Dating the Devil

Dating the Devil by Lia Romeo

Dating the Devil’s synopsis sounding promising and the cover was cute, I thought why not. I thought this book would be something different than my usual reads so I gave it a shot.

This book was just ok. I liked the different approach to the romance, having never read a book involving the devil. I would not call this book paranormal, rather romance with a twist. I loved the idea of the devil being romantic, hot, and rich, but he had a rather sad quality making him redeemable. 

This book follows Lucy O’Neil after being dumped by her boyfriend, having a dead end job, fabulous friends, and a string of bad dates. Cliché as it seems, walks into a bar and finds Mr. Right who is also the Devil himself, Lewis Mephisto. After several attempts to corrupt Lucy, Lewis finds himself falling in love with a mere mortal.

This book was corny on several different levels, but I did find myself enjoying this book not as a romance, but more of a comedy.

What Happened to Goodbye?

I've never read Sarah Dessen before, but I've always wanted to read a book of hers to see what her writing style was like, and if it would appeal to me. After reading What Happened to Goodbye?, I'm a little conflicted. Sure, it's a good story, in that it is a very realistic contemporary book for young girls, as it depicts a high school girl trying to find out who she is in the wake of her parents' messy divorce. Added to this, she chooses to go with her father, rather than her mother, who took up with another man while still married.

There are some good themes (disconnected families; coping with divorce; starting all over again; father and teenage daughter dynamics; the betrayal of a parent) running throughout the story. But I think that it addresses so many of these that it gets bogged down by details and slow pacing winds up being a result. On top of that, I felt like there needed to be more of a connection between Maclean, the protagonist, and the love interest, Dave.The romance is sweet and very mild, even almost tepid, shall I say. Towards the end, it was a little anticlimactic, as well, as the reader is told rather than shown that she has made up with her mother.

All in all, I would recommend this book to a teenage girl, but for an older individual, who likes to read young adult romance, I would say pass.

What Happened to Goodbye? - 3 out of 5 stars!

Sorry, I didn't do a playlist with this one.

Reviewed by Susannah;)

Bloodspell

Bloodspell by Amalie Howard

Amalie Howard has crossed paranormal worlds in Bloodspell. In most paranormal books, YA or not, the type of supernatural creature, i.e. vampire, werewolf, witch, do not cross paths let alone fall in love; in this book they do. This book has every element to become a YA paranormal best seller, but in my opinion waiting so long to put out a sequel makes people loose interest (expected release 2014).

With a strong heroine in Victoria, the author has created a solid platform to base her storyline. Victoria is more like a witch form of Buffy the Vampire Slayer than an Elaina Gilbert (Vampire Diaries), thus not having to run to people for help rather helping people in need.

While falling in love with an ever so hot vampire, Christian, and fighting off his twin, Lucian, Tori grows comfortable in her skin and owns her inner witch. With twists and turns along the way this journey is one you will want to read.

This book was sweet; however, I thought that there could have been more in the romance department. I would love to see Christian and Victoria hook up or even get YA steamy for that matter. If the sequel comes out and I happen upon it I will read it, but I hope there are more romance and maybe Lucian will have a change of heart and fall in love.

On another note, the cover is amazing!

Kira Sinclair

Interview with an Author

by Susannah

I'm so thrilled that we're able to post our very first Q & A with an author, and we hope to bring our followers more exciting interviews in the future. Our first Q & A is with someone that I personally know, and who happens to be a very sweet person, Harlequin Blaze author, Kira Sinclair.

 First, I have to give a little backstory here. A few years ago, I was at my in-laws' home when I spotted a postcard detailing Kira Sinclair's newest Blaze release. At the time, I was like, wow, I didn't know my mother-in-law read Harlequin; I knew that she tended to gravitate to Christian fiction, such as Karen Kingsbury, or other contemporary authors along the lines of Debbie Macomber. When I flipped the card over, though, I realized that it was actually addressed to them and not something that she might picked up at a local independent book store in town, which was my original thought. When I asked her about it, she was like, oh yeah, Edd (my late father-in-law) and I know Kira, and come to find out, my father-in-law had handled some insurance for her and her family. 

