The Dare - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

The Dare (Briar U #4)

by Elle Kennedy

What is it about:

College was supposed to be my chance to get over my ugly-duckling complex and spread my wings. Instead, I wound up in a sorority full of mean girls. I already have a hard time fitting in, so when my Kappa Chi sisters issue the challenge, I can’t say no.

The dare: seduce the hottest new hockey player in the junior class.

Conor Edwards is a regular at Greek Row parties…and in Greek Row sorority beds. He’s the one you fall for before you learn that guys like him don’t give girls like me a second glance. Except Mr. Popular throws me for a loop—rather than laughing in my face, he does me a solid by letting me take him upstairs to pretend we’re getting busy.

Even crazier, now he wants to keep pretending. Turns out Conor loves games, and he thinks it’s fun to pull the wool over my frenemies’ eyes.

But resisting his easy charm and surfer-boy hotness is darn near impossible. Though I’m realizing there’s much more to Conor’s story than his fan club can see.

And the longer this silly ruse goes on, the greater the danger of it all blowing up in my face.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I totally picked this up because the blurb mentions a fake relationship.

And to be honest: as a fake relationship romance this book fails in my opinion. Things between Taylor and Conor feel too real from the start. It's more a lets  give this a try than fake.

That said: I did enjoy this New Adult Romance. It is fun and entertaining. I might have bought it for the fake relationship, but the antics of these two kept me reading even after I concluded it didn't have the right fake relationship vibe for me.

All in all not a book I'd reread, but I might try something else by Elle Kennedy in the future.

Why should you read it:

It's a fun and enjoyable NA Romance 

buy from Amazon

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight - Book Review

 

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight (Charley Davidson #11)

by Darynda Jones

What is it about:

A typical day in the life of Charley Davidson involves cheating husbands, missing people, errant wives, philandering business owners, and oh yeah...demons, hell hounds, evil gods, and dead people. Lots and lots of dead people. 

As a part time Private Investigator and full-time Grim Reaper, Charley has to balance the good, the bad, the undead, and those who want her dead. In this eleventh installment, Charley is learning to make peace with the fact that she is a goddess with all kinds of power and that her own daughter has been born to save the world from total destruction. 

But the forces of hell are determined to see Charley banished forever to the darkest corners of another dimension. With the son of Satan himself as her husband and world-rocking lover, maybe Charley can find a way to have her happily ever after after all.

What did I think of it:

Eleven books in and this series is still going strong.

I very much enjoy the adventures of Charley and I'm very curious were this series will lead to. This book certainly seems to be building up further towards the series finale and things are moving into place.

There were a few hints things were going on that I think Charley should have picked up on sooner, but with all the strange things going on in her lief maybe it was to be expected she missed them.

All in all another fun addition to the series. I'll be picking up book 12 soon.

Why should you read it:

If wacky and snarky Urban Fantasy is your thing you need this series.

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Liana Brooks - Two Quick Reviews

 I was looking for Liana Brooks' All I Want for Christmas is a Reaper when I saw these two short stories by her. I just had to give them a try.

Level Nine by Liana Brooks

What is it about: 

Andrea plays the Game—a massive, interstellar, virtual reality experience—as often as she can. And she plays well. Really well. 

…Well, she cheats, actually, which she feels ambivalent about to be honest. 

Except on Level Nine. Because no matter how hard she tries, Level Ten remains out of reach… until a wholesome newcomer arrives. 

A light-hearted, feel-good story about the power of online gaming to bring people together. 

What did I think of it:

This 25 page short story is a fun and quick read. I very much enjoyed the characters and the setting. I wouldn't mind if Brooks would write a longer story in this setting.

Not Quite Cinderella by Liana Brooks

What is it about:

The king announces a ball in order to end the war. His subjects? Overjoyed.

Marian? Determined to stop it. Her sponsors need the war to continue.

Looks like sabotage will feature at the top of tonight’s menu.

A Cinderella retelling for everyone who ever wondered why Cinderella wanted to marry the prince in the first place.

What did I think of it:

Another short, but satisfying story.

