Teaser Tuesdays - Thorn Queen

 

"We don't know for sure that they're aliens," he said hastily. "But there is something here."

(page 59, Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously 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!

Storm Born - Book Review

 

Storm Born (Dark Swan #1)

by Richelle Mead

What is it about:

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...

Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy—one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.

Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...

What did I think of it:

Back when this book released I was reading another series by Mead and when people I knew were saying how bad this book apparently was, I never got to picking it up. But when buying some second hand books last year I decided to add it to my purchase to get to the amount for free shipping. 

It turned into an orphan and was gathering dust until I spotted book 3 & 4 at a free library not long ago. 

It turns out this is a really nice read.

I liked Eugenie, and loved discovering her powers and background. She has a shitty taste in men: falling for the least interesting love interest, but what else is new...

The story is entertaining and even with the dramatics that come with her falling for a guy with more red flags than I could count, it never got too annoying. 

The world building was cool as well, and with the events in this book I'm eager to find out what this will mean for Eugenie and the Otherworld.

After finishing this book I hunted down a copy of book 2 right away.

Why should you read it:

It's a very entertaining Urban Fantasy Read.

Wicked Embers - Book Review

 

Wicked Embers (Souls of Fire #2)

by Keri Arthur

What is it about:

Keri Arthur, New York Times bestselling author of Fireborn, presents the thrilling new Souls of Fire Novel featuring Emberly Pearson, a phoenix that can transform into a human—and is haunted by the ability to foresee death....

Crimson Death, the plague like virus spawned from a failed government experiment to isolate the enzymes that make vampires immortal, continues to spread. Emberly and her partner, Jackson Miller, are desperately seeking the stolen research for a cure before the virus becomes a pandemic.

But their mission is jeopardized by another threat uncovered in Emberly’s prophetic dreams. A creature of ash and shadow has been unleashed on a murdering spree. Now Emberly must summon all her gifts and investigative knowledge to put an end to this entity’s brutal rampage—even if it means placing herself in harm’s way....

What did I think of it:

After rereading book one to refresh my memory on this series I finally picked up book 2 which had been lingering in TBR Mountain since 2015.

And this is another cool read.

I really like Emberly and her two male sidekicks: Rory and Jackson. Rory is a phoenix like Embery, and even though his role is small compared to other characters, he's awesome in my opinion (that he was the only thing I remembered from my first read of book 1 is telling). Jackson is cool as well though, I like how he and Emberly work together.

Next to the ongoing storyline started in book one, there's another storyline involving Emberly's  prophetic dreams that was really intriguing as well. There's lots of suspense, danger, and thrills in this book.

My one big problem with this book/series is Sam, who seems to be the main love interest. I can't stand the guy! And in my opinion Emberly should hate him as well. But there's two more books to go, so I'm keeping hope and rooting for one (or both) of the other guys to win Emberly's heart.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I bought the remaining two books and am waiting for their arrival to continue this series.

Why should you read this:

It's a cool Urban Fantasy read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Second Hand Rose

She put the screwdriver into the lock, and pop!  The screwdriver snapped into two pieces. How could that happen?

(page 7, Second Hand Rose by D.E. Fox)

What is it about:

Short Story

Abigail Hirst, a city reporter, returns to her hometown to take over Second Hand Rose, a quintessential antique store, following the sad passing of her beloved Grandmother, Rose.

This new life seems perfect for Abigail and her trusted terrier Jake, until she starts to notice strange happenings.

Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances are catching up with this chocolate-box town named Friendship, as Abigail digs deeper in her investigations.

Time is quickly running out for the fate of the whole town but only facing up to her own dark past, can she truly help Friendship and the people she loves most.

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously 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!

The Better Part of Darkness - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

The Better Part of Darkness (Charlie Madigan #1)
by Kelly Gay

What is it about:
Atlanta: it's the promised city for the off-worlders, foreigners from the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. Some bring good works and miracles. And some bring unimaginable evil....

