Wolf Tracks - A Book Review by Voodoo Bride (reread/repost)

 

Wolf Tracks by Vivian Arend
(ebook, novella)

What is it about:
TJ Lynus is a legend in Granite Lake, both for his easygoing demeanor—and his clumsiness. His carefree acceptance of his lot vanishes, though, when his position as best man brings him face to face with someone he didn’t expect. His mate. His very human mate. Suddenly, one thing is crystal clear: if he intends to claim her, his usual laid-back attitude isn’t going to cut it.

After fulfilling her maid-of-honor duties, Pam Quinn has just enough time for a Yukon wilderness trip before returning south. The instant attraction between her and TJ tempts her to indulge in some Northern Delight, but when he drops the F-bomb—“forever”—she has second thoughts. In her world, true love is a fairytale that seldom, if ever, comes true.

Okay, so maybe staging a kidnapping wasn’t TJ’s best idea, but at least Pam has the good humour to agree to his deal. He’ll give her all the northern exposure she can stand—and she won’t break his kneecaps.

Now to convince her that fairytales can remake her world—and that forever is worth fighting for.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Just as all the other Granite Lake Wolves novellas this story was fun, romantic and hot. It's the most fluffy of the first four novellas as it focuses mainly on the romance where the other stories have a bit of an action storyline going as well, but I can't say it bothered me and I really enjoyed this latest addition to this series. I do think if you aren't familiar with this series you can better read Wolf Signs first though as it will introduce you to TJ and it will make you love him even more than you will by reading this story on it's own. I do hope Arend will continue to write new stories in this series.

Why should you read it:
Clumsy sidekick finally gets the chance to show he's just as cool and sexy as the other wolves!

Notes on rereading:

I'm doing my rereading out of order and can't remember everything from Wolf Signs. It does seem TJ is just as lovable if you've only read Wolf Games before diving into this one. I think if you read this as a standalone TJ might miss some of his clumsy charm that makes you already like him in the other books.

Wolf Games - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost + reread)

 

Wolf Games (Granite Lake Wolves #3)

by Vivian Arend

What is it about:

After seven years of total denial, Maggie Raynor s body and her inner wolf are in full revolt. Weak and shaky, she literally falls into the very large and capable arms of the Granite Lake Beta, Erik Costanov. The last thing she wants is a mate, particularly when just looking at another wolf scares her to death. And one as big and sexy as Erik? Really bad idea, no matter what her libido says.

Erik expected to meet Maggie in Whitehorse to escort her to the home of her sister, his pack s Omega. Sheer chance puts him in the right place at the right time to catch her, but the realization that hits him with the force of a full body shot is no accident. She s his mate. An even bigger shock? She wants no part of him not until she resolves her issues.

She ll have to work fast, because they re both selected to represent the pack during the premier sporting event for wolves in the north. Not only will she have to work as a team with Erik, she ll have to face down her fear of wolves. Let the Games begin."

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

This is the third story in the Granite Lake Wolves series and so far my favourite! It's got all the thing that I liked in the first two stories and more. Where in the first two stories the romance won out over the action storyline, here it's a perfect balance and the characters are even more defined than in the earlier stories. There's also more interaction with other characters and that makes the world that Arend build even more lifelike. All in all I can't wait for the last story in this series.

Thoughts on rereading:

I still love this story the most out of the Granite Lake Wolf series. There's just something about big, strong, but gentle men that I can't resist. And I really like learning about the bigger world that's painted in this story. I'd also forgotten about TJ, who is a really fun character, and gets his own romance in book 4. Time to dig up my print version of book 3 & 4, as the ebook version of book 4 is probably on my old ereader.

Why should you read it:

Romance, action and one big, hunky werewolf!

The Siren's Song - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

The Siren's Song

by Katelyn Brehm

What is it about:

A woman who’s lost everything. A demon without a care. And a chance encounter that sparks an unwanted passion.

Lena Sommer can’t win. Her marriage is a failure. The yoga studio she founded no longer needs her. And she just lost her grandma, the only family she’s ever known. Alone, grieving, and determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past, she tries to ignore the advances of a rakish singer she meets on the beach. But his carefree nature is infectious, and his mesmerizing voice proves too seductive to resist.