I admire how Brooks set up and delivers an intriguing story in just 27 pages.

I will definitely try more of the short stories by Brooks as well as other stories in this series.

Why should you read them:

They're short fun reads for when you need a quick book fix. 

Buy Level Nine here

Buy Not Quite Cinderella here

With A Prince - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost/reread)

 

With a Prince (Missed Connections #2)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
The guy on the train is just Marcia’s type. A face like an angel, a scent like raw honey, treats her like he has a white horse and suit of armor stowed in his messenger bag. Perfect.

Too perfect. No guy like that would be interested in prim, awkward Marcia, notorious goody-goody and a twentysomething still clutching her v-card. She’s been following rules her whole life—but somewhere, the game changed. And left her behind.

So when she meets Damien, with his rumbling motorbike, gleaming piercings, and wicked imagination, she doesn’t care that he’s the exact opposite of “her type.” Her type would never dare her into such shocking, fiendishly inventive adventures—and she can’t wait to say yes.

Yes to whiskey in the middle of a workday. Yes to letting her hands roam over his body from the back of his bike. Yes to a fling full of wild abandon and absolutely no long-term potential. Except Damien’s not just the straightforward bad boy she imagined. And as they burn through Chicago’s nights, Marcia can’t shake the fear that this happiness is just another fairy tale…

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I will confess I seriously disliked Marcia in Last Dance. She did something there that made me so angry.

Imagine my surprise when Marcia actually started to grow on me in this story.

Liking Marcia came slowly. but when it happened I was hooked. Marcia starts out as someone I didn't have much connection with: she's soft and too lost in her perfect plans to see the real world. But then she meets Damien and she is starting to open her eyes. I loved seeing Marcia's personal growth.

And Damien!
*dreamy sigh*

There are just not enough Alternative/Goth heroes who are more than the bad boy who needs a good woman to settle down. Luckily Damien is one of those yummy few. I loved how he and Marcia were together. Their romance is hot, sexy and sweet.

Of course Marcia and Damien encounter some obstacles on their way to a happy end, but you can trust Jeffe to make those obstacles interesting, while you never have to fear they won't be overcome.

All in all a delightful Contemporary Romance that I already have read several times and will reread again for sure.

Why should you read it:
It's a hot, sexy and sweet Contemporary Romance.

Buy Links

Notes on rereading: Still as yummy as the first time I read it!

Teaser Tuesdays - Alex, Approximately

 

What is happening to me? I swear, every time I have any interaction whatsoever with Porter Roth, something always goes screwy.

(page 89, Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Across the Green Grass Fields - Early Book Review

 

Across the Green Grass Fields (Wayward Children #6)

by Seanan McGuire

What is it about:

A young girl discovers a portal to a land filled with centaurs and unicorns in Seanan McGuire's Across the Green Grass Fields, a standalone tale in the Hugo and Nebula Award-wining Wayward Children series.

“Welcome to the Hooflands. We’re happy to have you, even if you being here means something’s coming.”

Regan loves, and is loved, though her school-friend situation has become complicated, of late.

When she suddenly finds herself thrust through a doorway that asks her to "Be Sure" before swallowing her whole, Regan must learn to live in a world filled with centaurs, kelpies, and other magical equines―a world that expects its human visitors to step up and be heroes.

But after embracing her time with the herd, Regan discovers that not all forms of heroism are equal, and not all quests are as they seem…

What did I think of it:

I absolutely loved most books in this series, so I was happy to get an Advance Reader Copy thanks to Melliane from Between Dreams and Reality 

And this is a great addition to the series. 

It's a standalone story that can easily be read by those new to the series. For those familiar with the series it explores a Doorway and a World we haven't seen before.

I will confess I didn't like Regan at the start of this story. She has two friends of which one was a girl I could relate to, while I loathed the other. Regan is caught between the two, and guess who 's side she picks.

Then things happen that make Regan's world fall apart and a Doorway appears. She steps through and gets transported to the Wildlands.

It was here that I came to love Regan and the people she meets. The story seems pretty straightforward but as events unfold things get more complicated. I read the book in one sitting because I was curious where things would lead.

