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!!

Soul Thief (A Demon Trappers Novel Book 2) by Jana Oliver

Title: Soul Thief ~A Demon Trappers Novel (Book 2) (aka Forbidden)
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages: 324
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 2011

On the Cover ~

Riley Blackthorne is beginning to learn that there are worse things than death by demon.  And love is just one of them...

Riley has about had it up to here.  After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured - her boyfriend, Simon, gravely so - and now her beloved late father's been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer.  As if that's not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling-hot freelance demon hunter who's made himself Riley's unofficial bodyguard, and Beck, a super-overprotective "friend" who acts more like a grouchy granddad.  With all the hassles, the seventeen-year-old is almost ready to leave Atlanta behind.

But as Atlanta's demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own demon hunters to take care of the city's "little" problem, an pandemonium breaks out.  Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell's attention: An extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever...

So, What did I think?

As a predecessor to a fabulous beginning, this book does not disappoint!  It picks up right where book one left off and continues with it's fantastic story line and wonderful writing.  I have to say, though, I a may appear a little bias, because this book happens to take place very close to home.  I, yet again, love how the author creates a "new Atlanta" for me.  It's as if I am living in the book...or close to it.  

I have to say that Riley must be one of the hottest chicks in Atlanta, because she not only has one, two, but THREE hotties after her!  First off, I never really had a great feeling about Simon in the first book, NOW I despise the guy.  Ori, well, he may be one of the sexiest men on earth, but he definitely has some secrets....definitely!  Now, my money is on Denver Beck, a southern to the core, strong minded, soft hearted babe who hides behind this tough guy motif that, in my opinion, will eventually break as Riley starts to slip away.  If you have read these books, I would love to know who you are routing for, so please comment!!

Now that Riley is on the run from the vicious demon hunters who don't plan to just have a chat, the plot thickens.  What will Riley do?  Where will she go?  Who will she choose to trust?..or is there anyone trustworthy?  All these questions and more I hope to answer as I move on to the third book, Forgiven.  I am super excited because the forth book comes out this month (December 15th!!!) I will definitely be in line to buy it!  

This book made me laugh and even shed some tears(when Beck opens his heart).  I hope that you will take it upon yourself to find a copy of these books and enjoy them as much as I am.

If by chance Jana Oliver ever reads my blog, I just want to say that I love your writing and hope to read many more books by you in the future! 

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave (Razorland Book 1)
Author: Ann Aguirre
Audiobook Length: 7hr 53mins
Narrator: Emily Bauer

Goodreads Description~

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

So, What did I think?

What I liked most about this book is that it has a strong heroine, Deuce, a Huntress who has earn her title and wears her scars proudly for her people.  She is strong, smart, and brave, true, but underneath all her tough, scarred exterior she has a golden heart that she would gladly sacrifice if it meant saving the life of someone else.  Will this be enough to save her on the top side?  

I really enjoyed the reading by Emily Bauer.  Her voice was pleasing to listen to and she gave the story character.

This book has so much potential to blow my mind in the sequel.  Will it though?  We shall find out, because I have already downloaded the sequel, Outpost, to my iPod through Audible.  

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: Unspoken
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Pages: 370
Publisher:  Random House

From the Back of the Book ~

Kami Glass loves someone she's never met...a boy she's talked to in her head ever since she was born.  She wasn't silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale.  Still, Kami hasn't suffered too much from not fitting in.  She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself.  Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries.  The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami.  Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown - in fact, she's determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing.  Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods?  What is her own mother hiding?  And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him?  Does she hate him?  Can she trust him?

Sarah Rees Brennan brings Gothic romance kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century with a heroine who can take care of herself, a boy who needs to be saved, and the magical forces that bring them together and tear them apart.

So, What did I think?

Unspoken is a pure reflection of Sarah Rees Brennan's contagious and witty personality.  It is funny and spooky all at once.  At times, it made me laugh so hard out loud that I had to explain that I wasn't crazy.  When Kami ended up in the well and Jared asked her jokingly if she happened to "have a very intelligent collie who might communicate through a systems of barks to her parents that little Kami is in the well", I absolutely lost it!

One thing I like best about Unspoken is that the book ended so that I wanted more yet I wasn't left with too many questions at the end.  It was a fulfilling cliffhanger, if that makes sense.  I guess the best way to describe it is that this chapter of Kami's life was complete and yet you feel you want to continue into the next chapter of her life.  I look forward to another story of risk taking adventures and maybe a new twist into Jared and Kami's relationship.  

The only thing I did not enjoy about this book was the fact there was some time lagging in the middle.  I felt it carried on too long before getting to the big story.  However, I feel that in that time, the author was able to build more on the character's relationships.  

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery and strange happenings.  If you are a Nancy Drew reader or maybe a Scooby Doo fan, you will love this book.   

I received this book from the author at YallFest in Charleston, SC on November 10, 2012.  Here are a few pics of the author as she signed books.

Visit Sarah Rees Brennan ~

www.sarahreesbrennan.com

email: sarahreesbrennan@gmail.com

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Redemption (Book 4 of the Beautiful Creatures Series)
Authors: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Pages: 451
Publisher: Little Brown

From the Back of the Book ~

I'd had nightmares about him before.  Before I knew him, or at least knew he was going to be Ethan.  But this wasn't like anything I'd ever seen in any nightmare.

It was real.

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin.  He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful, and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight.  And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about.  So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes - even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protest.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.







Let me just start by saying, I loved the first book in this series and could not wait to read the other two books.  However, by the end of the third book I was completely ready to be out of Lena and Ethan's head.  This fourth book was just a chance for resolution to me.  And I feel it did just that.

Of course, in the end of the third book, we all felt that when Ethan jumped off the water tower, things just didn't feel right.  Obviously, it couldn't end like that.  The fourth book takes us through the Otherworld and back again.  It leaves you feeling complete.  I was, however, disappointed because I just didn't feel as involved in the final books.  I wasn't giddy with joy for Lena and Ethan by the end.   I like a book that leaves me happy or shocked.  And this book just didn't.