Daddy & Daughter Review: Corrupted by Robert J. Crane {Book 3}

Title: Corrupted
Series: Southern Watch
Author: Robert J. Crane
Publisher: Midian Press
Date of Publication: Nov 6 2014
Source: received from author for our honest opinion of it
Ages:  MATURE 18+

Goodreads Synopsis:

WARNING: Due to graphic language and disturbing content, this book is intended for MATURE READERS ONLY.

Midian, Tennessee is the site of a gradually deepening apocalypse. Demons haunt the town, causing unexplainable deaths that leave local law enforcement mystified. Demon hunter Lafayette Hendricks and Sheriff's Deputy Archibald "Arch" Stan are on the case, however, and with the aid of their significant others and a pair of demonic Officers of Occultic Concordance, they'll chase down every lead they have to find the killer...until they uncover something utterly unexpected. For something dark and twisted has come to Midian with one evil intention: the desire to corrupt innocence utterly and completely...

...something that will burn the very world around them to ash.

 Daddy's Review

I am telling you that this series just keeps getting more and more exciting!  At first, I was a little skeptical about reading these books but my daughter really wanted to challenge me to get out of my "westerns only" reading and try something new.
Well, now I can honestly say I am glad I did.  This writer, Mr. Crane, is darn talented.  It is just sad you can't find him in every bookstore but only online.  I would like to see him everywhere because he definitely deserves it.
I have to say, so far, Corrupted has been my favorite book.  It has a lot of surprises in it, good and bad, and the bad guy this time is pretty sick!  
I swear every time I read these books, it is like there is a movie playing out in my mind.  It is really easy to picture the scenes throughout the book.  
I really enjoy that Arch's wife has a more major part in this book. There are also some pretty funny parts too.  I really like how the whole story seems to be progressing; but I still think the Sheriff should have a more vital part with the gang.
But all in all, Corrupted was so good with super realistic fight scenes that the bad language really took a backseat for me!
I have give this one five stars!


My Review (Daughter's Review)

What I love the most about Robert J Crane's writing is his originality.  Trust me, some of the bad guys in this book you will probably never find them in any other demon genre.  You know you are going to get something totally unexpected and more than likely, it will be hilarious.
I just love how Mr. Crane was able to take something so innocent and healthy and then turn it into some mass killing machine.  Kudos to you, Crane.
We see some of our favorite characters in this as well as meet a few new ones.  I personally, love the warlock even though I know he is a bad guy.  He is just a likable bad guy.
And of course I am loving that Arch's wife is in the action, so to speak.  There is so much more to her and I love that she is being incorporated into the story a little more each time.   I really think that Allison Stan is one of the strongest characters in the book, the quiet brooding strong.
I still enjoy the demon officers, Lerner and Duncan, and think it really opens up the whole gray area that Crane is so good with writing.  Yes, they are demons but are they inherently evil?

There is some major plot twists throughout Corrupted that will have you gasping in surprise and laughing out loud too.
There is one specific scene that really had me thinking of the Ghostbusters movie.   Think of the whole "keymaster, gatekeeper" idea and you will understand.  I loved that scene so much!  Even though it was pretty creepy; it was still pretty awesome!

Overall, Corrupted was a really fun and really intense read.  There was this major darkness (even more so than normal) saturating the whole story line that kept the story from being too crazy and silly; but instead made you deal with some very shocking and intense themes that people today sometimes face.  I feel like each book is leading up to this whopper of a story thread that is going to bring the reader down to our knees.  Each of these books gets harder as there is more things for these people to lose.

Get your own copy at:

Amazon  | Barnes & Noble |

Daddy and Daughter Book Review: Depths: Book 2 in Southern Watch Series by Robert J. Crane

Title: Depths
Series: Southern Watch
Author: Robert J. Crane
Publisher: Reikonos Press
Date of Publication: February 2014
Source: bought, as well as received from author for honest review.
Rating: 18 +
From Goodreads:

The underworld is rising in Midian, Tennessee, a small town and burgeoning hotspot of demonic activity. When a string of savage and horrific murders committed by demons shocks the town, the unknowing Sheriff's Department scrambles to track down the culprit.

Working outside the bounds of the law is Deputy Archibald "Arch" Stan and demon hunter Lafayette Hendricks. The two of them are keeping watch on the situation in Midian, trying to thin the demon population - a heavy task even when there isn't a rising body count to deal with.

Their investigation leads them on a twisting path that sends them up against the forces of hell, has them at odds with their significant others and may even cost them their lives. Because a new demon has come to Midian, one that has a taste for death...
...and he may not leave the town standing when he's done

Daddy's Review:
Well I thought I would never find myself enjoying a book so much that would I give it five stars, but I guess you should never say never.  Because I really really liked Depths so much I don't see how Mr. Crane can write the next book any better than this one.
Well there was still the extreme cursing, which I am not a fan of, but I do like that we have the main character, Archie, who refuses to curse.  So it seems to even things out for me.
Now before I read this book, my daughter warned me there was a very graphic scene that I may not be able to handle.  Well, I was okay.  Now I didn't enjoy the scene; but I didn't let that one scene affect how I felt about the overall story.  I think the one scene that probably bothered me more than anything was the wrecks on the highway.  I felt that was uncalled for, but probably more for a personal reason than anything.  And I know that scene probably bothered my daughter as well.
But it is pretty graphic and if you aren't used to watching horror movies with some gore, then you might not be able to handle it.
Boy I loved how Mr. Crane answered some of my questions I had after reading the first book.  And there is some interesting ideas in this second one that I did not see coming but at the same time I really liked it.
This book is full out action!  It is kinda like Die Hard- there is always something going on over here and there ; but it all ties in at the end.  I also really liked the new characters we meet, Lerner and Duncan, and I feel like they really bring something great to the story.
Overall, I enjoyed Depths a lot.  The first book was good but this one was great!  It just pulled me in and I found myself having a hard time putting the book down.  I believe I read this one faster than I did the first one or any of my westerns I read.
I was really happy with this book.  Shoot, I wanted to give it ten stars but my daughter says they don't rate that far.  Well I think they should.  But five it is.