All in all this is a wonderful story about choice vs. destiny, and about taking charge of your own life. You bet this book will join the others on my keeper shelves.

Why should you read it:

It's a very enjoyable and wonderful read

Expected publication: January 12th 2021

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Ungilded - Book Review

 

Ungilded (Sovereign #0.4)

by Josie Jaffrey

What is it about:

She has made a ghost of me...
In the days after the Fall, most of the world is contaminated. The Silver may have defeated the Weepers, but now they're scrambling to find somewhere they can call home.
But their king is scrambling just to keep his mind. With his queen missing in action, the bond between them is stretching thin, and his consciousness is thinning with it.
If he can't find his love soon, then he won't live to lead his people into their new world.

What did I think of it:

This story fills in some gaps between the Solis Invicti series and the Sovereign series.
It's probably best read and enjoyed if you've read the Solis Invicti series, but I haven't apart from the first book, and still very much enjoyed the mood and world in this short story.
It made me eager to read the rest of the series.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool short story

buy from Amazon

Under A Winter Sky - Release Day Alert

 

Under a Winter Sky

by Kelley Armstrong, Jeffe Kennedy, Melissa Marr, L. Penelope, and Grace Draven

Five powerhouse authors of fantasy and urban fantasy bring you a feast of romantic midwinter holiday adventures. These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy.

Ballgowns & Butterflies (Thorne Manor #1.5) by Kelley Armstrong

The North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?

The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy

Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. First of all, it’s literally freezing there, an uncomfortable change from the tropical paradise of his home. Secondly, it’s a mossback castle which means thick walls and too many rules. Thirdly, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there. Not exactly a cause for celebration.

Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung with her parents, but her mother put her foot down declaring that, since everyone who ever mattered to her was going to be there to celebrate the 25th year of High Queen Ursula’s reign, Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Of course, “everyone” includes the sons and daughters of her parents’ friends, and it also means that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will attend.

But on this special anniversary year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.

Blood Martinis & Mistletoe by Melissa Marr

Half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead--and spends her free time trying not to get too attached to her business partner,  Eli Stonecroft, a faery in self-imposed exile in New Orleans. With a killer at her throat and a blood martini in her hand, Gen accepts what seems like a straight-forward faery bargain, but soon realizes that if she can't figure out a way out of this faery bargain, she'll be planning a wedding after the holidays.

Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope

Brought to live among the Cavefolk as an infant, Mooriah has long sought to secure her place in the clan and lose her outsider status. She’s a powerful blood mage, and when the chieftain’s son asks for help securing the safety of the clan, she agrees. But though she’s long been drawn to the warrior, any relationship between the two is forbidden. The arrival of a mysterious stranger with a tempting offer tests her loyalties, and when betrayal looms, will Mooriah’s secrets and hidden power put the future she’s dreamed of—and her adopted home—in jeopardy.

and

A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven

Spinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father's shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.

Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.

Buy Links

Damned Souls and a Sangria - Book Review

Damned Souls and a Sangria (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #8)

by Annette Marie

What is it about:

Once upon a time, I was your average spunky redhead with the lamest employment history ever, a shaky relationship with my only family member, and no idea what I was doing with my life.

Now, I'm a pseudo mythic with the best bartending job in the world, the most amazing (and hot) best friends I never knew I needed, and a guild of misfit magic-users who've become my extended family.

And I'm about to lose it all.

In my desperation to save Ezra, I stumbled into a web of ruthless deception—and seriously pissed off a sleeping hydra. Now its every murderous head is turned toward me and my guild, and I don't know how to stop it. I'm not sure I can.

I'm not sure anyone can.

But if we don't, we're all doomed—Ezra, Aaron, Kai, and my beloved guild.

What did I think of it:

This is the final book in this series and wraps things up for Tori and her friends, although some things going on in the overall world of this series are ongoing and will find their conclusion in the spinoff series Guild Codex: Demonized.

I loved how things turn out and I very much enjoyed most of this book. There's one gripe I have with this book: so much fighting! I thought the fight scenes were a bit excessive. They got in the way of the story in my opinion. I get that it's the climax of an eight book series, but it could have been handled differently than putting in a gazillion fights that don't really add that much to make them necessary.

