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He's So Fine
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Ministry Protocol: Thrilling Tales of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
The Love Shack (Beach House No. 9)
4.5 StarsThis is the first book of Christie Ridgway’s that I’ve read and it will not be the last. The Love Shack is the third book in the Beach House No. 9 series; however, it can be read as a stand alone novel. So don’t hesitate to pick it up since it’s the third book.
The Love Shack centers around Gage and Skye, but there is also a heart stealing secondary romance between sexy fireman Teague and Skye’s friend Polly. I can’t decide which I liked best; so I’m ecstatic that I don’t have to choose.
The main story though centers around Gage and Skye who are both emotionally damaged. Their story is one of healing and both of them learning to trust again. I won’t say what has scarred each of them, since as in the story that is their's to tell, but needless to say each are only existing and not really living. Together, they learn to heal and live again.
One aspect of Gage and Skye’s relationship that was enjoyable was their correspondence before Gage came back to Crescent Cove. I liked how their letters were woven into the main story to provide greater depth and insight into the characters. As a side note I would take a pen pal in the guise of Gage anytime!!!!
Overall, The Love Shack is an emotionally romantic story that is perfect for beach time, summertime reading. Fans of Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis and Kristan Higgins should check this author out if you haven’t already done so; I know I will.
Sweet Trouble (Bakery Sisters, No 3)
3.5 StarsI can always rely on Susan Mallery to deliver a heartwarming romance. Sweet Trouble is the third and last book in the Keyes Sisters Trilogy and I have honestly been waiting for Jesse’s story since the first book. Jesse was a bit of party girl in that book and was involved in an incident that changed her family’s life forever. Sweet Trouble picks up 5 years later when Jesse returns to Seattle to confront old ghosts; one of which is coming to terms with the father of her child, Matt.
Matt’s character was at times frustrating and touching. Since Jesse left five years ago he became a changed man with a vow to never love again. But a child has a way of changing things and he begins to love again, but can he overcome his anger and desire for revenge against Jesse to admit to the love that once broke his heart?
The concurrent story with Jesse and Nicole is also about forgiveness and both of them need to face their inner fears to become a family again. Overall, a wonderful romance that has touching insight into family dynamics and forgiveness.
Widow's Web (Elemental Assassin, Book 7)
Thank goodness that this series has returned to what made it one of my favorite series; Gin kicking butt and taking no prisoners. This story is simply amazing and I’m so thankful that I didn’t give up on the Elemental Assassin series after By a Thread, in which I thought the series had reached its endpoint.In Widow’s Web we get to sneak a peek into Gin’s lover Owen Grayson’s past life, when his ex-lover Salina Dubois arrives back in Ashland. Salina is not just back to pick up the pieces of her father’s empire which Mab had taken over, but to get Owen back as well. There are some heavy emotional scenes between Gin and Owen, which makes Widow’s Web one of the most poignant novels of the series. In the end the story plays out exactly as I thought it should but it was heartbreaking nevertheless.
As a side story, I particularly liked the play between Eva and Phillip Kincaid; an excellent addition to the series ensemble. I can’t wait to read Deadly Sting to see what Ms. Estep has in store for this amazing cast of characters next.
Mercy Burns (Myth and Magic, Book 2)
3.5 StarsKeri Arthur has been one of my favorite authors since I discover her Riley Jensen series. Mercy Burns is the second installment in her Myth and Magic series. This book is a good solid read and I loved the lure of the dragons. The traditions and world building for their culture was unique and interesting. The schism between the dragon council and the cliques was well done and a main plotline for the story; I wonder if Ms. Arthur has any plans to carry that forward??
Anyway, Mercy Reynolds is an investigative reporter and is tracking down the death of her best friend’s sister. She gets caught up in the intrigue and is kidnapped and thrown into a cell where another victim is being held. He is known as “muerte” and is intriguing as he is sexy. Together, they have to overcome each of their prejudices and work together to resolve a mystery that could destroy the dragons.
Damon “muerte” Rey stole the book for me. He made no apologies for what he was: an assassin sent by the council to investigate the mysterious goings on, and I loved him for it. He is the quiet strong type and balanced Mercy well. Overall, a solid read from a series I would continue.
