Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Title: Outpost (Razorland #2)
Author: Ann Aguire
Length: 10 hrs 20 min
Narrator: Emily Bauer

From Goodreads ~

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

So, What did I think?

Much better!  I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book.  Which is odd for a second book in a series for me.  However, this book was more emotional and allowed readers to see deeper into the characters.  I am excited to read the next book whenever it comes out.  

Topside is softening Deuce up.  Although she still feels the huntress inside, she is discovering what love means and learning to open up and allow others inside.  I love this side of Deuce!  I am looking forward to reading or listening to more.

If I had a rating system, I would give this book a 4 because I found myself longing to listen to it out of the blue.  Something about it made me keep thinking about it at the oddest of times.  Check it out and see what you think.

The Ethics of Vampire Hunting by Lonnie Henderson II

Title:The Ethics of Vampire Hunting
Author: Lonnie Henderson II
Pages: 219
Published: Self published 2011

On the Back~

Joseph Silvercrest just wanted to hunt vampires as a child.  When he graduated high school, he was fortunate enough to not only be accepted to the Nocturnal School of Vampirism Remedy, the only vampire hunting academy in America, but also to be placed under the tutelage of his idol, Headmaster Richard Ganley, a former hunter himself.  Things are quickly complicated when he falls in love with rebellious and plus-sized Veronica Lewis and then is pursed by hip, athletic newcomer Sarah Black.  In addition to that bizarre love triangle, he must also contend with hunting vampires, having his life in constant danger, and protecting those closest to him.

The first book in the new series Nocturnal School of Vampirism Remedy by aspiring author Lonnie Henderson II, The Ethic of Vampire Hunting takes you on an amazing adventure alongside Joseph, Veronica, and a brand new cast of characters as they try to rid the world of the year 2090 once and for all of the vampire menace.

So, What did I think?

I received this book from Lonnie himself.  He is a co-worker of mine.  I was shocked to have learned that he writes books and was happy that he would let me read it and review it for him on my blog.  

So, in all honesty, this is a good book.  I feel that it could have used more detail and maybe a little understanding about what was going on outside the academy.  I had a hard time wrapping my head around the outside world and how they were surviving the vampire epidemic while those inside the academy were protected by the walls and guards. To me, it seems like the rest of America would be struggling to survive.  I do, however, love the idea of the academy for vampire hunters.  It's sort of Harry Potterish, with the wizard academy.  

I also had a little difficulty visualizing Joseph in my mind because there was no description of him.  What he looked like or what his family was like would have been a good way to get more involved in the character.  I'm a very "emotions" based reader and love to feel like I can visualize characters, places, and plots.  

I enjoyed this book, however, I hope that the sequel will help elaborate on Joseph more and maybe add a sense of emotion to the book. 

Gameland: Deep Into the Game by S. W. Tanpepper

Title: Gameland: Deep Into the Game Episode 1
Author: S.W. Tanpepper
Pages: 116
Published:  Brinestone Press 2012

On the Back~

Breaking in was easy...

In the center of Long Island's zombie wasteland, overseen by a megalithic corporation known as Arc Properties, is a virtual reality gaming arcade:

GAMELAND

It's here that the rich pit the Undead against each other in a high stakes game of violence, money and power, all for the entertainment of the masses.

On a whim, six young computer hackers decide to sneak onto the island, hopeful of catching a glimpse of the uncontrolled Infecteds, victims of the outbreak there a decade earlier.  But while breaking in is easier than any of them could have ever imagined, getting back out turns into one hell of a killer.

So, What did I think?

Ok.  I have to say that I was very skeptical about reading this book.  I have never really been a big zombie reader.  I don't even watch zombie shows like The Walking Dead.  But I won this book and thought I would give it a shot.  The concept behind it seems really fascinating to me.  The author has written each book as an episode you might watch on television.  So that was one thing that drew me in to reading this book.  The other is the fact that when I read the description, it sounded to me like a book sort of like the Hunger Games meets zombies.  These super genius computer geeks have a knack for hacking into things and they get this idea to break into the game-set on Long Island just to test their greatness.  That's when they figure out that breaking in is the easy part.  Once the zombies start chasing them and they try to escape the same way they got in, things don't seems so easy anymore.  

After reading this first episode, I am kind of hooked!  It's addictive like a soap opera.  I just have to find out if they make it out or who dies.  So, yes, I am rethinking my opinion on zombies and even thinking about starting the Walking Dead.  After all, how will I learn how to defend myself when the Zombie Apocalypse begins?  

So if you are skeptic about zombies, fight through it and try reading Gameland one episode at a time.  I, on the other hand, have purchased all 8 episodes on Amazon and will be reading them pretty soon, so that I can find out what happens next.

Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Title: Death and the Girl Next Door
Author: Darynda Jones
Pages: 274
Published: St Martin's Griffin 2012 

From Goodreads~

Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?  Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

So, What did I think?

I thought Death and the Girl Next Door was just as good if not better than the First Grave on the Right.  

In DGND, Jones plays more on the younger adult side with a little less steam and a little more paranormal.  I'm not one for summing up what has already been said, so I won't go in to the details of the book.  I will say, however, that the characters are well worth reading about and I am super excited to read the sequel, Death, Doom and Detention coming out in March of 2013.

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Title: First Grave on the Right
Author: Darynda Jones
Pages: 310
Published:St Martin's Press 2011

On the Cover ~

This whole grim reaper thing should have come with a manual.

Or a diagram of some kind.

A flow chart would have been nice.

Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper.  Meaning, she sees dead people.  Really.  And it's her job to convince them to "go into the light."  But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice.  Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all.  In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley?  And why can't she seem to resist him?  And what does she have to lose by giving in?

With scorching-hot tension and high-octane humor, First Grave on the Right is your signpost to paranormal suspense of the highest order.

So, what did I think?

This debut novel by Darynda Jones is packed full of mystery and humor.  She has some of the most witty dialect and some very steamy interaction.  

I was very excited to find this book at a local resale shop.  I had been wanting to read it for a while now.  I know that this is just the first of four books already out in this series but I had to have it. 

Charley Davidson defines the concept of a strong heroine.  Not only does she deal with death and lost souls but she is a kick butt woman in general.  I envy her witty personality and ability to handle any situation. 

Though I'm not clear which guy is better, Reyes or Garrett. I feel I'm leaning toward Garrett.  He's real for one.  And he is clearly attracted to Charley.  I may be wrong but that's who I'm voting for.  

I hope to find the next books and find out more about Charley, Reyes, and Garrett. 

The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines

Title: The Vincent Brothers
Author: Abbi Glines
Pages: 279
Published: Simon Pulse 2012

On the Back ~

Getting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn't easy.  Especially when he's been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember.

Sawyer's heart is broken.  He's lost his best girl to his best friend and he can't bear seeing Ashton wrapped in Beau's arms.  Then Ashton's cousin Lana comes to town for the summer.  Lana's always been sweet and soft-spoken, but she's also become drop-dead gorgeous.  Sawyer can't help but give in to his desire for Lana, and try to forget the past.

Lana has lived her life in her cousin's shadow.  Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looked model-perfect.  But none of that would have mattered if Ashton hadn't always had Sawyer Vincent - the only boy Lana's ever wanted.  Now that Ashton has let Sawyer go, Lana is determined to make Sawyer finally see her.  But Sawyer is still in love with Ashton, and Lana isn't going to be anyone's rebound girl.  No matter how delicious Sawyer's kissess taste.

What starts as an innocent fling becomes a lusty game of seduction.  Sawyer and Lana may have different motives, but their scintillating hookups are too steamy to stop...

So, What did I think?

OMG!  Ok.  In the first book, I really despised Sawyer.  He was a jerk to put it nicely.  And at the end of the first book, I thought he had truly given up and let Beau have Ashton.  What can I say though?  The Vincent boys are just too desirable to hate.  Sawyer redeems himself by the end of this book and I am happy.  I  am still a huge fan of Beau because well...he's a Vincent boy..and hot and a bad boy, but Sawyer is loving and genuinely cares about Lana. Fighting to get over his habitual behaviors toward Ashton, he pushes Lana away, not meaning to.  I ached for both Lana and Sawyer as they figured out their emotions and dealt with change. 

Abbi Glines does it again with The Vincent Brothers!  I can't wait to read more of her books.  I was kind of disappointed that there won't be another Vincent boys book, but I will manage :)

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Title: The Vincent Boys
Author: Abbi Glines
Pages: 259
Publisher: Simon Pulse 2012

On the Cover ~

There was something wicked about Beau that drew me to him.  What was wrong with me? Why did I want to sin so badly?

Ashton is getting tired of being a good girl.  It's exhausting trying to live up to the expectations of her parents and be worthy of the town's prince charming, Sawyer Vincent.  Maybe that's why she's found herself spending time with Sawyer's cousin Beau while Sawyer is away for the summer.  Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend.  He's the sexiest guy she's ever seen, dangerous in ways she's only dreamed about...and the one guy she should stay away from.

Beau never envied Sawyer's loving parents, big home, or position as quarterback.  He loves Sawyer like a brother.  Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer's girlfriend.  He's been in love with her for forever, but Ashton is Sawyer's girl, and off-limits.  But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, suddenly wants to rekindle their friendship.

What starts out as friendship slowly becomes something more.  Much more.  Ashton and Beau don't want to hurt Sawyer, but the more they try to stay away from each other, the more intense their urges become.  And it's getting way too hard to resist....