Elias Georgiou has it all—a loving family, the endless ocean, and, most importantly, his independence. Constrained by nothing but the pursuit of pleasure, the last thing he’s interested in is a relationship with any of the countless admirers he charms with his song. Until he meets Lena, and a future with the resilient and courageous woman becomes more tempting than freedom.

Can Lena learn to trust herself and Elias in the face of past betrayal? Or will the enchanted song of a consummate bachelor ruin all hope for a future filled with love?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I loved The Art Collector by Brehm, so I decided to pick up her next novella.

Although these novellas are part of a series, both can be read as stand-alones without any problem.

And The Siren's Song is yet another great read!

I cared for Lena from the start and with her past I could understand why she was wary of Elias. I was invested in seeing her heal and be happy.

Elias was a yummy hero, but it was clear he had some growing up to do. Luckily he soon seemed up to the task to show Lena he's the right guy for her, although there are of course some stumble blocks on the way.

All in all this is a delightful novella that I finished in record time to get to the sweet and satisfying HEA. I sure will be keeping my eyes out for more by Brehm.

Why should you read it:

It's a sweet and delicious Paranormal Romance.

Three Quick Book reviews

 

Quick Reviews

Sing by Karin Tidbeck

The biologist Petr explores the strange colony of Kiruna and meets the village outcast Aino, who seduces him unknowingly with her intoxicating singing voice. He finds comfort in her unusual way of life but soon discovers that a symbiotic relationship can be a blessing or a curse.

What did I think:

A weird, but alluring short story. I liked Aino, Petr is a bit of a tool though. I really liked the writing and the atmosphere.

Compulsory (The Murderbot Diaries #0.5) by Martha Wells

Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.

What did I think:

It's Murderbot! What's not to love?!

Relocating Christmas by Kerry Anne King/Kerry Schafer

A heartwarming Christmas mystery with a touch of magic.

Nickle Wood is not a thief, although her rap sheet begs to differ. It’s just that a lot of objects are not where they are meant to be and the universe has chosen her to move them. Christmas is absolutely the worst, with every brightly wrapped package a potential landmine.

She and her private-eye boyfriend, Hawk, have agreed: no presents. But he can’t resist giving her a little something and Nickle’s fragile trust is broken. She thought he understood the problem, but maybe he doesn’t really know her at all. Insult to injury, the gift, a beautiful pendant, clearly wants to be elsewhere.

Nickle ventures out into a Christmas Eve snowstorm, determined to relocate the pendant on her own, but when it leads her to a runaway teen and a dog sheltering together behind a dumpster, Nickle knows she’s going to need Hawk’s help to find the girl’s missing mother. Can they trust each other – and Nickle’s unusual ability – enough to work together and pull off a Christmas miracle?

This delightful stand alone novella continues the story of Nickle and Hawk from King’s beloved novel Other People’s Things.

What did I think:

If you paid attention you noticed this book was mentioned as a Christmas Reads and hopefully you read and enjoyed it already. If not: Go get it! It's a wonderful read as both a standalone and a continuation of  Other People’s Things! Also a great read outside of the Holiday Season, so don't wait until December to get it.

Untethered Sky - Book Review

Untethered Sky

by Fonda Lee

What is it about:

Ester’s family was torn apart when a manticore killed her mother and baby brother, leaving her with nothing but her father’s painful silence and a single, overwhelming need to kill the monsters that took her family.

Ester’s path leads her to the King’s Royal Mews, where the giant rocs of legend are flown to hunt manticores by their brave and dedicated ruhkers. Paired with a fledgling roc named Zahra, Ester finds purpose and acclaim by devoting herself to a calling that demands absolute sacrifice and a creature that will never return her love. The terrifying partnership between woman and roc leads Ester not only on the empire’s most dangerous manticore hunt, but on a journey of perseverance and acceptance.

What did I think of it:

This is a beautiful and bittersweet read.

Ester dedicates her life to hunting manticores after her mother and brother are killed by one. Although I could mostly understand her feelings, her obsession was  painful to see at times. 

As the story follows her progress it shows all the sacrifices she and her fellow ruhkers have to make as well as the consequences for those who let their focus slip. I wasn't sure if I should root for Ester to succeed or for her to find a different path in life.

