killer I would have been happy. I didn't need the HEA to enjoy this story.
Overall, once I started reading I could not put this down. I had to know what happened next and how much trouble Kirby was going to cause for Doyle and if they stood a chance against this killer when they hadn't up to that point. The end went the usual HEA route that you would expect but was still well done.
I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the first book to understand the circle more and have already been approved for the third book Circle of Desire.

Rating: 4

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Skin Game

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.


Skin Game (The Dresden Files #15)

by Jim Butcher
published by Roc
expected release date: May 27, 2014
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural,

Summary (Goodreads): Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, is about to have a very bad day….

Because as Winter Knight to the Queen of Air and Darkness, Harry never knows what the scheming Mab might want him to do. Usually, it’s something awful.

He doesn’t know the half of it….

Mab has just traded Harry’s skills to pay off one of her debts. And now he must help a group of supernatural villains—led by one of Harry’s most dreaded and despised enemies, Nicodemus Archleone—to break into the highest-security vault in town so that they can then access the highest-security vault in the Nevernever.

It’s a smash-and-grab job to recover the literal Holy Grail from the vaults of the greatest treasure hoard in the supernatural world—which belongs to the one and only Hades, Lord of the freaking Underworld and generally unpleasant character. Worse, Dresden suspects that there is another game afoot that no one is talking about. And he’s dead certain that Nicodemus has no intention of allowing any of his crew to survive the experience. Especially Harry.

Dresden’s always been tricky, but he’s going to have to up his backstabbing game to survive this mess—assuming his own allies don’t end up killing him before his enemies get the chance….

**This is one of my favorite authors and series. Always look forward to new books.