So, what did I think?

Hot! Hot! Hot!  OMG, I cannot find the words to express the emotions this book made me feel!

I sat down and read this book in one sitting.  I just couldn't put it down.  I love how much emotion and desire each character experienced.  I'm always a sucker for the hot, rough around the edges, bad guy and Beau fit that part to perfection.  

Ashton was ready to break out of this shell she had trapped herself in by trying to be the perfect person.  When in the end, perfection was just being herself and being able to express her real desires.  Beau, having grown up in a lie, struggled growing up to be this guy who on the inside was so beautiful and loving in his own way.  No matter how crazy about Ashton he was, he didn't want to hurt his cousin, Sawyer.  The three grew up inseparable and when hormones started coming between them, Beau couldn't remain friends with Ashton knowing it would come between him and Sawyer.  While Sawyer is away for the Summer, Ashton tries to rekindle her friendship with Beau and realizes that he is the only one who knows and loves the real her.  

Abbi Glines is addictive!  I could not wait to get the next Vincent boys book!  Imagine my excitement when I found it wrapped up nice in a pretty little package under my Christmas tree!  I've done nothing but rave about this book and practically forced my sister, every chance I got, to read it.  

You MUST read this book!  PLEASE!

Foretold ~ A Demon Trappers Novel by Jana Oliver

Title: Foretold ~ A Demon Trapper's novel (Book 4)
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages:  352
Published: St. Martin's Griffin 2012

From Goodreads ~

In the fourth Demon Trappers novel, Riley faces the final battle for humanity and Beck's heart—and Hell is the least of her problems
Now that Riley’s managed to (just barely) fend off Armageddon, everything’s changed. Well . . . most things. After their passionate kiss before the big battle in the cemetery, Beck is back to treating her like a little girl, as if nothing ever happened. While she’d love to just tell him off and move on, Riley vowed to take care of Beck the way he’s taken care of her since her father’s death—but she’s about to get a whole lot more than she bargained for. When she’s commissioned to go with Beck to his hometown and help him care for his dying mother, they stumble too close to a dark and murderous secret, one that Beck fears will drive Riley away from him forever. As chaos breaks loose, Riley may be Beck's only hope for redemption . . . and survival.

Meanwhile, up in Atlanta, it’s quickly becoming clear that Heaven may have won a battle, but the war is far from over. Riley and Beck face a stormy future, as Lucifer's ex-right-hand-man, Sartael, proves himself to be more resilient than anyone thought. He has Atlanta in his grip and is about to begin a brutal war with the prince of Hell. As the seconds tick down toward a final confrontation, it's up to Riley and the man she loves to finally defeat their old enemy, or lose everything they've fought for.

So, What did I think?

Perfect.  This was a perfect ending to a fantastic series.  I don't think I can rave enough about how much I am in love with this series and the author Jana Oliver.  Her writing is consistent and beautiful.  She takes the characters and makes you fall in love and have emotions you never thought you could have with words on a page.  I will definitely be re-reading these books in the future and will, I'm sure, love them just the same if not more the next time around.

Please, if you have ever considered or thought about reading these books...DO!  You will not regret it.  

Forgiven: A Demon Trapper's Daughter Book 3

Title: Forgiven: A Demon Trapper's Novel ~Book 3
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages: 354
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2012

On the Cover ~

Heaven help you if you've lost your heart to hell....

The days are growing darker for seventeen-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne.  With her father's reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky fallen angel, and a freshly made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime.  Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend, Simon, has told the Vatican's Demon Hunters that she's working with Hell.  So now she's in hiding, at the top of everyone's most-wanted list.

But it's becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control:  Something sinister is happening in Atlanta...or someone.  Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming - and it may be closer than anyone things...

So, What did I think?

These book are just so great! I'm definitely a Jana Oliver fan! I can't help but get caught up in the characters and get all emotional. Riley has continued to be a strong minded heroine in every book.  I love her independence.  No matter what she does, I know that she is going to do what is right.  

I can't help but love Beck more and more in each book. His stubborn withdrawal gets frustrating at times but I know he has reason to withhold his emotions towards Riley.  

The third book was filled with more kick butt action and intense emotions.  There is just so much to say about these books but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.  Definitely find these books and read them! 

Striving For the Goal

I know it's been a while since my last post, but believe me, I've got plenty of posts coming up.  The reason for my absence is because I've been trying to reach my goal for 2012.  I had a goal to read 100 books for the year 2012 and I DID IT!  Go me!!  Now that I've reached my goal, I have about 10 books to review and blog about.  Stay tuned because I've read some REALLY good books in the past few weeks.  Some are probably going to be new to you, so you will want to know a little bit about them.  I appreciate your patience and can't wait to start the new year with a new goal and lots of blogging!  Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!!