All in all beautiful read that stayed with me long after I finished  it. I will have to investigate what else Leee has written.

Why should you read it:

It's a beautiful Fantsy read.

 

Serpentina - Book Review

 

Serpentina (a Societies Novella)

by Sydney Reames

What is it about:

When Sarah, the meekly obedient daughter of a domineering billionaire, is sent into space and forced to join the wild, harsh life of the desert-dwellers on the planet Rover, she’s confronted with a choice. Keep her head down, as her father expects, and gather useful information about the strange planetary Societies that have recently made contact with Earth. Or, welcome the power that comes with her scaly-skinned Assimilation and reinvent her life, free at last from her oppressive family.

As she grows to care for those around her on this strange new planet, Sarah learns of a threat to them all, a shadowy group called the Spear. Her new abilities offer the chance to rescue not only herself, but many others. The question how far is she willing to go to protect this way of life?

What did I think of it:

After I got over the the strange world building in Assimilation, the first book in this series, I actually loved it. So I picked up the novella when it released (Yes, I'm seriously behind on my reviewing and reading).

And this novella is a lot of fun.

I really liked how this novella shows more about one of the other societies and their initiation. I didn't much care for Sarah in Assimilation, but she really grew on me in this novella. I liked seeing her grow and change,

Near the end of the novella her story catches up to the ending of Assimilation and it was cool to see those events from another angle as well.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I'll try to pick up book 2 in the series soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool and fun SF novella

What Moves the Dead - Book Review

What Moves the Dead

by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:

From the award-winning author of The Twisted Ones comes a gripping and atmospheric retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's classic "The Fall of the House of Usher."

When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruritania.

What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.

Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.

What did I think of it:

I totally pre-ordered this book because it sounded cool and I couldn't resist that cover! (The end-papers have a really cool illustration as well.)

And this is indeed a really cool read!

It's a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." , but you can definitely read it without having read Poe's original. It's atmospheric, disturbing, and delightfully creepy.

I loved Alex, they're a great hero: down to earth, pragmatic, but also caring towards their friends. And their narration brings some humor to an otherwise creepy tale. Having read a lot of Poe's works, the plot wasn't unfamiliar, but the way Kingfisher gave it life and brought new things to it made that I was invested from the start. 

A warning to those who might have read other books by Kingfisher (A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking or Paladin's Grace for example): Kingfisher is a pen name used by Ursula Vernon for anything that doesn't fit the Ursula Vernon name, so this book is very different than some of the other books written under the Kingfisher name.

You bet i'll be trying to find more creepy, atmospheric beauty among the Kingfisher books though! 

Why should you read it:

It's a delightfully atmospheric read.

Flowers for the Sea - Book Review

 

Flowers for the Sea

by Zin E. Rocklyn

What is it about:

We are a people who do not forget.

Survivors from a flooded kingdom struggle alone on an ark. Resources are scant, and ravenous beasts circle. Their fangs are sharp.

Among the refugees is Iraxi: ostracized, despised, and a commoner who refused a prince, she’s pregnant with a child that might be more than human. Her fate may be darker and more powerful than she can imagine.

Zin E. Rocklyn’s extraordinary debut is a lush, gothic fantasy about the prices we pay and the vengeance we seek.

What did I think of it:

To be honest: I'm not quite sure what this story was about and what exactly happened. Still I loved it. It breathed a dark atmosphere, and the writing was beautiful and held me captive. I could easily picture (and almost smell) the ship on which Iraxi and others are trapped. 

I was drawn in from the start and even while struggling to understand the deeper layers of what was going on I had to keep reading to see where the story would lead. 

This is a harsh and brutal tale, one filled with anger, regret, and bitterness. It's also a tale I will revisit, to explore those nuances that were too slippery for me on this first read. 

Why should you read it:

It's an atmospheric and intriguing read.

buy from amazon

Please Remain Calm - Book Review

 

Please Remain Calm (This is Not a Test #1.5)

by Courtney Summers

What is it about:

In this gripping sequel to THIS IS NOT A TEST, Rhys and Sloane are headed for a safe haven when they get separated along the way. Rhys is determined to reunite with Sloane until he discovers people who might need him more--people who offer him the closest he'll get to everything he's lost, if they can just hold on long enough.