That aside I loved this series and its satisfying conclusion. I will get my trotters on the last Guild Codex: Demonized book soon to see how things end for Robin as well.

Why should you read it:

It's a mostly satisfying ending to a cool series. 

 buy from bookdepository

Teaser Tuesdays - Eleventh Grave in Moonlight

 

"Angel told me all about you. Why you're so bright and all." He nodded in approval. "Pretty badass, if you ask me."

(page 16, Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda JOnes)

buy from amazon

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Rent a Boyfriend - Book Review

Rent a Boyfriend

by Gloria Chao

What is it about:

Chloe Wang is nervous to introduce her parents to her boyfriend, because the truth is, she hasn’t met him yet either. She hired him from Rent for Your ’Rents, a company specializing in providing fake boyfriends trained to impress even the most traditional Asian parents.

Drew Chan’s passion is art, but after his parents cut him off for dropping out of college to pursue his dreams, he became a Rent for Your ’Rents employee to keep a roof over his head. Luckily, learning protocols like “Type C parents prefer quiet, kind, zero-PDA gestures” comes naturally to him.

When Chloe rents Drew, the mission is simple: convince her parents fake Drew is worthy of their approval so they’ll stop pressuring her to accept a proposal from Hongbo, the wealthiest (and slimiest) young bachelor in their tight-knit Asian American community.

But when Chloe starts to fall for the real Drew—who, unlike his fake persona, is definitely not ’rent-worthy—her carefully curated life begins to unravel. Can she figure out what she wants before she loses everything?

What did I think of it:

This is yet another great book by Gloria Chao.

I was hooked from the start. Wanting to find out why Chloe decided to hire a fake boyfriend to meet her parents. As I learned more about her and her parents I rooted for her to succeed in her plans.

Drew is a great character as well, and I loved seeing Chloe and Drew fall for each other, while they try to convince Chloe's parents Drew is the perfect boyfriend.

The viewpoint switches between the two, giving you insight in both of them. They're banter when Choloe's parents aren't breathing down their necks is fun, and I had to keep reading to see if the two of them could save Chloe from a doomed future and if they could find happiness together.

All in all a wonderful read, and you bet I'm keeping an eye out for Chao's next book. 

Why should you read it:

It's a fun and very enjoyable YA read.

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Barely Bewitched - Book Review

 

Barely Bewitched (Southern Witch #2)

by Kimberly Frost

What is it about:

Welcome to Duvall, Texas, where new witch Tammy Jo Trask has just unleashed an accidental Armageddon…Oops.

Tammy Jo’s misfiring magic has attracted the unwanted attention of WAM, the World Association of Magic. Now, a wand-wielding wizard and a menacing fire warlock have come to Duvall to train her for a dangerous mandatory challenge. But is there more to their arrival than they claim?

When a curse leads to a toxic spill of pixie dust, the town comes unglued and the doors between the human and faery worlds begin to open. To rescue the town and to face the impossible magical test, Tammy needs the help of incredibly handsome Bryn Lyons, but WAM has declared him totally off-limits. To avoid deadly consequences, Tammy probably ought to follow the rules this time.

On the other hand, rebellion is an old Texas tradition.

What did I think of it:

I'm still not sure if I like this series or not.

This second book has a lot of fun things going for it, and the overall story is entertaining, but...

The relationship between Tammy and her on-and-off-again ex really creeps me out. It's totally abusive and pictured as: "Awww, look how much he still loves me!" I really hope that his abusive behavior will be pointed out to Tammy and seen as it is in the next book, because much more of this behavior being shown as romantic and I'm done!

Apart from this I was enjoying this book and as I do have the next book on my shelves I'll pick it up one of these days.

Why should you read it:

Apart from the abusive jerk it's a fun read.

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On McPig's Radar - Six Crimson Cranes

 

Six Crimson Cranes (Six Crimson Cranes #1)

by Elizabeth Lim

Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Peniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama's betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.