Three Sisters (Blackberry Island)
4.5 StarsThe only reason I didn't give Three Sisters 5 stars is that it started out a bit slow for me and I had to push myself to continue reading. However, once the story unfolded and began to take shape, I greedily continued to read.
Three Sisters is in reference to three Victorian houses that occupy a small cul-de-sac on Blackberry Island. However, it also refers to the three uniquely individual women that own them and the friendship that develops amongst them.
Andi is a woman jilted at the alter; when her fiancé of ten years stands her up on their wedding day. She impetuously decides to move Blackberry and remodel one of the three sisters (homes) while getting over her fiance’s betrayal. Her arrival brings Deanna, an OCD Stepford wife and Boston, an artist struggling to come to terms with the death of her infant, together. These three unlikely women build a friendship on their imperfections which helps them resolve the issues that threaten to destroy their happiness.
Three Sisters is a journey to discovering friendships and working out relationship issues that we all think are unique to each of us; but really are what unites us. It had me crying at times, especially with Boston and Deanna, since their issues are so heart wrenching. I loved this book and am really hoping that Susan Mallery plans another novel in this series.
 - Susan Mallery)
Rainshadow Road
This is the second book in the Friday Harbor Series, a contemporary romance series with a touch of whimsy from Lisa Kleypas. Rainshadow Road is Sam’s story and so far I think my favorite of the series. Sam is such a wonderfully caring geek; not at all what I envisioned about him from the other two books that I had read. The romance between Sam and Lucy was magical and special and I really enjoyed this one.
Black Lament (A Black Wings Novel)
<3.5 Stars out of 5</b>I can’t say that I loved Black Lament, but I can’t say that I disliked it either. It was kind of a “Eh” read for me. So much happened at the end of Black Howl that I wasn’t sure where Christina Henry would take this series. After reading Black Lament, I’m really hoping she has it figured it; because I certainly don’t. I’m not even sure I know what I would like to see for Maddy.
With everything that happened in Black Howl, Maddy is left emotionally wrung out and depressed. Since Black Lament takes up almost immediately after Black Howl, she hasn’t had the time to deal with the turmoil she went through. However, those evil forces never cease working and Maddy is thrust into another plot to kill her; the poor woman just can’t catch a break. Despite being pregnant she jumps right in with the same reckless impulse she has displayed in the other novels. What is a bit frightening in Black Lament is Maddy’s cold calculation and dismissal to brutalize and kill those that get in her way. As she heads down this path the reader can’t help wonder if that is Lucifer’s ultimate plan for her, is he shaping and molding her for his final plans.
I continue to love the supporting cast of characters; Beezle with his comic relief; Samuel the strong and silent reasonable one; Jude the werewolf who initially mistrusted her; J.B. who loves her but is not loved in return and Nathaniel her ex-fiancé who was an instrument of her father’s and sought to betray and kill Maddy in Black Howl. I wasn’t thrilled with Nathaniel’s addition to Team Maddy initially, but by the end of the book I enjoyed that element, since the dynamics between Maddy and Nathaniel almost reversed themselves with Maddy becoming more “angel” and Nathaniel becoming more “human.” It was an interesting twist on their character traits.
Overall, I continue to enjoy this series, maybe mainly because I just can’t “see” what is coming down the pipeline. There are so many new scenarios and plots that can be developed now, I am looking forward to picking up Black City, Book #5, in February 2013.
Warrior Reborn
Christiana MacDowylt has been kept prisoner by her oldest half-brother Torquil, who wants her gift of foresight to rule the clans. When Torquil captures her brother and is going to kill him, Christiana helps him escape. With her foresight she has a vision of a man that will help her defeat Torquil and she stays the course in order to accomplish that goal. I loved Christina’s strong character and commitment to protecting those she was able to.The man of Christiana’s visions is Chase Noble. Chase is a former special ops agent who has been waiting his entire life for the gift of a Fae that his father once promised him. The gift is finally finding his soul-mate. When Chase does meet that fate, well let’s just say us reader’s get a laugh. Chase is an enjoyable character; loyal, fierce and totally hot.