Around this time, I was also debating about going to an upcoming writer's luncheon in a nearby town because I was really nervous about which author I was going to sit with. Additionally, I didn't know many of the names mentioned and had only read books by just a couple of them. Linda Howard was one of them, but I knew instinctively that her table would be filled, in like two seconds flat-which it was. When I went back and read the confirmation list of the authors coming, I saw Kira's name on it, and I was like, I'm going to sit with her. I was so excited, too, because I knew now that we had a commonality and that by her knowing my in-laws, I could use them as a conversation springboard. I did go and I did sit with Kira (and her mother), and I can tell you unequivocally, that she is a super sweet and genuinely friendly person. By far, one of the most personable authors there. Moreover, after having read some of her books, I can also say that she's a good writer, and I've enjoyed reading her work, as well. And, her book covers-wow! She has some of the hottest book covers around. So, without further ado...

Q & A with Kira Sinclair

1.     Did you always want to be a writer?

Nope.  Not counting my kindergarten dream of being a ballerina, I actually wanted to be a lawyer. I’m pretty good at arguing. J But I realized that I hated writing legal briefs…they’re so boring.  It wasn’t until after my oldest daughter was born that I thought I could really do this.

2.     What would you be if you weren’t a writer?

You know, I’m not really sure.  Now that I’ve found it, writing just…fits. I’ve always had a creative streak so  I probably would have found my way to writing eventually no matter if the path had been different.  

3.   What would you say are some of the highs and lows to having a career as a writer?

The high is definitely getting to meet readers.  There’s nothing like talking with someone who loves your work.  I mean, we all like to be praised for a job well done.  And to find someone who connects with the characters and stories you’re telling is…amazing.

The low?  That’s a hard one.  I mean, there are several. The business side of the career can be difficult. Especially when all I want to do is lose myself in the characters and world I’m creating.  But, if I want others to read my work, the business side is kinda a necessary evil. 

4.   How did you get your start writing for Harlequin?

I sold my first book to Harlequin after a pitch appointment with my editor.  I also entered the same manuscript in a contest with the line and it placed second. Those two things worked together I think.  My editor and I worked on that book for almost two years before she bought it and it hit the shelves.

 5.   What drew you to writing for the Harlequin Blaze  series?

I love stories about empowered women and the sexy men they can’t ignore.  I enjoy the push and pull of discovering a new relationship.  And the sparks and sizzle that go along with that. 

6.   Do you have a book that you’re most proud of or one that is your favorite?

That’s like asking me which kid I love the best. And just like my kids, each book has it’s own strengths and weaknesses. Some of them are more difficult than others…but those books usually push me to grow as a writer.  Some books I’m drawn to the heroine, some the hero, some the way they meet or the emotional intensity behind their conflict.  I have to fall in love with every story or else I wouldn’t be able to write it.

7.   What is your favorite book and why?

My all time favorite book is Honey Moon by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.  It’s one of her earlier books, but it is So. Dang. Good. It’s a little more…epic than some of her later work, but it’s still got her trademark humor and depth of character.  I dare you to read the book and not fall in love with the lead character.  It isn’t possible.

8. Do you have any future plans to write

    outside of series?

     

Sure, I’d like to.  I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself as a writer.  I’ve got several projects in the works, but I’m about to release a paranormal novella sometime in April. It’s different from my Blaze work, but it’s definitely got an amazingly sexy hero – a fallen angel who’s been banished from hell.  He’s yummy - a little broken and seriously tarnished.

    

9. What advice would you give someone who is looking to get their work published?

Write, write, write.  And trust your own instincts.  This business can be brutal and if you let it, the doubts will tear apart your creativity.  At the end of the day, if you can walk away from writing, then you weren’t meant to do it.  I can barely manage to take a week off – even if I should – without the ideas, characters and words pushing to get out. 

The best way to figure out who you are as a writer is to put words on the page.  Try new things. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.  Figure out what you’re good at…and what you’re bad at.  Play to your strengths and try to improve your weaknesses.

10.Okay, this is the last question. I’ve noticed that you’ve got some pretty hot book covers. Which book cover is your favorite?