Rhys thinks he has what it takes to survive and find the girl he lost, but in a world overrun by the dead, there are no guarantees and the next leg of his journey will test him in unimaginable ways ...

What did I think of it:

After my previous read I needed some zombies, so I picked up this novella. I read This is Not a Test back in 2012 and really liked it, even though the zombies were more background noise.

Not so in this sequel!

Rhys and Sloane find zombies everywhere they turn. They try to get to a safe haven, but the zombies don't make it easy. I very much enjoyed the atmosphere and the actual threat of the zombies in this novella.

When they get separated Rhys ends up with a family of three who take him under their wings, but that doesn't mean his problems are over. I was eager to see how this all would end.

The ending is both bleak and satisfying at the same time. I had a great time with this novella and might reread This is Not a Test one of these days. Although I should add I think you can read this novella without having read This is Not a Test.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool Zombie Novella

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Breath of Dust & Dawn - Book Review

Breath of Dust & Dawn (Earthsinger Chronicles #1.5)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
This novella begins after the events of Song of Blood & Stone—it’s both an extended epilogue AND a prequel, so it’s advisable to read that novel first.

For Jasminda ul-Sarifor, the war may be over but her conflict is not. New, overwhelming duties leave her caught between two worlds but belonging to neither. She turns once more to Jack, hoping the bond that got them through the first battle is strong enough to weather a new storm.

For Jack, Jasminda’s struggles hit close to home. To help her find her way, he entrusts her with a tale from his past where, after another war, a young Jack Alliaseen must also adjust to new responsibilities. But his take a lethal turn when prisoners of war start showing up dead on his watch. With the aid of a mysterious young man destined to change his life forever, Jack must save the lives of those under his protection before it's too late.

As his story unfolds, will Jack’s memories help Jasminda conquer her present trials?

What did I think of it:
I loved Song of Blood & Stone, so I decided to pick up Breath of Dust & Dawn which is labeled as being set between Song of Blood & Stone and Whispers of Shadow & Flame.

And this novella does a great job of acting as a bridge between book 1 & 2 in this series while also being a very intriguing murder mystery.

It's set up as a story within a story. Jasminda is having a hard time being queen so Jack tells her a story to ease her worries. The story that Jack tells is a murder mystery as well as introducing the reader to the male lead character of the next book.

I loved returning to this world and very much enjoyed both the mystery and the glimpse into the life of Jasminda and Jack. I also liked getting a feel of Darvyn before I start on book two in this series.

All in all a very enjoyable novella. I will most definitely continue with this series.

Why should you read it:
This is a must read for everyone who enjoyed Song of Blood & Stone


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Unsung Heroine - Book Review

Unsung Heroine (Heroine Complex #3.5)
by Sarah Kuhn

What is it about:
This standalone novella in the smart, snarky, and action-packed Heroine Complex series follows personal superhero trainer Lucy Valdez and friends Aveda Jupiter and Bea and Evie Tanaka as they combat a new supernatural threat.

Lucy Valdez is many things: fight trainer/bodyguard to superheroines, fabulous vintage fashion plate, undisputed karaoke queen at local joint, The Gutter. She is also one of the toughest fighters in all of San Francisco without superpowers. So why can't she seem to confess her feelings to her longtime crush Rose Rorick, head of the San Francisco Police Department's Demon Unit?

Well.... actually, she knows why. She's afraid Rose won't like the real Lucy, the Lucy underneath all the fabulous bravado. (She is still fabulous underneath that bravado--just in a different way.)

When a mysterious new karaoke star rises up at The Gutter and eclipses her, Lucy finds her confidence further shaken--and when strange, seemingly supernatural happenings threaten both this new star and The Gutter's very existence, she must rise to the challenge and investigate alongside Rose. Will Lucy be able to vanquish the demonic threat to her beloved karaoke haven, confess her true feelings to Rose, and reclaim her karaoke throne?

What did I think of it:
I love the Heroine Complex series, so you bet I got my trotters on this novella about Lucy and Rose.

This novella is awesome!

Lucy and Rose have been favorite minor characters of mine and I loved seeing Lucy in the lead and trying to sort out her feelings for Rose while having to deal with an unknown supernatural threat.