The supporting cast is wonderfully engaging and well written. I particularly enjoyed Halldor. He had me chuckling at times with her verbal “prowess.” The storyline is charming and I was thoroughly roped into the adventures. I was left wanting more and really can’t wait to the next book.
Warrior Reborn is the second installment in Melissa Mayhue's Warrior series. If you are a kilt and warrior gal, then run, don’t walk to the nearest bookstore and get this book. Although you can read Warrior Reborn without reading Warrior’s Redemption it would probably be helpful, since Warrior Reborn is a continuation of the main storyline.
A Trace of Moonlight (Abby Sinclair, Book 3)
How the heck to write a review for A Trace of Moonlight (ATOM) without giving anything way? Because ATOM is chock full of revelations, surprises and spoilers. First of all if you have not read A Sliver of Shadows, don’t even “think” about reading ATOM. The Abby Sinclair series is best read in order to fully enjoy them since each book has built upon the other. Also, ATOM is supposedly the last in the Abby Sinclair trilogy. I didn't now this when I finished the book, because not everything gets wrapped up like a pretty present. There are definitely strings hanging, which may or may not be potential future story lines; maybe a spin off series??Abby has been a wonderful, but flawed, heroine. The love triangle between her, Taliver and Ion has been a reoccurring thread throughout the series and although I thought Abby had finally grown a pair and made her decision in A Sliver of Shadows, we find out that isn’t “truly” the case. She continually vacillates between the two of them and then when she is found out, she shrugs it off and goes on her merry way. At times, I wanted to slap her for her indecisiveness and thoughtlessness. The only bright spot for me about Abby was her acceptance of being a Dreamer and her stepping up and facing her fears. She finally grew as a character for me.
Taliver and Leo were better characters for me, especially Taliver. We finally learn about his background and how it molded him into the man that he is and the story is both intriguing and
The main conflict between the factions in fairy is at least resolved. How it will play out in the future is left dangling and would be a great follow-up story. The wide array of secondary characters is perhaps the best feature of the trilogy. Each character has a role, clear identity and voice throughout the series. It was interesting to see how Ms. Pang wove the characters tighter. Each plays a role and is critical to the events outcome.
The ending left me a bit confused, since as I mentioned earlier, there were a couple of story threads that were left open with questions hanging. One plot line in specific left me wanting more. Overall, I would recommend this series to readers looking for an action packed urban fantasy series, with great dialog and supporting characters.
Incarnation
3.5 STARSIncarnation is the retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula with a twist. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, but I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the variation on the famous story. I was initially attracted to the Victorian Steampunk elements of the book; and although they were there they really didn’t add much to the story. The main draw for Incarnation is the plot which combines Stoker and Arthurian legend into a unique plot line. There is a bit of romance (I wanted more), a lot of intrigue (no one is who they say they are) and espionage (Protector Intrigue). It felt like this book would be the first in a series, but since I can’t find a website for the author since Emma Cornwall is a pseudonym of a New York Times bestselling author, I’m unable to determine that. I’m hoping there is a sequel since I would really like to read more about Marco’s werewolf brother Nicholas. Overall a decent read especially for legend and history buffs that like the paranormal thrown in.
Immortally Yours
Quirky and offbeat Immortally Yours was a fun read (and I needed that right now). The cast of characters is dysfunctional at best and there is wackiness going on all through the book; sometimes silly but then I was expecting that so it didn’t lessen my reading enjoyment. OK, I know you are thinking it, and yes Immortally Yours has some shades of the classic M*A*S*H television sitcom, but the paranormal element/mythological element of it changed it “just” enough that I wasn’t always comparing it to the tv show. Initially I did, but after the story took off I forgot about it and was drawn into the cast and plot. The hero, Galen was my favorite character; mainly based on how calmly he dealt with the heroine Petra. I liked his faith and confidence without him being too overbearingly alpha. Petra, I had a bit more trouble with. I despise whiny heroines and she comes “this” close to being one. However, Galen’s calm acceptance perhaps toned my reaction a bit. Overall, I liked the suspenseful buildup, but the ending felt a bit to rushed for my taste. If you like Katie McAlister, or MaryJanice Davidson then this may be a series for you to check out. 
