Member Since: Jan. 17, 2011

Beverly S

Smashwords book reviews by Beverly S

  • The Demon Kiss on March 24, 2011

    My thoughts: ~ the quick note ~ Demon Kiss is a fast-paced, tragic, triumphant, romantic, inspirational, emotionally loaded, powerful story. It grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let you go! This is a "cover to cover, hope you downloaded book three on the same day" read. If you haven't started the series at all - go get all three books (four is coming soon) - or if you have already read book 1 - then grab something to snack on, something to drink and get set up in your favorite reading spot and plan for a read-a-thon! ~ the longer version ~ (spoiler alert) I am totally in love with this series! I finished the first book and immediately went looking for more! I was thrilled to find books two and three on Smashwords, so I bought and downloaded them both right then. I couldn't wait to get going on The Demon Kiss. Demon Kiss started right away from where The Trouble With Spells left off. Once again I was captured by the characters and intrigued by the story. We are in back in another "Can love conquer all" situation. Portia sets out in search of Vance - the love of her life - and in the company of her two best friends. Once they find Vance, we are taken on an emotional whirlwind ride and left breathless. The connection between Vance and Portia is stronger than ever and they finally decide to work together to try to find and destroy Vance's demon father (Damien). This sets them up for a multi-country search for Damien. They discover that he is stealing power from other witches and warlocks with what is called the Demon Kiss and the only way to save everyone is to stop him. They finally find him, but he has found them too and comes for Portia just like she has seen in her dreams so many times. Once Damien has Portia, the story seems to fly by as Vance sets out to save her. There is an epic battle between Vance and Damien. Of course (because there is a book 3) Vance is victorious. This one too ends with a cliffhanger - hence my suggestion to have the next book already!
  • The Trouble with Spells on March 24, 2011

    Wow! I am so impressed! I was IN from the very start. The characters are beautifully written and the story is fantastic. I was on the edge of my chair, turning pages as fast as I could read them! Couldn't get enough of this book! It has all the elements of a must read. It has non-stop action, daring deeds, good vs. evil, danger and suspense, as well as being an all out love story. All of the characters have been carefully created and as a reader I found myself drawn to each of them for different reasons: Portia - she is a genuinely nice young girl, adjusts remarkably well to finding out that she is a witch, and falls HARD and FAST for the school "bad boy" Vance. Vance - the school "bad boy" but truly a powerful warlock who has been secretly in love with Portia for 2 years before they finally get to meet and find out she loves him too, he is running from his father and his father's evil plan for him. Grandma Mullins - an amazing, wise, powerful, loving, supportive woman, she leads the coven. Stacey - Portia's mother who is not magical in a witch sense, but is in her own way and who is completely comfortable in her role as the only non-magical member of the family. Sean - Portia's dad who seems to always find the right balance, he is the second most powerful person in the coven. Brad - Shelly's boyfriend who you expect to be the dumb jock with no ability to befriend the "bad boy" Vance, but who completely surprises you by being so very much more. Shelly - Portia's best friend, she falls under the spell of an evil witch, spends a bit of time being jealous of the relationship that appears to be taking her best friend but comes around. There are more characters, but obviously these are my favorites. They are so well created that I found myself completely invested in their lives in no time. It was refreshing to read a YA love story with no love triangle and even the willingness of Portia to die to save Vance doesn't rub the reader wrong. Loved the book - can't wait to read the next one!
  • Blood of the White Witch on March 24, 2011

    My thoughts: ~ short version ~ Yet another wild ride from Lacey Weatherford! We see the same incredible characters in this story that we have come to know and love in the first two books in this series and only come to love them more! Another must read! Blood of the White Witch is filled with danger, romance, intrigue, trust, deception, and love. The story starts off right where we left off in book two and the plot hits the ground running. Once again Lacey has created a phenomenal story that keeps you turning the pages! ~long version~ (spoiler alert) I was impressed that Lacey Weatherford was able to create such an intense, emotional, young adult romance without ever losing the integrity of the YA part of that romance. She was able to communicate the tremendous physical attraction between Vance and Portia without being graphic. I couldn't put this one down! The story has more twists than ever before with the deception and betrayal of more of Vance's family. I was sad when I realized that they were playing on his desire to be a part of a family, although I was expecting them to not be what they seemed to be. So many people in this one are not who and what they appear to be, but we do get to meet new and helpful people in this book too. The struggle of good against evil continues...... I couldn't put this one down - read it cover to cover in one sitting! Got to the end - devastated! I only wish book 4 was available - I don't know how I will survive the wait!
  • Blood Rites, Book 2 The Grey Wolves Series on Sep. 13, 2012