Charlie Madigan is a divorced mother of one, and a kick-ass cop trained to take down the toughest human and off-world criminals. She's recently returned from the dead after a brutal attack, an unexplained revival that has left her plagued by ruthless nightmares and random outbursts of strength that make doing her job for Atlanta P.D.'s Integration Task Force even harder. Since the Revelation, the criminal element in Underground Atlanta has grown, leaving Charlie and her partner Hank to keep the chaos to a dull roar. But now an insidious new danger is descending on her city with terrifying speed, threatening innocent lives: a deadly, off-world narcotic known as ash. Charlie is determined to uncover the source of ash before it targets another victim -- but can she protect those she loves from a force more powerful than heaven and hell combined?

What did I think of it:
This is a very nice read.

I will confess that although I did like the world building and the overall story, I was a bit apprehensive of the relationship story line. Charlie might be divorced, but her ex keeps showing up and trying to get back with her. Maybe it's because when I burn bridges, I burn them beyond recovery, that this part of the story annoyed me. Especially when I found out why they divorced.

But the relationship drama was only a small part of the story, so it didn't annoy me too much. And luckily there were some interesting men who might be able to get Charlie's thoughts off her ex.

The events in this book were suspenseful, and even though it seemed the stakes were set a bit too high (it's so often DOOM! in these kinds of stories, while smaller threats can be just as suspenseful in my opinion) I very much enjoyed the ride.

The ending gives some closure, but leaves a lot open, making me curious about what will happen next. Luckily i already have the next book in my TBR pile, so I'll be picking it up soon.

Notes on rereading:

Another reread where I forgot most of the story. I must have been in a better mood the first time I read this, because this time it was a slog to get through. So much so I decided to not continue this series after this reread.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable UF read (when you're in the right mood).

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass - Book Review

 

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass

by Lana Del Rey

What is it about:

“'Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass' is the title poem of the book and the first poem I wrote of many. Some of which came to me in their entirety, which I dictated and then typed out, and some that I worked laboriously picking apart each word to make the perfect poem. They are eclectic and honest and not trying to be anything other than what they are and for that reason I’m proud of them, especially because the spirit in which they were written was very authentic.” (Lana Del Rey)

What did I think of it:

I love Lana Del Rey's music, so I decided to give her poetry a try as well.

The book is beautiful just how it looks alone. The poems are printed in a typewriter-style font and the book is filled with photographs Lana made herself. 

As for the poetry: I loved most of them. Some are long and winding, others just short observations. I liked how with some of the poems earlier versions were included, so you could see Lana's thought process in creating them. There were a few poems that clearly were inspirations for later songs as well.

All in all this is a beautiful book that I can advice to fans of Lana Del Rey.

Why should you read it:

It's a wonderful collection of poetry and photographs.

Teaser Tuesdays - Infinity Bell

 

"Do not make me knock you both out and drag you through this tunnel. Are we gold" i shoved back my sleeves so I'd have better reach to wrestle them.

(page 124, Infinity Bell by Devon Monk)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously 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!

Grave War - Book Review

 

Grave War (Alex Craft #7)

by Kalayna Price

What is it about:

Grave witch Alex Craft has forged an uneasy truce with the world of Faerie, but she’s still been trying to maintain at least some semblance of a normal life in the human world. So it’s safe to say that stepping up as the lead investigator for the Fae Investigation Bureau was not a career path she ever anticipated taking.

When an explosion at the Eternal Bloom threatens to upend the fae who make their home in our world, Alex finds herself in charge of the most far reaching investigation she’s ever tackled. And it’s only her first week on the job. With the threats mounting and cut off from half her allies, Alex can’t wait on the sidelines and hope the fae’s conflicts stay contained within their borders.

What did I think of it:

Yup! I finished my challenge! I bet regular readers doubted me after seeing how long it took me to finish the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.

And this last book is awesome!

Some storylines seemed to have be dropped in favor of the epic conclusion of this series, but I can't say I minded as those weren't my favorites anyway.

The events in this book had me captivated. I worried and cheered Alex on. And the ending was not what I had expected, but it was most satisfying in my opinion. 

You bet this series ended up on my keeper shelves!

Why should you read it:

It's awesome!!!

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

Teaser Tuesday - Dark Currents

 

Okay, that's a terrible comparison, but the point is, he was gorgeous.

