Working Stiff ( Revivalist 1) by Rachel Caine

HAPPY  HALLOWEEN!!!

The special party will start soon so i have to get ready but first i wanted to share with you one last review this month.... i tried to read different paranormal creatures and i discovered some i love to read about, other i don't mind and some... that yes i don't like. I found fitting to give you a review today for a book that put me quite ill at ease since it fit the night. After all a lot  of people want to get afraid even before the dark fall on the city and this book would help them.


Today topic is: Zombie

( remember to enter the GGMMMU hosted by Brenda on carzy four books, low entries means bigger chance to win^^)

Happy reading!

Publisher: Allison & Busby

Publication: 2011

ISBN:  0749040815

Genre: urban fantasy, zombie
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Source: gifted
 

Short description from goodreads :

 Bryn Davis knows working at Fairview Mortuary isn't the most glamorous career choice, but at least it offers stable employment--until she discovers her bosses using a drug that resurrects the clientele as part of an extortion racket. Now, Bryn faces being terminated--literally, and with extreme prejudice.


Wit the help of corporate double-agent Patrick McCallister, Bryn has a chance to take down the bigger problem--pharmaceutical company Pharmadene, which treats death as the ultimate corporate loyalty program. She'd better do it fast, before she becomes a zombie slave--a real working stiff. She'd be better off dead..

My opinion:

          Giving you my opinion on this specific book isn’t such an easy task as I’m quite undecided on what I’m feeling now that I have finished it.  I didn’t hate it but I didn’t loved it…it’s the first book I’m trying that focus on zombies and perhaps I’m not ready for that paranormal creature. It’s hard to explain because while I wasn’t at ease with the story right at the start –I couldn’t understand why normal procedures wouldn’t have worked ( though we get the answer later) for example- I was still interested enough to keep reading with as less break as possible.

I did love the thriller part and the investigation, I guessed some events but they were twists that kept the story fast paced and a page turner.

Perhaps I pitied Bryn, she was so full of dreams and so happy about her job when everything change… I don’t like when characters dies  and with zombies is quite a mandatory step…perhaps a part of me would have wished for a reverse system as unbelievable it could be, even worse I know it should not exist  but it just sounded too unfair for my sensibilities.

Now you can also forget, for this book, the zombies decaying, trying to eat brains etc… it’s different. They are in fact the result of the use of a specific drug “ Returné” that if they keep using it make them appear completely normal. They can eat, sleep etc but they are dependent on the drug because if they stop taking it their body starts the natural process again.  While taking the drugs, they are kind on stand by on the door step and the drugs make their body regenerate so they are really hard to kill ( be disposed of being more accurate), even head injury heals on its own with enough Returne and time.

However what is even more important to note is that those who take it  are completely conscious, they are not normally robot like they can feel and think.

Aside from the action, which is fast and without a lot of moments to take a breath there are also some romance. Oki yes that felt strange to me because as Bryn knows she is dead It didn’t feel natural she could fall in love. Or that someone knowing the truth could loves her… The romance is only starting and only kisses are exchanged so it’s not too bad but I wasn’t at ease and preferred the action part.

That being said Rachel Caine did manage to write a really good story, in the horror genre yes but not too dark despite some events not easy to read.  I did prefer this book to the other one from her I’ve read but at the same time I’m not sure I want to continue the series which is complete with 2more books. It’s a possibility for later if I come across the last 2 books really cheap but I’m really unsure….i’m quite satisfied with how this book ended and I fear more would be too much for me.

Score:  2,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenge:

Fueled by lust : Drusus ( book1) by Celeste Prater

 Hello to all!!

        Are you deep into halloween preparations as well? On my side i'm trying a full new range of recipe and decorating a room for a special Cthullu party so i'm busy but not so much as not to continue my quest for october  paranormal creatures reading^^.

I hesitated between two books for today, so perhaps you will get a treat later or tomorrow, as it fits Brenda's event as well..... at the end i decided to opt for the series which has a new release this month ( so blog tour for those interested). I choose this one because you do have the opportunity to discover more about the author Celeste and win one book as well if you go participate in the GGMMMU ( see my post here or enter here).

For the little history, this series " Fueled by lust" by Celeste Prater must be read in order to be enjoyed fully so when Celeste learned i was behind she kindly gifted the missing book so i could read and review them in order....beware though that it's a addictive series so when started don't be surprised if you want the next book with delay.