    My thoughts: This was my first book by Quinn Loftis. I was thrilled! I have already gone and gotten Prince of Wolves and absolutely cannot wait for the next book, Just One Drop, which is sure to be Jen and Decebel's story! That is sure to be a wild ride! So...about this book: The characters are wonderful. Each has a fantastic and well developed personality. They seem to embody the very ideas of family, friendship, and loyalty. At times I had a hard time putting these personalities into teenagers, but loved them just the same. I was fascinated by the 3 musketeers-type relationship between Jen, Sally and Jac - three women that get along is rare and it was fun to be a part of it while reading the story. The men in the book are incredible - even the bad guys! One of my favorite parts of shifter stories is the bond/soul mate idea. I love the dedication and give all that we see in bonded pairs. Alina (Fane's mother) tells Jen about the bond on page 145/146 and it is amazingly written! The last sentence goes like this, "She gets a friend, a lover, a mate, the only man in this world who can complete her and give her the other half of her soul." I can't imagine that kind of total devotion - although the thought of someone being able to read my mind at any given time is terrifying! The story is a well paced emotional roller coaster and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough for my liking, but was so into the story that skimming to get to the next page faster was absolutely NOT an option! If you enjoy shifter stories, or if you have even wanted to read a shifter story to see if you would like them - DO NOT miss this one!
  • Just One Drop, Book 3 The Grey Wolves Series on Sep. 13, 2012

    My thoughts: This is one more fantastic installment in the Grey Wolves Series from Quinn Loftis. I like it as much as I did books one and two and I am positive that I will like book four as much too. Quinn Loftis has brought those fabulous characters, that I have already fallen in love with and completely invested in, back for another round. This story is Jennifer and Decebel's. I have been eager for them to have their own story since the beginning so I was thrilled when they did. This story is wonderful. The writing is smooth and paced well. The word choices and story line are thoughtful, intriguing and entertaining. Emotional rollercoaster - this one had me laughing out loud - Jennifer and Decebel's reactions and interactions are somehow both heartfelt and hilarious - and on the edge of my seat - wondering if they would figure out their feelings for each other and if when they did figure it out if it would be allowed by the pack. In this story you will find romance, mystery, deception, betrayal, love, loss, laughter, tears, friendship, heartache, honor, desire, loyalty and what it means to be family. Don't miss out on this series.
  • Prince of Wolves, Book 1 The Grey Wolves Series on Sep. 13, 2012

    My thoughts: I love this series! From the very first page I was "IN" - first it was the characters, then the story. Quinn Loftis has created characters that you want as your own friends and family.I couldn't put it down. Although this is the first book in the series, I read it second - so I already knew I would love it. It was fantastic to get the beginning of what I already knew to be a great read with endearing characters, a fast-paced action packed story line and just enough romance!
  • The Mind Readers, Book 1 on Sep. 13, 2012

    My thoughts: I just finished reading this and wish book 2 was already out! The author does a great job of building suspense and leaves you wondering throughout the whole book - Is Aaron really the "good" guy that Lewis believes he is? I, always the cynic, thought from the start there was something fishy with him - but of course that seed was planted when Lewis and Cameron get to the mansion and there are armed guards at the "gate" to the property - - - that is never a good sign. I really enjoyed the characters. The high school friends that Cameron has are well done and totally believable. The grandmother is great, not super mushy but you get the impression that there is so much more that you don't know yet. Cameron is a great character - searching for the answers to many of life's questions. I fell as fast for Lewis as Cameron did - and I am sure I was just as disappointed later in the story. I wasn't sure what to think of Maddox - still not... This is a wonderful story about what is right and what is wrong - - and what a person is willing to do or sacrifice for what they believe.
  • The Vampire Relationship Guide, Volume 1: Meeting and Mating on Nov. 20, 2012

    My thoughts: This was a fast, fun read. The characters are great! Josie is spunky and funny, Gregory is smooth and mysterious, and Walker....what can a girl say about Walker! He is rough and crass, but you can see the soft and suave under the surface (it just doesn't like to show!). I was IN from the first page. Couldn't wait to see what would happen next and fell in love with Josie's personality! Gregory seems "off" from the start. Of course that could be the relationship cynic in me. If it seems too good to be true - it is. I enjoyed the interactions of Josie and Walker, I love the attraction that they each try to ignore. The story moves quickly and doesn't leave you hanging. I would have loved to see this story fleshed out more and moved from a novella to a full length story. I feel that the characters and the storyline could have sustained a longer book. If I had to say there was one thing that disappointed me - it would be that the story was over too fast. I can't wait for Volume Two!