The Risk-Taker is pretty hard to beat.  But, I’ve seen the preview for my July cover – She’s No angel – and it’s pretty darn hot.  WE have an amazing art department at Harlequin.  I’ve been very blessed by the cover gods. 

Thank you, Kira!

The Love of My Other Life

The Love of My (Other) Life by Traci L. Slatton

First off, there is a bare bottom on the cover of this book it is not erotica so why would you do that? The synopsis sounded good, the idea of this book was quite a concept but the execution was a flop. The physics and art in this book was baffling and I just didn’t get it. Tessa who has been evicted with bills piling up after a divorce, has met Brian who claims he is her husband from a different universe. There were so many distractions in this book that I was kind of put off. Jumping from one universe to the other was too much for me. I can review this book in one word STRANGE. I didn’t like it at all.



Synopsis

What worlds would you move to be with your soulmate?

Painter Tessa Barnum is struggling. Her husband left, she's broke, about to be evicted and has made some serious missteps in her career.

When scruffy Brian Tennyson explodes into her life, claiming to be from an alternate universe, Tessa thinks he's a crazy vagabond - albeit one with mysterious and undeniable appeal.

Then he informs her that in his world, they're married.

Tessa's universe is turned upside down as the truth of love and loss, victory and humiliation, and second chances comes back to her. She has to choose love over logic to reach that state of anticipation where miracles unfold. The secret to her own life was always in her heart.

Walking Disaster

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

This review may be a little different that what I usually write because of the emotional connection I had with this book. Let me start off by saying that I am totally and completely in love with Travis Maddox from Beautiful Disaster so this review might be a little bias. I could not wait until this book came out so fortunately I was one of the few lucky ones to get an ARC of Walking Disaster.

This book is a companion to Beautiful Disaster and is written in Travis’ point of view. I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I knew I had to read it. It was so much more than I imagined. I felt every emotion when I was reading this one. Travis is so much more of an emotional character that I would have ever realized and that makes me like him so much more. The raw in your face emotion he has is heartfelt to say the least. Why can’t more men be like him? Ok, so it looks good on paper but in reality might be a little much.

There is really no need to write a synopsis on this book because everyone who can read has probably already read Beautiful Disaster so you know how the story goes from Abby’s point of view. There is so much more going on in Travis’ head and life than you realize from reading the first book.

The prologue had me crying and for me to cry reading a book is a big thing. And the last chapter got me again, but don’t tell anyone. I feel exhausted after reading all the ups and downs, break ups and make ups, drinking and partying, sex and gambling, and marriage but I loved every minute of it. Go out and buy this book it was AMAZING…enough said.

Travis “Mad Dog” Maddox is a beautifully broken young man who attends Eastern University and is the campus bad boy. He sleeps around with his flavor of the day (yes day not week). His “day job” is in the underground fighting ring, the circle, which is popular on campus. He is the main attraction and lady killer. Travis is a fighter and that has been instilled in him from a very young age. His mother died when he was young and he has four older brothers who taught him how to hold his own. He meets Abby Abernathy and it changes his world forever.

I can say that after reading Walking Disaster that my one true book crush would have to be Travis (sorry Abbi Glines he was tied with Beau until this book). This story is one I will never forget and it will take a lot to knock it down from my number one slot. All you authors out there, please try I love to read great books. By the way Abbi, my friend, yours is number two.

The Rules for Disappearing

The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston

Here is another Disney Book Group release that you would think would be childish but by all means is not. I have to say that this book hooked me from the get go. I love YA and I have never read any thing related to the witness protection program. Elston really makes you feel the emotions of the characters in this book. From the emotional roller coaster to the romance this book was more that I expected and everything that I wanted. I want to know what happens next.  This book was excellent!  I give it 4 stars.


Megan Jones, or who she is at the moment, lives with her sister “Mary” and her parent in the witness protection program. Moving to different places and having different names gets to her so when she gets dumped in Louisiana she decides to do things her own way. No friends, no clubs, and no boys the life of the protected then she meets Ethan who pushes his way into her life and her heart. Can she keep her secret from him or will he make her want to share every aspect of her life with him?