He was also a motherfucking ghoul. 

(page 58, Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously 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!

House Immortal - Book Review (repost/reread)

 

House Immortal (House Immortal #1)
by Devon Monk

What is it about:
Matilda Case isn’t like most folk. In fact, she’s unique in the world, the crowning achievement of her father’s experiments, a girl pieced together from bits. Or so she believes, until Abraham Seventh shows up at her door, stitched with life thread just like her and insisting that enemies are coming to kill them all.

Tilly is one of thirteen incredible creations known as the galvanized, stitched together beings immortal and unfathomably strong. For a century, each House has fought for control over the galvanized. Now the Houses are also tangled in a deadly struggle for dominion over death—and Tilly and her kind hold the key to unlocking eternity

The secrets that Tilly must fight to protect are hidden within the very seams of her being. And to get the secrets, her enemies are willing to tear her apart piece by piece...

What did I think of it:
This is a really cool read.

I very much liked the idea of the galvanized, immortal beings who are stitched together like Frankenstein's monster. The whole society in this book is very intriguing as well. It's complex and full of backstabbing intrigue and drama.

Matilda is a great heroine, she's resourceful, headstrong and loyal to those she cares about. At times I thought she was just being stubborn for stubbornness sake though. I mean: She knows she's in a dangerous situation, with all kinds of people gunning for her, and she leaves a safe place to go out for coffee?!

There were some really cool other characters as well. I especially loved Neds, Matilda's two-headed farmhand.

The story is just as complex as the world building. There are lots of different factions involved and interested in Tilly, and I had to keep paying attention to keep up with what was going on.

Some plot lines were resolved near the end of the book, but a new one was introduced, leaving me with a cliffhanger ending. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book once it releases.

Notes on rereading:

I read this back in 2015, so a reread before picking up book 2 was in order.

I'm surprised by what things I remembered and what I forgot. The start of the book made the most impression on me it seems, as did Neds and Tilly's grandmother. Everything that happens after she leaves her farm I couldn't remember. My previous review still stands though.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Alternate History/Dystopian read

With Love, from Cold World - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

With Love, from Cold World

by Alicia Thompson

What is it about:

She has a to-do list a mile long and falling for her coworker isn't on it--yet somehow he's become her top priority in this romantic comedy from the national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers.

Lauren Fox is the bookkeeper for Cold World, a tourist destination that's always a winter wonderland despite being located in humid Orlando, Florida. Sure, it's ranked way below any of the trademarked amusement parks and maybe foot traffic could be better. But it's a fun place to work, even if "fun" isn't exactly Lauren's middle name.

Her coworker Asa Williamson, on the other hand, is all about finding ways to enliven his days at Cold World--whether that means organizing the Secret Santa or teasing Lauren. When the owner asks Lauren and Asa to propose something (anything, really) to raise more revenue, their rivalry heats up as they compete to come up with the best idea. But the situation is more dire than they thought, and it might take these polar opposites working together to save the day. If Asa thought Lauren didn't know how to enjoy herself, he's surprised by how much he enjoys spending time together. And if Lauren thought Asa wasn't serious about anything, she's surprised by how seriously he seems to take her.

As Lauren and Asa work to save their beloved wintery spot, they realize the real attraction might be the heat generating between them.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I will confess I had this one pre-ordered even before buying and reading Love in the Time of Serial Killers. And while I really enjoyed that one, it was a bit silly at times. So I had mixed feelings when picking this one up.

It was so good!!!

It's much more serious while still being romantic and sweet. I clicked with Lauren right away. I could understand why she keeps her distance from people, and rooted for her to see what a fun guy Asa is. Asa has his hangups as well, and I loved seeing them both work through things.  

All in all this is a great Romance with a nice Christmassy feel as a bonus. I'll be keeping an eye out for more by Thompson.

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool and enjoyable Contemporary Romance.

Teaser Tuesdays - Wicked Embers

 

I looked up to the next floor. Nothing registered on the sensory radar, but that didn't mean someone couldn't be up there.

(page 22, Wicked Embers by Keri Arthur)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously 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!