As this book and series is super super steamy i would recommend it only to those above 18 so if you are too shy or under that age you can skip this post.


happy reading!

Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.

Publication: 2013

ISBN:  9781627407014

Genre: romance, science fiction, erotic

Violence : mild

Language: strong
sex: extra strong ( hint of lgtb with secondary characters)
Public: 18+

Source: ecopy in exchange for an honest review
 

Description from goodreads :

 THIS IS BOOK 1 OF THE SERIES - SERIES BEST READ IN SEQUENCE
Drawn to Texas by a vortex link between Insedivertus and a plethora of potential mates, Prince Drusus Tarquinius focuses on ensuring the survival of his alien race. Avelina Roth is simply out on the town trying to forget her love troubles when their accidental meeting draws them both into a dangerous liaison that brings a hated enemy back into Drusus’ life and shatters Avelina’s belief that we are alone in this universe.

How does troubled in love Avelina Roth deal with the overwhelming Drusus Tarquinius, a force not of this Earth, when he engages her in his mating cycle the moment they meet? Will Drusus overlook the past and move forward with the final mating? Will Avelina survive to know the full depth of his love when the planetary war that pushed the aliens to seek mates knocks firmly on her door?


Packed with plenty of romance, hot, hunky men, humor, and scorching, knee-wobbling sex, this author recommends gloves when reading.

My opinion:

          OH my!! Let me tell you that the summary is putting lightly the level of steam of this book! This is really above the level of what I expected and was ready for but before explaining this point better to start by the beginning.

I greatly enjoyed this book so I’m more than happy that the Celeste offered me a copy. She built an alien world quite interesting and I really loved how she used roman history to mix with the alien one. It gave us a better grip on it, helped me to envision it better and it was also original and well though. To resume it:… Etruscan travellers found a vortex and arrived on a alien planet where the living being (of energy) decided to learn from the travellers and adapt themselves.. So language, architecture and I guess some custom from the Romans are still in use on Insidivertus world …. Yes for once we are the one exporting something^^;;

Then besides the setting, I also loved the whole idea for the main element of the plot. The aliens are of pure energy so they need it to survive….and how they found it while in our world? In the lust we give off… Why did they come here? Aside from the fact they knew our world existed, is simply because their world was attacked and all their female killed…..if you know some of your Roman history  you will think about immediately when you meet the villain ,coming from Protonecis planet.

Drusus was an interesting character, as the prince of their world he wants to protect those under his command and he acts. He is not a leader from afar, no; he is on the first rank with his men and dirtying his hands or so to say. He has been betrayed in the past but he manages to overcome that when meeting Avelina, he did try to see it as unimportant at first but instinct is stronger.

Avelina is a young woman with healthy curves, she is intelligent and strong willed but still she manages to get a boyfriend that was using her and trying to make lost weight… she hates that about him, wanting to be loved as she is but she still let him call her again etc… the fact she couldn’t just throw him away is what I disliked the most about her. I appreciate she was strong in her beliefs and appreciating herself… just I wanted her to b more alpha I guess. When she meets Drusus she is hesitant at first because she thinks it’s a joke or a night stand but still act on it …thankfully trust and honesty make their appearances quickly.

The suspense was there…but it wasn’t not the forte of the book either as you guess the traitor immediately and his reason as well but the story flow steadily so your attention doesn’t divert from it^^.

 Now the romance….. the romance itself is a good one well written… the sex parts… that’s what make me hesitate in my scoring of this book…. I was expecting some steam… not something that steamy. It’s not bad written, not vulgar (or I would have hated it) but Drusus was a little too domineering in my opinion and it could have been less described… I mean for example at the end I would have wanted more info about those coming on earth for example instead of 2 chapters of steamy.. I understand which result they wanted to reach but I think the author could have it done differently.

Don’t take me wrong I want to read the next one ( I mean when you learn about Severus in this one you have to see him shackled^^;;)  but I do hope that even if the steam level stay the same that the focus on the story will be more developed.( now i was told i could simply skip the steamy parts and enjoy the story fully so be ready for the rest of the series in review soon^^)

As I said raking this one is hard...for the story it could be a 4 stars even 4 and half as I loved it  … but the other side… I can’t give more than 3 as it written because I could read it but it was not to my taste so… a 3and half seems right…

If you want some terribly sexy aliens, if you love alpha domineering and if you are in need of a sexy, steamy story this is the perfect one for you if you are above 18! If you are not shy and want to discover the beginning of a series that can be quite promising this is also one for you. If you prefer sweet romance… then yes you should avoid Drusus or at least skip the steamy parts to focus on the story only .
 