*****

My Review(Daughter):

I was forewarned by Crane that I might not like the disturbing scene that everyone was talking about so he wanted to let me know to watch out for it.  And I admit it was disturbing indeed, but I also know why it was there.  We needed to truly see the emptiness that Gideon is and the depravity of the situation showed us that Gideon only cares for his next "fix", so to speak. So from an author's standpoint, I believe that Crane executed that point perfectly.
The scene with the hooker actually didn't bother me as bad as it did everyone else.  Should I be worried?  Maybe I am just sensitive to other aspects....
Actually, I think Gideon "taking things into his own hands" probably got on my nerves more than anything.  As antagonists go, this one just irritated the hell out of me.
And Dad is right.  The scene that really bothered me more was the highway scene.  That actually hit me on a personal level, having been in a wreck that was pretty intense for me.

But there were two characters that I fell in love with completely.  Duncan and Lerner.  These two guys are awesome!  I felt like they really brought a new side to the whole demon hunting plot line.  Just when you think you everything is black and white, we get this huge side of gray and we don't have everything in neat little wrong or right compartments.  I loved the way they could get along with others and how fantastic they were at their job.  Hendricks will probably have to re think some of his beliefs now.

I am glad we find out more about the secondary characters as much as we do the main ones.  I love when the secondary characters prove to be just as important to the story line as the main protagonists.  That is some good writing!

And of course the action is nonstop!  But that is what I will always expect with a Robert J. Crane book.  I couldn't imagine him writing a boring book.  Nope!
I really think that if you enjoyed any of his other books you should try the Southern Watch series.  Yes it is graphic and gory, yes there is a ton of cursing, and some questionable antagonists but there is a lot of action and a very good plot that will blow you away!
I give it five hearts as well!

A Father/Daughter Book Review: Called (Book 1: Southern Watch) by Robert J. Crane

Title: Called
Series: Southern Watch Book 1
Author: Robert J. Crane
Publisher: CreateSpace
Date of Publication: Jan. 6, 2014
Source: bought, paperback, 172 pages
Rating: Adult, 18 + over

Goodreads Summary:

Archibald "Arch" Stan was a local cop in Midian, Tennessee that was good at his job, good at being a husband, and exceptionally good at hiding his disappointment at not being able to figure out what was missing in his life that made it all seem so empty.

Lafayette Hendricks looked like a drifter, a broken-down hitchhiker blown through Midian on the prevailing winds. When Arch catches him in a fight on the town square, though, things start to get weird, fast, because the guy he's fighting doesn't die when he gets shot. And Hendricks is carrying a sword.

Pretty soon, Arch's whole life is turned upside down by Hendricks's revelation that there's a secret world operating under the one he's been living in his whole life - one filled with demons, chaos, and unspeakable evils, one of which is already in town, stirring trouble. And if the two men don't band together to keep watch on the darkness falling on Midian, then this small town might just get swallowed up by the forces of evil - with the rest of the world to follow shortly behind.

WARNING: Contains violence, coarse language and sexual situations.

Father's Thoughts:
I could have done without all the language but I understand why he had to use it.  I also realize he put a warning up, so I was expecting bad language just not this bad.  But besides that, the overall story is pretty good.  It will keep you hooked into it , trying to figure out what will happen next.  There is a lot of action in it, and it has this modern day cowboy feel to it.  I, personally, enjoy westerns; but I did enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone to try this book with my daughter.  It is violent but I believe the author is trying to show us how demons really are, how low they will go.    So again that could point to all the extremely foul language.  It seems to come more from the demons than the other characters.
Another thing that tended to get to me was the ending.  Man, I don't like those cliffhanger endings!  I am glad he left it open for another book , but did you really have to end it like that?
All in all, I did enjoy reading Called.  Towards the last half of the book, it is so fast paced and full of action I had a hard time pulling away from the book.  Good job!
 My daughter says I have to give it a number rating from 1 to 5; so I am going to go with a 4.  The book was good.  It was interesting, had some good characters and kept me reading so I find that it earned a 4.  It did leave many questions I had unanswered, so I got to get to reading the next book soon.