I was rooting for Lucy to get her act together and sweep Rose off her feet, but she is stubborn and didn't make things easy on herself and Rose. And then there's the supernatural threat. I kept guessing and adjusting my theories as the story developed. Once I started on this novella I had to keep reading and finished it in one sitting, it was that fun and suspenseful.

All in all a wonderful addition to the series. I'm looking forward to more!

Why should you read it:
If you're a fan of the series, you need this novella!


Buy from Amazon

Artificial Condition - Book Review

Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2)
by Martha Wells

What is it about:
It has a dark past – one in which a number of humans were killed. A past that caused it to christen itself “Murderbot”. But it has only vague memories of the massacre that spawned that title, and it wants to know more.

Teaming up with a Research Transport vessel named ART (you don’t want to know what the “A” stands for), Murderbot heads to the mining facility where it went rogue.

What it discovers will forever change the way it thinks…

What did I think of it:
This is another Hugo read. I wasn't sure if I should read it as it's book 2 in a series, but then Jeffe told me she started it and didn't feel lost even though she hadn't read book 1, so I decided to give it a try as well.

And this is a really fun read. I especially loved ART and the interaction between ART and Murderbot. The two of them really have a unique and cool way of looking at things. I thought Wells did a great job at making them sound and act other than human.

The story itself delves into the past of Murderbot and also is about Murderbot trying to find out where it/they belong and how they want to be.

All in all a very enjoyable novella. I think I'll go back and read the first one as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable SF novella.


Buy from Amazon

The Test - Book Review

The Test
by Sylvain Neuvel

What is it about:
Britain, the not-too-distant future.
Idir is sitting the British Citizenship Test.
He wants his family to belong.

Twenty-five questions to determine their fate. Twenty-five chances to impress.

When the test takes an unexpected and tragic turn, Idir is handed the power of life and death.
How do you value a life when all you have is multiple choice?

What did I think of it:
After I read Sleeping Giants I wanted to try something else by Neuvel and picked up this novella.

What can I say... Someone on Goodreads said this novella is perfect for fans of Black Mirror. That should have given me pause, because I am not a fan of Black Mirror.

Don't get me wrong: this is a well written novella, but it's the same kind of bleak as a lot of Black Mirror episodes, and even though I love Dystopia, I'm not a fan of bleak. I want there to be hope. So while I was intrigued by this novella, it didn't give me the emotional journey I want from Dystopia.

Luckily this was a short read, so I wasn't caught in this bleakness for too long. I will definitely read more by Neuvel, but not the books that are compared to Black Mirror.

Why should you read it:
It's a well-written Dystopian Novella


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Double Annette Marie Novella Review

Four Shifters and a Stranger (The Guild Codex: Spellbound 0.1)
by Annette Marie

What is it about:
When a bounty hunting job goes wrong, a mysterious aeromage saves Aaron's life...

What did I think of it:
This is a fun short story (36 pages) about how the three mages Aaron, Kai and Ezra meet. Lots of questions are raised and I'm looking forward to finding out the answers in future books in the series.

Free when you sign up for Annette Marie's newsletter.



A Damsel and a Demigod (The Guild Codex: Spellbound 0.5)
by Annette Marie
Published in Love Potion: A Valentine's Day Charity Anthology

What is it about:
Kai, Aaron and Ezra are on a job guarding a secret meeting when an important relic gets stolen. Kai has to work together with a mysterious stranger to get the relic back.

What did I think of it:
I really enjoyed this novella.

Usually Kai gets the least amount of screen time of the three mages, but here he gets to shine. I loved getting to learn more about him. I also really liked Izzah, the woman he has to team up with. They make a good pair once they stop bickering. And this story being part of a Valentine's Day anthology there are sparks between these two Mythics of course.

All in all a fun and action-packed novella.

Why should you read these stories:
If you love the The Guild Codex: Spellbound series these novellas are a must.

Buy Love Potion: A Valentine's Day Charity Anthology here

Diamond Fire - Book Review

Diamond Fire (Hidden Legacy #3.5)
by Ilona Andrews

What is it about:
Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

What did I think of it:
I loved the first three books in the Hidden Legacy series, so was eager to give this novella a try.

And while it has nothing of the suspense and danger the other books have, this is a fun and entertaining read.

