Jade O'Reilly and the Ice Queen (short story)
on Jan. 08, 2013
I won this book over the holidays on a blog hop. I finally had a chance to read it and was pleasantly surprised! Jade was a quirky character who did a great job with her investigation. It was a short story but I though it could have easily been expanded to a novella. It did it's job and made me interested in the series. I would have liked a bit more meat on the mystery but overall nicely done. Well written and entertaining read. I was very intrigued by the characters and relationships. I am definitely going to pick up the book this leads into.
Thanatos
on Aug. 22, 2013
Wow! I have always been a fan of Greek Mythology and this was a real treat. So many of my favorite Gods and Goddesses make appearances and many lesser known ones I was introduced to in this story.
This was a really unique story. I thought it took a real twist from the typical young adult books. Great storytelling with a terrific pace. The major event of the book had me on edge for the whole end of the book. Definitely one of those what would you do situations and survival instincts taking over.
Therese is a really interesting and complex character. I liked her from the start and really felt for her situation. Even though she is really very sweet, she also shows great strength of character. She truly faces many major dilemmas. I was a touch bothered by her age, fifteen is rather young to be making the life choices she faces. I work with teens and would not trust them to act as wisely when facing the same circumstances.
Thanatos is a really great character as well. It is really interesting to see his progression from bored God to a more rounded being. He is very serious and a perfect match for Therese.
I really loved all the fun moments with Hypnos as well. He is a charming playboy who made me giggle quite often!
I am very eager to see where this series is headed. Really inventive concept and a truly engaging story.
I listened to the audio-book and was entranced by the narrator. Debbie Andreen did a wonderful job and brought the characters to life in delightful manner. Really happy ears here!
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Close Liaisons (The Krinar Chronicles: Volume 1)
on Oct. 09, 2013
So, this is a tough review for me to write. I have gone back and forth many times on the star rating. I did not hate the whole book just one major element, the heroine Mia. She was immature and naive with no real redemption for her actions. She was so easily manipulated by everyone around her that it was difficult top believe she was a Psych major at NYU. I found it very difficult to connect with her and was very annoyed that hers was the only narration. She just made me cringe.
On the upside this was very well written with a creative and fully developed world. I loved all the alien technology and the invasion that was not really an invasion. It was a unique take on things and so very intriguing. I am not always a fan of Sci-fi but this book drew me into those elements. I really enjoyed each new piece as it was revealed.
The premise was also really intriguing. I loved all the twists and turns and will admit that the story managed to surprise me, which is very uncommon. Kudos to Ms Zaires for bringing the story to a point I was not anticipating!
The other lead Korum seemed very controlling and not altogether to my liking. By the end I was felling him more but still unhappy with his relationship with Mia. How can a centuries old genius alien be so taken with such a ninny? I just did not get that at all.
The steam was really hot and heavy and varied. I actually could have done with a little less sex and more talking. Sure it was steamy as all get out but I just felt the lack of feeling messed things up in my opinion.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration by Kathleen Godwin is top notch. I loved her voice and characterizations. She really did a wonderful job of keeping me listening when I was not really feeling the story. I will be looking for more of her work, for sure.
I totally agree with all the Fifty Shades of Aliens comments buy other reviewers. It definitely had that whole feel, perhaps that is one of the other reasons I disliked much of the book. I was not a fan of Shades and try to avoid any of the arrogant millionaire paired with an innocent virgin books. They just don't appeal to my palette.
This book often shows up as a freebie on Amazon or Smashwords, what I suggest is picking it up when it is free and deciding for yourself. You may love it, may have. You may feel the same as I did, then you are out nothing but time. I am now in a precarious spot because I want to know how the whole thing ends even though I had problems with the characters. The book ends in a way that you need to get the next book to get closure. I have high hopes that the next book will bring me to a place where I can like the leads, perhaps Mia will grow up a bit after her experiences in the first book. I can only hope!
Club Shadowlands: Masters of the Shadowlands 1
on Oct. 09, 2013
This is one of the first BDSM books I ever read. It is very well written and a nice introduction to a lifestyle that was unknown to me.
I imagine that I would be rather like Jessica and try to jump in and save people from being abused. Having read more on the topic I know that is not needed but in the beginning I am sure I would be just like her!
Loved Master Z and seeing him find his match was wonderful!!
I am very excited to read the rest of this series!!