My Thoughts:
Well if it wasn't violent and jammed full of action then it wouldn't be Robert J. Crane's writing.  This is something I have come to expect from the man and he never disappoints us!  It did have some moments that seemed very violent but it never got any worse than say Spartacus.  You know the show on Starz?  Yeah, well that is violent.  So it did stay below that level.
I did notice that our characters did use much more extreme cursing in it than most of the other characters from the other series ever used.  Cursing doesn't really bother me (since I tend to do it a lot myself- sorry Dad!) but I do understand my Dad's problem with it.  He was more or less expecting harsh language but not the F bomb being dropped constantly.  But in the author's defense, sometimes you can't get something across by just using the word "dang nabbit"  or some other words.  I mean we are talking about demons, who really don't give a crap about the human race or anything for that matter, and I just don't see them watching their language.  Plus, the coarse language shows us the situations that seem to follow these people along.  Bless Arch though.  Even though he was going through some serious hell, I don't believe he ever let the F Bomb drop at all.
Getting pass the extreme sport of throwing the F word around,  the story is a good solid one.  I am very interested in who Hendricks truly is, and why he has such a hatred for these demons.  Starling was probably my favorite character in the whole book right now.  She just has this awesome personality that really makes me think that she is going to be pretty freaking awesome! (No, it isn't that F word)
I didn't really care for Erin though.  I am hoping she isn't here to stay, so to speak.
Then there is our main characters: Arch and Hendricks.  What an unlikely odd couple!  I think they go great together though; Arch is this milder guy who tries to think things through before just jumping on the band wagon.  Whereas Hendricks is the good guy who has a bad guy persona.  They remind me of Sam and Dean from Supernatural a little bit.  They actually compliment each other and I think they make a great team.  It will be interesting to see how their relationship pans out.
Overall, I thought Called was a decent book.  There were parts that seemed a little too strange and felt like it might have took away from the seriousness of the story.  I am thinking of how the cow plays into all of this and feeling like that was a little too silly for the whole demon story.  But it did make for a funny reading.
Besides that, though, the plot was a solid one that definitely kept me interested until I finished the book and couldn't wait to jump in to book 2.  It flows well and I really enjoyed the action that plays throughout the book.
I give it four hearts!

Get your copy at:

Amazon| Barnes & Noble| The Book Depository|

Book Review: Crusader Volume 4: Sanctuary by Robert J. Crane

Title: Crusader
Series: The Sanctuary Series volume 4
Author: Robert J. Crane
Publisher: Reikonos Press
Publication Date:July 26, 2013
Source: Kindle, 824 pages, received from author for honest opinion of it.



Goodreads Summary:

The world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary. Cyrus Davidon finds himself far from his home in Sanctuary, in the land of Luukessia, a place divided and deep in turmoil. With his allies at his side, Cyrus finds himself facing off against an implacable foe in a war that will challenge all his convictions - and one he may not be able to win

My Thoughts:

I found myself being torn trying to pen my thoughts down to Crusader.  It was a great book, very detailed, and gave us a true insight into the actual man, Cyrus Davidson, not just the warrior.  There were places in the story that gave me utter chills and I knew I could feel the characters as if they were right in the same room with me.  The prologue was one of those places.  I can just feel the despair Cyrus is portraying even in those few pages; as well as throughout the rest of the story.  Mr. Crane has an exceptional way of describing emotions and feelings in this book without making it overly sappy (though I do like some sappy lol).
There is a sense of magic to the writing style of Crane that really captures the essence of a true adventure.  Crusader didn't disappoint in this area at all.  

We really see a different side to Cyrus in this installment.  Cyrus is for all extent and purposes, a broken man.  He has confessed his love to the one he adores and she has shunned him.  Of course we know it was because she was in love with him too but....isn't that how all the tragic couples do it?  Deny your love, break their heart, realize your love and then demand it in return.   Or something to that degree...
But back to Cyrus.  He just seems like a shell of what he formerly was in the beginning.  Everyone tends to stay away from him except those that are truly close to him and yet even they are unsure of his nature right now.  I found that Crusader was in part a soul searching novel for Cyrus; and maybe a tad for Vara as well.  But I really seen Cyrus at rock bottom and then slowly lift up throughout the story to really find himself in the end.  
I also thought Crusader was much darker than the previous books.  It just had this dark  hopeless feeling to it in many areas.  But that was  probably because of the setting, Luukessia, which I really didn't like at all.  I mean this area was just not my cup of tea.   And I know there is probably a bunch of readers out there that loved the baroness -but not this reader.  She just irritated me to no end!  Yes, she put up with hell from her husband {jerk} and was very brave for what she does towards the the middleish -end; but I still don't like her.  I just didn't.  Maybe I was jealous, I don't know what it was I just did not like this woman at all.


Oh and there was a lot of sex in Crusader.  I mean a lot of it.  Of course, Mr. Crane does the sexual scenes in very tasteful measures which is always cool with me.  But I tended to find Cyrus seemed more like a teenage boy with his libido.  It just seemed like a lot of the pages tended to focus just on Cyrus' thoughts on ending his dry spell as well as staring at certain women with a longing.  It was funny but started to draw on my nerves a little as well.  But still funny when the other characters would pick on him.  

 And yes the dark elves still tend to be my favorite of the species right now.  Is that wrong?  Don't really care.  They are just that damn awesome.  Aisling comes to mind right away.  I did like her but this book has really made me appreciate her even more and showed me how loyal she is even though she is a dark elf.  So I guess I am Team Aisling right now.  To me, she has showed the most promise in the ....well you know.   {Trying not to give anything away right now} 

But besides the hopeless fighting, the broken Cyrus, the sex craved Cyrus, and the witty commentary from Vaste whenever we are taken back to Sanctuary in certain chapters, we do deal with some major issues that definitely bring tension between close friends and allies.

All in all, Crusader is definitely a thinking novel.  It has the high action fight scenes that we have come to expect from a Robert J. Crane novel; but it also has this deep thought provoking sense to it as well.  We learn from Cyrus that all events have consequences and everyone makes sacrifices.  I feel like this was Cryus' aha moment where he was truly tested through the betrayals that he discovered along the way.  
I truly hope that the next book will be Cyrus' road to understanding, if not happiness.  Although, I don't know if he will get his happily ever after at all.  

I gave Crusader:

Get your own Copy:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Robert J. Crane:
Goodreads | Twitter | Website 

Book Review: The Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler

Title: The Immortal Circus
Author: A.R. Kahler
Publisher: 47North
Date of Publication: Dec. 4, 2012
Source: bought, Kindle, 236 pages
Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Fall In Love with Your Own:  Amazon | 



Goodreads Summary:

Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend…and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargains for.
The show's just beginning.