Storm

Storm

(Elemental series Book #1)

First off, let me say that there is not 1, not 2, but four hot guys on this cover. 4 hot guys-as far as I’m concerned, that’s an instant buy alone. This cover is so much better than the cover for the book, Elemental (a prequel novella for the series), for which I reviewed earlier.

Storm introduces us to Chris Merrick, the youngest of the Merrick brothers and an Elemental, as well. An Elemental is an individual who can control an element, such as earth, air, water, and fire. However, the Merrick brothers are pure Elementals, meaning that they are more powerful and considered to be a danger by many. In addition, if the wrong people find out about their enhanced abilities, it could essentially mean their death. Chris’s element is water. Michael Merrick, who was introduced in Elemental, has earth as his element. If you haven’t read Elemental, just know that it gives a little more background on the Merrick brothers and ends in a major cliffhanger.

This book is such a delightful surprise and really well done. Ms. Kemmerer’s writing style is simple and straightforward but it flows so naturally. The character development is good, the plot was interesting, and the relationships/family dynamics were real and believable. The supernatural brothers act like real brothers with big personalities; they clash, they fight, and they move on, but they always remain loyal to each other. And then you have the female protagonist, Becca Chandler, who unwittingly gets herself caught up in their messy lives. By coming to Chris’s rescue one evening, when he’s being beaten up by some thugs, she  inadvertently places herself directly in the path of danger. Nevertheless, there’s no shrinking violet here, as she jumps right in there, or rather, she gets in her car and drives right in there. Additionally, there are other challenges that she will face in the story. There’s one in particular that is quite traumatic, yet also a little puzzling, as I feel like the follow-up to it could have been written differently and in a way that sent a better message to young girls (don’t want to give too much away).

And yes, there is a triangle in this one. Moreover, I was quite surprised to see one at that; I was really not expecting there to be one. Not only is Becca attracted to Chris in Storm, but she is attracted to the new kid, Hunter, at their school, too. And Hunter, well, he’s got some secrets of his own. So, not only is the heroine in danger throughout the story and through no fault of her own, but she’s also caught in the middle of a love rivalry for her affections. Then again, when is that ever a bad thing? Particularly when you have two swoon-worthy guys involved.

For those readers who like snarky bad boys with softie interiors, give this one a go. And for those of you paranormal fans looking for something new to try, don’t let this one pass you by.

Storm – 4.5 stars out of 5!

Told you they were hot!

Storm Playlist –

Two is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls (because really, having two boys lust after you is better   than just having one;)

Set Fire to the Rain by Adele (this one kept spinning in my head because his element is water)

Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not by Thompson Square

All Roads Lead Home by Golden State

It Will Rain by Bruno Mars (self-explanatory)

Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney (I just love this song! Jesse, you need to make more songs like this one.)

Reviewed by Susannah B;)

Elemental

Elemental 

Elemental is a prequel novella written by Brigid Kemmerer. It is set five years prior to the first full-length book in her Elemental series, Storm. This book is about Michael Merrick, the oldest of four brothers that are Elementals or individuals that can control an element such as air, water, earth, etc. Michael is a pure Elemental though, meaning that he's more powerful than other Elementals and considered more dangerous. His element is the earth. Emily is the heroine in the story, and she is able to manipulate air. However, her abilities are far weaker and not considered to be a threat. 

Coming in at forty-nine pages, there's not much more to say here, other than Michael's short story has wet my appetite to read more from this series. On the whole, I typically tend to bypass novellas, but I enjoyed this one, and consider it a good prelude for what's to come. If you're having doubts based on the cover, please disregard it, as it does appear to be a little on the cheesy side (open, unbuttoned shirt + poor attempt at seductive look + weird looking stick thingy = yikes!)

Reviewed by Susannah B;)

Deadly Drive

Deadly Drive by Justine Fontes

 

This book was not worth your time.  I could not find a single thing that would make this book good except don’t drink and drive.  Lying to the cops, hello did you hit your head in the wreck?  The good thing was that this short story and I did not have to skip and skip…end of story.