I liked Catalina, she is capable and level headed. I can understand why people put her in charge of things. Why people also let her younger sister help is a mystery however. She has annoyed me since the start of the series.

Events in this book were predictable in my opinion, but I didn't mind. Even with the predictability it was an entertaining story. There was information that Catalina discovered during the story held back for the big reveal at the end, but that was a minor annoyance.

All in all a quick and fun read. I will most probably read the next book as well once released.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable UF Mystery read


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Dawn - Book Review

Dawn: A Re-Imagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (The Frankenstein Saga Book 3)
by Merrie Destefano

What is it about:
A broken heart. An infamous holiday gone wrong. A deadly curse brought to life.

A holiday in Switzerland is supposed to lift Mary Wollstonecroft Godwin’s spirits. She wants to forget the past and have fun. In fact, everyone in her party is running away from one indiscretion or another—from her fiancé Percy Shelley to Lord Byron to Mary’s stepsister, Claire. But from the moment Mary arrives at Byron’s villa, she knows something is wrong. He rushes her indoors and forbids all of them to go out at night, claiming that the horrible weather has driven wild animals down from the mountains.

The only person who doesn’t seem to be running away from anything is a handsome, young Italian doctor, John Polidori. Instead, he is fervently pursuing local folk legends and a new scientific theory that claims people can be raised from the dead. But it’s not until they all challenge one other to write ghost stories that the real danger begins.

In a nightmare, Mary envisions a patchwork man animated by Galvanism and she begins writing Frankenstein. Likewise, fueled by local legends, John writes The Vampyre—one of the first vampire stories ever written. What neither one of them knows is that they are conjuring a dark evil. Before long, all of their lives will be in danger—for neither of these characters are imaginary. Far from it.

What did I think of it:
This is the last book in a series of novellas. The first set mood and atmosphere, the second raised the stakes, and this on is the thrilling climax of the story.

Mary and her friends are in serious danger. The sangsue are hunting them and have special plans for Mary. When tragedy strikes choices have to made, and an escape will have to be attempted.

This is a very fitting conclusion in my opinion. It's full of action, horror, heartbreak, and difficult decisions. I feared for my favorite character and for Mary. As things get more dire it was hard to see how things would end. Would there be an escape, or would Mary make different choices.

All in all a great read. I will definitely reread this series of novellas when I'm in the mood for some Gothic horror.

Why should you read it:
It's action packed Gothic horror.


Buy from Amazon

Dusk - Book Review

Dusk: A Re-Imagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (The Frankenstein Saga Book 2)
by Merrie Destefano

What is it about:
A broken heart. An infamous holiday gone wrong. A deadly curse brought to life.

A holiday in Switzerland is supposed to lift Mary Wollstonecroft Godwin’s spirits. She wants to forget the past and have fun. In fact, everyone in her party is running away from one indiscretion or another—from her fiancé Percy Shelley to Lord Bryon to Mary’s stepsister, Claire. But from the moment Mary arrives at Byron’s villa, she knows something is wrong. He rushes her indoors and forbids all of them to go out at night, claiming that the horrible weather has driven wild animals down from the mountains.

The only person who doesn’t seem to be running away from anything is a handsome, young Italian doctor, John Polidori. Instead, he is fervently pursuing local folk legends and a new scientific theory that claims people can be raised from the dead.

But it’s not until they all challenge one other to write ghost stories that the real danger begins. In a nightmare, Mary envisions a patchwork man animated by Galvanism and she begins writing Frankenstein. Likewise, fueled by local legends, John writes The Vampyre—one of the first vampire stories ever written.

What neither one of them knows is that they are conjuring a dark evil. Before long, all of their lives will be in danger—for neither of these characters are imaginary. Far from it.

A relentless winter has driven the sangsue down from the Swiss Alps. They’re hungry, they’re soulless, and they were once human.

And one of them in particular, the King of the Sangsue, has been searching for someone like Mary for centuries. All it will take is one bite and she will be his forever…

Beware: There are monsters in this book; some of them are charming and some of them are devious, but every single one of them is deadly and would love to steal your heart.

What did I think of it:
The first book in this series of novellas ended with quite the cliffhanger, so I picked up this novella as soon as I could.

And there is a lot of action, drama, and suspense in this novella. Where the first novella slowly set the atmosphere and mood this one is raising the stakes and our heroine and her friends are in peril.