Step right up…

My Thoughts:
This is a fast paced, sexy as hell, romantic supernatural mystery that combines so many magical elements it creates this thrill ride that you hope will never end!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the circuses we grew up on had this type of allure to them?  Magicians that capture our minds with spells, while the fey like performers capture our eyes with their graceful moves.  Oh what a wonderful world indeed that would be!

Lucky for us, Mr. Kahler created a world with these very powerful beings who can transform everything around us with just a blink of the eyelid.   From the very first page, we are thrust right into the dark world of the Cirques de Immortales where a performer has been murdered.  Right away, we get a glimpse of the dangerous side to this profound group of circus performers.  
It is told from Vivienne's standpoint, so we are kept in the dark, only learning things as she learns them.  There are a few times we are privy to certain conversations between other characters that help us see a little bit more into everyone's parts that they are destined to play.
I liked Vivienne for the most part.  There were times she seemed a little naive concerning the background info on the other members of the circus, but in her defense she had a lot on her plate so I guess that could be understandable.  
Besides our main character, the others are an interesting lot too.  Kingston is a heartthrob indeed!  Every time I hear his name, I imagine this tall gorgeous man wearing a top hat (magicians have to have  their top hats) and an overcoat with no shirt open.  Oh goodness me!
I, personally, love our leader of the Immortal Circus, Mab of the Winter Court.  She is sexy incarnate.  She is dark, deceptive, and yet I feel drawn to her like a magnet.  Mab has this pull which is probably why everyone found their way to her; she knew their weakness and this is how she is able to get the "contracts" from them.  

The plot threads in the story are addictive.  Everyone knows that The Winter Court despises the Summer Court and yet things are not as they seem.  I wouldn't label Mab as good in the book; but I could not give the Summer Court Fey this title either.  Both courts are devious and only interested in their own means.    After reading the book, though, I found it hard to root for the Summer court.  The winter court had some very amazing creatures helping them, even though they could have been terrifying, it still was enjoyable to see them working together helping the circus.  

There is so much more to come in these books I am going to be biting my nails waiting on the next book to come out.  Mab has many dark secrets up her sleeves and I am terrified for what Vivienne  has to play in the future of the Immortal Circus.  

I highly suggest you come to the circus, where your inhibitions can be released as you experience a magically induced sensual journey into one of the most secretive and dark fantasies to come to the pages of a book.  

I wholeheartedly give The Immortal Circus five hearts!  

Connect with A.R. Kahler:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | 

Book Review: The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen

Title: The Fallen Star
Series: Fallen Star Book 1
Author: Jessica Sorensen
Publisher: CreateSpace (self)
Date of Publication: April 11, 2011
Source: bought, ebook, paperback 449 pages
Get Your Own Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads Description:For eighteen year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. Up until recently, she has been incapable of feeling emotion. And when she's around Alex, the gorgeous new guy at school, she can feel electricity that makes her skin buzz. Not to mention the monsters that haunt her nightmares have crossed over into real-life. But with Alex seeming to hate her and secrets popping up everywhere, Gemma's life is turning into a chaotic mess. Things that shouldn't be real suddenly seem to exist. And as her world falls apart, figuring out the secrets of her past becomes a matter of life and death.

My Thoughts:

Everyone knows how I love to judge a book by its cover~and yes I know how wrong that is~so I have to give praise for the beautifully illustrated cover.  When I do my reviews, I try to pick up on one of the most important colors, whether it be vital to the storyline or just a color that stands out on the cover art, and I use a color closest to this as my headers.  
I tried to do this for The Fallen Star too.  It really is such a beautiful color too.  So of course that is the first thing that stands out for me; plus the fact that the color is pretty important as well in the story.  
I was torn with this story.  I loved Sorensen's writing style, the beautiful prose she seems to put down that has me trying to capture the essence of what she is saying in my mind, along with the plot line that is an unique idea unto itself.  She pulls creatures that we hear stories about all the time: vampires, angels, demons; and then creates other characters that seem to come out of nowhere.  Like Gemma.  Gemma is an enigma.  A girl that isn't supposed to feel anything, begins to have the prickling sensations that alert her to new emotions coming to her.  We find ourselves being drawn into Gemma's world; her loneliness that eats her up.  
And this is probably why Alex, the new boy that comes into her life, isn't on my favorites list.  I don't know I just cannot like him.  Yes he is gorgeous, but this seems to be the standard for all YA paranormal books.  I am not complaining; just stating a fact here.  He is brooding and mysterious too.  But he is just so damn rude.  And it isn't that he is a smart-ass either, that I could handle.  He is just....rude.  
For example, if he doesn't want to hear what Gemma has to say anymore, he covers her mouth with his hand.  Sorry dude, but if you did that to me, you would probably be coming back with a nub.  
The other characters aren't really that memorable for me either.  Well except one.  Laylen is pretty cool.  And there is an elf dude that I think has potential.  But sorry Alex is just not the one I can root for in any of this.  
Besides my total dislike for our main male lead, I also notice the story does seem to lag in some areas.  It wasn't totally boring but I did find myself wanting to skip ahead at certain places.  Especially when it seemed certain visions needed repeating.  
Other than all of that though, I did enjoy The Fallen Star.    Like I said before, Sorensen's writing style is lyrical.  It floats by and is easy to fall into getting lost in the translation of this different world from everyday life here.  
It is always fun to read about the underground world that lives right among us, with magic all around us.  This is what keeps me interested in reading book 2 and so on.  The magic that is captured on paper, that consists of Gemma's fate.  
It definitely isn't Alex or his influence on her.  
I gave it 3 stars because I liked The Fallen Star.