Expected publication: July 6th 2021 

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Black Dawn - Book Review

 

Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampires #12)

by Rachel Caine

What is it about:

Ever since the draug—mysterious creatures that prey on vampires—took over Morganville, the lives of student Claire Danvers and her friends have been thrown into turmoil. Most of the town’s residents have evacuated, but Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael have chosen to stay and fight. Using the city’s water system to spread, the draug have rapidly multiplied. Things in Morganville look grim, especially since vampire Amelie—the town founder—has been infected by the master draug’s bite. 

Now, if Claire and her friends don’t figure out how to cure Amelie and defeat the draug, it looks like Morganville will become little more than a ghost town…

What did I think of it:

This book continues using multiple viewpoints. Claire is still the main viewpoint character, but others get their own chapters as well.

I liked some more than others of course. I'm still not on board the Claire/Shane ship. It feels doomed imo. Claire can get so much better.

That aside, this is a cool read. There's lots of action and suspense. Can the draug be defeated? Can Amelie survive the draug bite? I raced through this book to see if things would look up.

All in all a great read. I'll be picking up the next book soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool YA Vampire read

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Teaser Tuesdays - Rent A Boyfriend

The all-too-familiar glint in his eye alerted me it was quiz time. Not my first.

(page 70, Rent A Boyfriend by Gloria Chao)

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---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Working Stiff - Book Review (repost)

 

Working Stiff (Revivalist #1)
by Rachel Caine

What is it about:
Bryn Davis was killed on the job after discovering her bosses were selling a drug designed to resurrect the dead. Now, revived by that same drug, she becomes an undead soldier in a corporate war to take down the very pharmaceutical company responsible for her new condition...

What did I think of it:
This was a fun read.

The idea of someone resurrected from the dead was well thought out, including weaknesses and how such a person would react to her state. I also really liked the action storyline where Bryn and her allies are on a deadline to find a corporate thief before her boss decides she's a liability and she needs to be terminated. It makes this story very tense and suspenseful.

I had some difficulties with Bryn. For someone who's been in the army she's acting like a damsel in distress a bit too much in my opinion. I also had some trouble getting into the romance. I once again started rooting for the wrong guy and maybe that's why I didn't feel a connection between Bryn and her love interest at first. But after a shaky start it picked up nicely and I ended up enjoying the romance.

The ending felt a bit chaotic and rushed though. I felt a bit disappointed by some of the solutions. There was also a plot line that was left open for the next book.

In the end I really enjoyed this book and apart from the flaws I mentioned it's a compelling read. I will most probably give the next book in this series a try.

Why should you read it:
It's a suspenseful Urban Fantasy read

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Honor Among Thieves - Book Review (repost)

 

Honor Among Thieves (The Honors #1)
by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre

What is it about:
Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead moving with her family to Mars. In her eyes, living inside a dome isn’t much better than a prison cell.

Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.

Zara seizes the chance to flee Earth’s dangers, but when she meets Nadim, the alien ship she’s assigned, Zara starts to feel at home for the first time. But nothing could have prepared her for the dark, ominous truths that lurk behind the alluring glitter of starlight.

What did I think of it:
I've been eager to read this book ever since I heard Ann Aguirre read a part of it at the Love Letters Convention in Berlin last year.

And it doesn't disappoint. Have you heard me grumble about human looking aliens in the past? This book has proper aliens!

The Leviathan are a very intriguing species and I loved learning about them and the Honor program. It's clear they have their own agenda, and slowly Zara and the reader learn more about them.

Zara and her crew mate Bea were both great characters. I loved that they connect with each other from the start, and that there's no jealousy/competition between the two, as is often the case in YA. I also loved Nadim and the way he interacted with the girls.

The overall story was very cool, and the hints of the larger world out there had me eager to find out more and to keep reading. There's suspense, danger, secrets, and some really exciting action.

There was just one minor thing that bugged me, and that I myself would have left out, but it's too spoilery to go into it here, and it wasn't big enough to diminish my enjoyment.

The ending was not a cliffhanger, but there are lots of things Zara will have to deal with, and it did leave me hungry for the next book. You bet I'll get my trotters on it when it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome SF YA read.


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