I was on the edge of my seat, and couldn't stop reading. Would Mary manage to keep herself and the others safe or would she be succumb to the dark temptation of the Sangsue?

Again this book leaves you hungry for more, so you bet I'll be reading the last book soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a thrilling Gothic horror.


Buy from Amazon

Shade - Book Review

Shade: A Re-Imagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (The Frankenstein Saga Book 1)
by Merrie Destefano

What is it about:
A broken heart. An infamous holiday gone wrong. A deadly curse brought to life.

A holiday in Switzerland is supposed to lift Mary Wollstonecroft Godwin’s spirits. She wants to forget the past and have fun. In fact, everyone in her party is running away from one indiscretion or another—from her fiancé Percy Shelley to Lord Bryon to Mary’s stepsister, Claire. But from the moment Mary arrives at Byron’s villa, she knows something is wrong. He rushes her indoors and forbids all of them to go out at night, claiming that the horrible weather has driven wild animals down from the mountains.

The only person who doesn’t seem to be running away from anything is a handsome, young Italian doctor, John Polidori. Instead, he is fervently pursuing local folk legends and a new scientific theory that claims people can be raised from the dead.

But it’s not until they all challenge one other to write ghost stories that the real danger begins. In a nightmare, Mary envisions a patchwork man animated by Galvanism and she begins writing Frankenstein. Likewise, fueled by local legends, John writes The Vampyre—one of the first vampire stories ever written.

What neither one of them knows is that they are conjuring a dark evil. Before long, all of their lives will be in danger—for neither of these characters are imaginary. Far from it.

What did I think of it:
This is the first in a series of three novellas by Merrie Destefano. I love Destefano's writing, so you bet I jumped at the chance to get hold of an ARC of all three novellas.

This first novella is beautiful.

Destefano is a master at setting atmosphere and mood so I was soon engrossed in the story. Destefano managed to give the story a Gothic feel and I loved the building tension and otherness. Slowly you get to know more about all the people at the villa and slowly things shift from suspenseful to sinister.

The story is told from Mary's point of view, and I connected with her easily. The only thing I didn't get was why she is still engaged to Percy, whom I didn't like at all, but there were hints of a dark secret that might hold them bound together.

At the end of this novella things are seriously going wrong, and the ending is quite the cliffhanger. You bet I'll be reading the next novella soon, because I need to know what's next.

Why should you read it:
It's a suspenseful Gothic read.


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3 Wishes - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

3 Wishes (Candy Hearts Romance)
by Peggy Jaeger

What is it about:
Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
My quest for fun Contemporary Romances continues, so I tried one of the recommendations I got from helpful people on Twitter.

This is a lovely novella set around Valentine's Day.

The story was predictable, but fun. I liked the writing style and the characters. I can advice this book to anyone looking for a fun, uncomplicated romantic read.

I will check out Jaeger's other books and read a longer story by her for sure.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Contemporary Romance read.


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Rise - Book Review

Rise (Paper Gods #2.5)
by Amanda Sun

What is it about:
A long, long time ago, before the world was as we know it, Izanami and Izanagi came into being. Two of the first of the ancient gods of Japan, they crafted the world from ink and their own imaginations. Izanagi wants, more than anything, to be with Izanami—but one moment of pride could tear them apart forever.

Yuki and Tanaka have been friends for as long as they can remember, but lately deeper feelings have been bubbling beneath the surface. How do they navigate the transition from friendship to true love without destroying the powerful bond between them?

Set a millennia apart, can these two couples, living parallel love stories, find their happily-ever-afters?

What did I think of it:
I will confess I wasn't really invested in the story of Izanami and Izanagi. Both didn't feel very real, probably because they're legendary Gods and the part of the story that's about them is written in a way that created distance for me.

The awkward love story of Yuki and Tanaka however was everything I wanted. I loved Yuki and Tanaka in the Paper Gods trilogy and have mentioned in my reviews how I wanted them to have a bigger role in the story. So you can understand I loved reading a story that's just about them and their feelings for each other. My one complaint: It's much too short!

All in all a lovely addition to the series, even if you are not interested in the antics of the ancient Gods.

Why should you read it:
It's a must read for fans of the Yuki and Tanaka.


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