Connect with Jessica Sorensen:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter |

ARC Review: Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Title: Wicked Kiss
Series: Nightwatchers Book #2
Author: Michelle Rowen
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Expected Date of Publication: Feb. 26, 2013
Format: ebook, paperback 440 pages
Source: e-ARC from Net Galley & Harlequin Teen
Pre-Order your copy: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Book Synopsis:MY KISS CAN KILL.

I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that's changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone's soul...or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don't...I hurt myself.

Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I'll kill him. Then there's another boy, one I can't hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They're both part of a team of angels and demons that's joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I'll be able to help Bishop-or if I'm just another part of the darkness he's sworn to destroy....

NIGHTWATCHERS

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

My Thoughts:
I really like a lot of books that are coming out of Harlequin Teen right now so I took a leap of faith grabbing this one, never actually reading book 1, hoping I would find a great story with a little supernatural edge to it.  

I did.  
Now, I have to admit I can't stand to jump into a series in the middle, for obvious reasons, but Wicked Kiss gave enough background detail I wasn't really lost at all.  I am sure I will go back and read book 1 just to have this complete feeling (yeah, I am a little anal about that), although I felt pretty comfortable with the story line and characters.  
Speaking of characters: wow!  The angels/demons team is pretty cool but if I had to pick my faves I would go with Kraven all the way.  YES I understand he is a demon and pretty heartless but I don't know, there is just something about his attitude; whew gets my temperature rising.  
But our main character, is Samantha, a girl that is lacking a little something, that makes her have this very super and very deadly kiss.  I liked her.  She didn't irritate me too much, although, I think she should be careful what she wishes for.  
Bishop, our resident guardian angel, is your typical YA male: brooding, dark, bossy as hell, oh and gorgeous.  We definitely cannot forget gorgeous (but looks aren't everything-it's just the icing on the cake, so to speak.)
The plot is interesting and will keep your attention most of the time.  I was appreciative of the thorough background info we got but I could understand where those have read the first book, might see it as more of information over load.  
There could be a slight love triangle interpreted here but it isn't as huge as the synopsis makes you think it is.  Also calling them "boys" just seems wrong but I guess that is a potato -po-ta-to thing.  
The one hang-up that I had with Wicked Kiss had me torn from being super happy with the story and groaning to myself, "not again."  I noticed it was a really long story-I mean really long, for a story I didn't think would or should have been that long. It just seemed like when everything was took care of; boom!  Another problem arose out of nowhere and was tied up neatly again.  The reason I was so torn was because I enjoyed the minor threads and they did play a bigger part into the main thread but there was a lot.  

But all in all, Wicked Kiss was really good and pretty creative.  It brings some originality to a genre that seems to be bombarded with vampires and werewolves.  The heroine has some very unique abilities that are feared and revered at the same time.  It is an interesting story that will have you surprised, horrified, and most importantly, breathless.  

I gave it four hearts!

Connect with Michelle Rowen:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

Book Review: Darkness Rising: {Legends of Marithia Book #2} by Peter Koevari

Title: Darkness Rising
Series: Legends of Marithia
Author: Peter Koevari
Publisher: self
Date of Publication: November 15, 2011
Source: ebook, 260 pages (received copy from author for my honest opinion of it)
Get Your Own: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:In the aftermath of the Battle of the Elven Woods, the two legends of Marithian prophecy are both dangerously close to the dark grip of death as Marithia suffers under the powers of the Blood Red Moon.
Vartan, prophesised to save Marithia, lays spellbound under the protection of the mythical dragons. The vampire sorceress Kassina, prophesised to bring about their Armageddon has been moved to the underworld by the demon lord himself, Shindar.
A seed of the gods has grown and their greatest gift to Marithians, Anakari, makes her fated journey to discover her purpose.

A former shining jewel of Marithian peace, castle Greenhaven, remains in ruins after its defeat under Kassina's forces and the elves rebuild their war torn city of Veldrenn.
Talonsphere must be found before Marithia merges with the Underworld and Shindar brings about the world's end

My Thoughts:
Please visit my review of the first book in the series here.

Peter Koevari does a fantastic job of world building in this novel.  We learned about Marithia in the first book, and yet I find that I am still being immersed in another side of it in this second installment.  This story has it all : noble dragons, loyal elves, fragile humans, and fierce vampires.  Yes!  I just said vampires!  That is what initially brought me to this series-the concept of having a high fantasy with all your classic characters but then vampires were added to the mix.  It definitely gives fantasy a new twist.
I really liked this idea but I noticed I had a hard time getting into the second novel.  There were parts that seemed to drag on and on without really getting to the point.  This was in the beginning but towards the middle and definitely the end, I found myself going, "Oh my goodness, didn't see that coming!"
Vartan is a strong male lead who is noble and always thinking of his country, his people, and his freedom.  It is filling watching Vartan make the choices he makes and the way he puts himself in the path of danger to save one person.  It was also crushing to see his reaction to Tusdar.
Speaking of Tusdar...wow!  He has been crucial to the story; much more than I thought he would.  I really liked him in the first book and so it is nice to see him still around in the second book.  I can't really talk about him that much because I don't want to give anything away, but he is in love just as much as Vartan is with his love.
In fact, we get to see the concept of love from both sides: good and evil.  It is a nice touch to a story that likes to blur the lines between good and evil.  I feel like there is a lot of the gray area in this story.
We also meet some new characters in the story and we finally get a small but explosive peek into what the gods really are doing.
I still find myself confused by the whole concept of the Talonsphere.  I understand what it will do, who needs to activate it (and who doesn't), and the reason it was made; but I guess I am just anxious for it to be brought to the front.
Nevertheless, there are so many surprising twists in the story you will literally be shaking your head, never seeing it coming.  
Darkness Rising is a high fantasy story that takes many different elements into consideration to take us on an  imaginative journey through a land that is on the brink of falling apart without its hero finding his true potential.
I give it four hearts.

Connect with Peter Koevari a few ways:
Goodreads | website | Facebook

Book Review: Chasm by Christina Garner {Book 2 in The Gateway Trilogy}

Title: Chasm
Series: The Gateway Trilogy
Author: Christina Garner
Publisher/Date of Publication: Self/August 21,2012
Format: Kindle
Source: received from author for honest opinion of it.
Get your copy: Amazon 

Two months have passed since Ember Lyons nearly died killing the powerful Root Demon threatening the Los Angeles Gateway.  Physically healed, images of the day still haunt her and she can no longer access the power she once wielded.  She can't talk about with anyone at The Institute-not even her handsome demon-hunting boyfriend, Taren.Besides there are bigger things to worry about: Gateways around the world are weakening, Keeper's Marks are fading, escaped lesser demons are populating Los Angeles, and it looks like the Root Demon wasn't alone.When the Institute sends Ember and a team to Europe, she hopes to find answers and security on the journey, but another attempt on her life reminds her she's never really safe.  Then she's thrust together with the mysterious Alexander.  Ember can't be sure if this charismatic man is her most formidable enemy or greatest ally.  Either way, she needs him, because he's the only one who can bring her to the...Chasm.

-Goodreads Summary

My Feelings:

I really enjoy Ms. Garner's exciting young adult fantasy/paranormal trilogy, The Gateway.  If you would like to check out my review of the first book, Gateway, click here. 

In this second book, we see that Ember actually has a little more confidence in herself and is a vital part to the Institute in Los Angeles , even if the Elders don't like it.  

I like the fact that our main heroine, Ember, has a lot more going on.  She isn't the broken fragile girl we meet in the first book, but more sure of herself.  This is not to say she still doesn't fear the demons; hell, I don't blame her for still being afraid of something that can take over her mind and freewill like it did.  Ember has grown a lot but we can still glimpse that scared little girl too.  To me, this makes her more realistic and a lot more likable character.

Speaking of characters, I love all the supporting ones in this story, good and bad.  The antagonists are true evil and yet...you can't help but enjoy their view on the world.  We have a lot of different types of demons that are explained in this story and it always brings to mind, Supernatural.  (I know, I know...I tend to compare books to T.V. shows.  Don't judge me.) 

Alexander is a mystery, even though I found myself questioning his motives the entire time.  He is a charismatic man and you can see potential through his eyes.  

Taren is a great YA boyfriend.  He is your typical strong, loyal, protective and gorgeous male lead.  I think he is good for Ember, especially being the one that found her in the first book.  

Ms. Garner does know how to write a steamy sexy scene for YA eyes, just enough "ummph" to make you sweat, yet it doesn't cross the line into no man's land.

The main plot is basically the same as in the first book and at first I thought this would get a little boring but instead Ms. Garner inserted different twists into the book that made it even more exciting.  I did feel like some minor plot lines were left unsettled, especially having to do with the marks fading.  

I was at times, wanting to scream at Ember to think; actually think about what was happening!  But even through this, I still felt this strong connection with Ember and I like her as our female lead.  

But my most favorite character in this book?  Kat! This girl totally rocks! She is funny, smart, sexy, a kick ass Guardian, and yes...she is snarky!(My coveted word for those I truly treasure)

Oh and of course there is a cliffhanger that will have you pulling your hair out by the roots but I completely understand why it had to happen...but still.   

There is a lot of grammatical errors in this story though.  I usually try to look past these but there was a few times I got a little distracted by these mistakes.  Thankfully, though, the plot is strong enough to keep my interest in this story.  

I can't wait till book three when we get to meet Cole, in person, and I have a feeling he will play a major part (and perhaps love interest for one of Ember's shy friends?) in the finality of the Gateways.  I just hope he and Taren will get along...

Update: I did find out from the author that the copy I received was more of ARC copy but the final copy that is available for purchase and download is free of these errors.  Awesome! 

Favorite Quote:

"Impossible," she said.   "Not that I blame him-- that was way too close of a call you had the other day.  Especially now," she said.

"Why, especially now?"  I asked, concern breaking through my sleepiness. 

"Well, because now I know you're such a good kisser," she said with a grin.  "No wonder he doesn't want to lose you."

"Goodnight, Kat," I said, simultaneously flipping her off and smiling into my pillow.

ARC Book Review: Demons {Book 2- Seers Trilogy} by Heather Frost

Title: Demons
Series: Book 2 in Seers Trilogy
Author: Heather Frost
Publisher: Cedar Fort Books
Date of Publication: Sept. 11, 2012
Format: hardcover, 432 pages
Source: received from publisher via Net Galley for my honest opinion of it.



Kate's life is far from normal. She can see Auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can't get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.
                                                                            -Goodreads blurb

My Thoughts:

I was excited to receive this book via ebook from the publisher because it sounded very interesting.  I haven't read the first one but I didn't think I needed to because I felt like I could figure it out for the most part.  
The background information wasn't the problem; I got plenty of that in the second installment of the Seers trilogy to understand who everyone was and their job description, so to speak.  
Unfortunately, the book was just plain ole boring for me.  There were parts that would make me raise my eyebrows for a second but I just couldn't get my excitement up for this book the more I read it.  I guess there was enough of a plot in it to make me "turn the pages" until the very end but I really didn't feel any vested interest in the characters.  
I liked how Kate, our seer, was protective of her family, especially her little sisters,  and seemed to want to be there for them always.  But I just felt like she just didn't get it.  She seemed so bland for me.  Her friend, Lee, had a whole lot more personality than Kate ever could.  I guess for me, the supporting characters seemed more alive and endearing,than our main protagonists.  
I really liked the concept of the Guardians being immortal and protecting the humans that had a special sense, if you will, where they could see auras as well as other things.  The Guardians could be a very romantic idea but I didn't feel like Patrick really pulled it off.  I know he was in love with Kate and she with him, but it seemed like they were too much in love.  I know that probably doesn't make any sense; but it just seemed like this HEA didn't have any kind of personality just the love they felt for each other.  It was sweet but didn't help put any kind of fire into the novel.  
With all that being said, Ms. Frost did do a great job of describing the imagery, especially where Patrick's love of art was concerned.  I could really sense the beauty in it all and pictured it perfectly.  
Try as I might,though, Demons just didn't do it for me.  I am giving it 2 hearts because it was just that: okay for me.  I didn't hate all the characters and I enjoyed the idea of the Guardians if not the plot itself.  

You can get a copy at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Review: Legends of Marithia Book 1 by Peter Koevari

Title: Legends of Marithia: Book 1 Prophecies Awakening
*The Extended and Uncut Second Edition*
Author:Peter Koevari
Series:Legends of Marithia
Publisher: Createaspace (self)
Date of Publication:May 23, 2012
Format: ebook, 210 pages
Source: I received a copy from the author for my honest review
Get your copy at: 

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Summary:
When her sorceress mother and vampire king father are brutally murdered, Kassina makes a pact with Shindar, the Demon of Darkness. In exchange for her soul, Kassina obtains power to become the most feared sorceress in all the lands, and vows to exact her revenge on the people for the deaths of her parents. Granted eternal life, Kassina and her evil are never far away. 
For many years, the humans and elves of the mystical world of Marithia have lived in an age of peace. But that peace is shattered when King Arman is slain by his own son, a pawn of the vampire sorceress Kassina. Arman’s murder sparks the most brutal and bloody war ever seen between the Forces of Darkness and the peaceful Marithians. 
In the midst of the conflict, Vartan, a young knight wrongfully outcast from King Arman’s court, reluctantly discovers he is the subject of a prophecy involving the fabled weapon, Talonsphere. In alliance with the legendary dragons, he finds himself with the opportunity to rid the world of Kassina and her dark armies forever, and finally return Marithia to an era of peace.

My Feelings:
This is one of those stories where I found myself knowing the antagonist was evil and horrible but...I felt for the losses she occurred before she became the evil sorceress and destroyer.
Yes. I pitied Kassina.  And yes I also know of the terrible things that she does.  But hey remember there is gray areas.
Legends of Marithia is a high fantasy with elves, dragons, knights, and then...wait for it....vampires.  I know right?!!
Mr. Koevari takes two genres, horror and fantasy, and combines them to create this awesome novel!
I have to admit the Prologue was one of my favorite parts of the story because it shows us the how and why everything started. So we get that peek into why Kassina decided to be the most powerful and evil vampire of all time.  Basically one action by some dumb idiotic fake king (I guess I was affected a little) set this war in motion.
There is a little bit of romance in this, just a little bit. That isn't really the important part in this story, though it is the binding emotion in the background,  love for your family, for you people, and love for chosen one.  I think loyalty is the emotion that I found to be the strong suit for many of these characters.
You have to give props to some of these people that gave their lives for those faiths that they believe in, including the royal family.
The plot was complex and had many different strands that connected everything together but still left questions unanswered.
The characters are pretty interesting to me.  Most of the time, elves are the ones I automatically find myself drawn to, but not in this story.  In this fantasy, I fell in love with the Dragons.  They are such noble, proud and smart creatures and they do not disappoint in this story.
Vartan, one of our protagonists, is a true knight in every sense of the word.  He grows as a character and I really liked the fact that he plays such a huge part in the story.
There are many other characters that are important and I am sure you will find one to fall in love with too.
All in all, this is a great mix of epic fantasy with horror sprinkled throughout that could satisfy fans of both genres.
I gave Legends of Marithia: Prophecies Awakening four hearts!

ARC Review: The Claiming Words by Tricia Drammeh

Title:The Claiming Words
Author: Tricia Drammeh
Publisher: Iconic Publishing
Date of Publication: Autumn 2012 (October 2012)
Website: http://theclaimingwords.com/
Source: received ARC pdf from author for my honest review of it.

Book Synopsis:
When Jace moves to Oaktree, he attracts the interest of everyone in school, but only one girl captures his attention, or maybe two. Alisa is an outcast, but when she saves Jace from a Hunter, she finds herself drawn into a world of friendship and magic. Rachel has always felt different from everyone she grew up with until an encounter with the new student illustrates how unique she is. As dangerous forces descend upon the small southern town, each girl shares a special connection with Jace. Only one will win his love.



My Thoughts:

This is a sweet endearing Young Adult novel with a loving family at the center of it.  Swirling around this powerful family is demons stalking in the background and two young girls that become a huge part of their world.
This story is told from two different POVs, which usually can't be pulled off well, but Drammeh does it superbly.  I think it also has a lot to do with who the narrators are and I find it refreshing to have the story being told from the most popular girl and the outcast from the school's povs.
We meet Alissa, the quiet girl who has been ostracized by her cousin and the rest of the school.  Alissa is so sweet and reminded me  a little of myself with her shyness from everyone around her.  Everyone treats her like death just because she isn't popular.  I have to say that got my blood boiling a lot.  I cannot stand bullying and Alissa's cousin is the biggest bully there is.  I can't help but hope she will get a dose of her own medicine in the future.
And then we get to see through the eyes of Rachel, one of the beautiful and popular girls in school, that holds a dark secret she doesn't even realize she carries.
I love love love how the characters in this novel grows.  Alissa learns to be confident and Rachel learns to respect and stand up for others.  Trust me there is much more to it but I am not giving anything away.
And of course we have two very hot guys in this story who are passionate, hard headed, loving and yet clueless when it comes to females.
Bryce was by far my favorite.  He is moody, strong, grieving and absolutely to die for!  Even at the beginning when he is such a jerk to Alissa I still felt this huge connection to him and I knew he was going to play a powerful part in this story.  I am glad he did too!
Jace, the younger brother of Bryce, is a powerful person too but he is still learning everything about his powers and limits.  He is strong but he is also self centered which made me want to smack him up side the head a couple of times.  But Jace does have strong emotions and is able to look at the whole picture through a lot of  the tension.
In a lot of ways, this story made me think of Charmed, especially when the demons would go after the witches and they had to fight back.  But there is no power of three.
I loved that the Alexanders are a very strong and close family.  The mother and father are so wonderful and understanding to everything; I almost wished they were my parents!
This book was also close to my heart because of the location.  It is set in a small town in Georgia.  Being that I am from a small town in Ga, this is always a plus for me.  I enjoy when an author can take an out of the way little area and turn it into this mysterious magical place.  This is always nice to be able to connect with something from where you live, even if it is just fiction.
However, I do believe some more background information on the witches' history would have helped even more.  Maybe a little more world building as far as the paranormal aspect goes.
We do have that strong "soul mates" theory running through the story especially where Jace and Rachel are concerned, but Drammeh takes it a step further and shows us that even the love birds have arguments, disagreements, and hurtful comments.
But come on, we have all been teenagers at one time and know that hormones tend to rage (mine went nuclear) making us feel that "love at first sight" emotion.   [Although, even in my mature age now I still get that feeling when I watch Gerald Butler in the movie 300 but I digress...]
There is one couple in this story that I enjoyed watching develop so much and I felt giddy with excitement for both of them that as I finished the story I had this huge stupid grin on my face long afterwards.
I had to give The Claiming Words five hearts and I am already counting down the days until another book(and this one isn't even released yet...Uggh)  I think we can expect really great things from Tricia Drammeh in the future.

ARC Review: The Covert Wolf by Bonnie Vanak

                                     Title: The Covert Wolf (Draicon Werewolves)

Author: Bonnie Vanak

            Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne

              Publication Date: July 24, 2012

                              Source: ebook from Net Galley, 288 pages

Goodreads Summary:

Loyalties collide, passions ignite and a high-stakes adventure ensues in Bonnie Vanak's sensual new military series.…

When a mission gone wrong kills his best friend, Navy SEAL Matthew Parker will stop at nothing to destroy the demons who threaten his team. To do so, Matt must locate a mysterious orb before the demons use it to destroy the world. But the only woman who can help
him—Sienna McClare—has her own agenda…and every reason for hating his kind.

A half blood, Sienna hopes returning the orb to her people will gain her acceptance back into the only family she's known. But working with a Draicon werewolf like Matt comes with a high price—one that could cost Sienna her dreams. A natural-born leader, her werewolf lover must now teach Sienna to listen to her heart—and go where their all consuming passion leads them…

My Feelings:


I really liked the idea of an elite group of soldiers that were highly trained but also had other abilities too.  This group is dedicated to each other and each one specializes in a special ability.  It isn't just werewolves, but mages, wizards, and shifters.
I loved how Matthew Parker is an alpha but instead of always looking out for his pack, he treats his team more like his pack.  That isn't to say he doesn't love his family but he has accepted this group of guys as a another dimension of his family.
A lot of adult paranormal romances I read are all about the Alpha set on one purpose: to claim his mate.  But this story isn't like that.  I mean, yes, you have the sexual tension throughout which makes the book frustrating and yummy all at the same time.  But it isn't all about sex.  I can't believe I just said that...lol
The plot is important too.  In fact it takes these two a long time to actually "do the deed" so to speak, which I believe just adds more to the emotional aspect of the story.
The developing relationship between Matt and Sienna seemed to have more realistic problems that other regular couples go through (besides the demons chasing them, and the fact they are both a little magical) and I enjoyed this detail.
There were times I felt like Vanak seemed to drag out some parts and I was just ready for it to happen already but eventually everything ties in nicely.  In fact, the ending completely threw me for a loop and I was definitely pleasantly surprised.
The male characters are your typical Alphas but Sienna is a strong female character that also has a insecure side that only makes her more enduring to me.
Out of the "supporting characters" in the book I found myself drawn to Stephen, the vampire in the French Quarter.  He seemed caring, mysterious and very alluring.
I also really liked how Vanak tied in the other characters from previous books in this one.  It was like a big family reunion.
And of course I love when an author will work in lots of humor among the romance, suspense, and sexual energy.
Even if you haven't read any of Vanak's other books I believe you would be okay.  She gives really good descriptions and provides enough background that you can understand who is who in this story.

My Favorite Quotes:

"Create a distraction.  Talk to it. Feed its ego.  Demons love having their ego stroked."

"As long as you don't  ask me to stroke anything else," she muttered.

"The greatest power in the world isn't found in a crystal ball. It's found in our ability to love."

I gave The Covert Wolf four hearts!

Do you want your own copy of The Covert Wolf? Find it onAmazon
   or Barnes and Noble.