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

^^ If you are tempted don't hesitate to check Celeste's Website she is super kind and remember to enter the GGMMMU contest for the opportunity to win " Cato"

Pyros ( Darkworld Origins 1) by T. G. Ayer

Happy Sunday to all,

                                       I hope this week has been good for you. Did you enter Brenda's event yet? If not don't hesitate to do it after reading this short review^^ after all you could pick this novella is you are the winner of day 5 giveaway ;)

So i've been preparing myself to start several crafting projets but honestly i'm a little fearful to start at the moment^^ because when i begin i need to finish it so i guess i 'm feeling like read the rest of the book first then start on teh crafts.

Anyway we are still in the quest to read about a maximum of different paranormal creatures and today we have a little bunch of them : wizard, unclassified, magic user, titan  and more so if you are tempted let see what i thought of Pyros, prequel of Skin Deep by T G Ayer.

Happy reading!

Publisher: Infinite Ink Books

Publication: 2014

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Source: free ( promotion)

Short description from goodreads :

 Logan Westin, the brooding hunk that steals Kailin Odel's heart in SKIN DEEP. Even the fact that she's a panther shifter and he's plain old human couldn't stop the sparks from flying between those two.

But Logan has his own little secrets, a history that weighs down on him, memories that seem to escape him. PYROS tells you where Logan comes from both in the origin of his powers and the source of his troubled mind.


Pyros MUST be read after reading SKIN DEEP because there are major spoilers.

My opinion:

          I’m quite confused honestly which can easily happen when we receive contradictory information. As you can see in goodreads’ description “it must be read after Skin Deep”…. However in the newsletter from the author it was written that to keep the reading in order that was to be read before book 1 Skin Deep….  When I got the novella I was really happy and since the author was telling us it has to be read before I believed that goodread must have made a mistake…. Sadly for once I guess goodreads was better informed.

 If you want to avoid being confused I can only recommend you to read this after not to start the series with this one.

 It’s not that the story isn’t well written, not at all but first it’s short and second it leads to too many question, I didn’t feel like anything was resolved in this one, there was no closure at all. You learn more about Logan true I mean you get part of his background which is interesting but if you haven’t read anything else you can’t compare and it’s not working that well as a stand alone.

Also I was really confused by the beginning  I’m not sure if it’s his memories or the story itself because of what he see and remember it didn’t sound that logical to me with what happens next.

Also I found it quite hard to see who were the good and the bad ones I mean yes omega took him in but making  young children like that work how they do and the treatment they give them…it makes me wonder if the nemesis “the sentinel” wouldn’t be better after all we only get one point of view. We see another group but once again the motivations are not clear. Each group seems to have good people in it though and I would want to know more. Jessamy sound quite protective, Mik the weather mage is quite the diplomatic one oh they are other we hate right away like Gunther and Brett but perhaps they have their reasons?

All put together it’s a interesting reads but I feel I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had more background thanks to the reading of Skin Deep so I do hope you get to read this if you love the genre or are a fan of the author but I do recommend you to start Skin Deep first.

Score:  3/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Deadly Curiosities ( Deadly Curiosities 1) by Gail Z. Martin

 Hello to all!!


                    I hope this week is a good one for you so far at least better than mine^^ ( never contradict your body or it will make you pay double^^).
Now, i told you i wanted to try to read about as many creatures i could this month  but i also try when possible to match it with the event GGMMMU event hosted by Brenda ( see my post here) to give you some idea on the book and perhaps tempt you to participate in her giveaways as well if you have a few minutes^^

So today i decided to give you my opinion on Deadly Curiosities by Gail Z Martin.... it includes vampires, special abilities and witch, wizard so  little of everything.

Happy Reading

Publisher: Solaris

Publication: 2014

ISBN:  1781082332

Genre: urban fantasy, supernatural, ghosts, magic, lgtb ( light)
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Source: won (thanks Lettie!)
 

Short description from goodreads :

Cassidy Kincaide owns Trifles & Folly, an antique/curio store and high-end pawn shop in Charleston, South Carolina that is more than what it seems. Dangerous magical and supernatural items sometimes find their way into mortal hands or onto the market, and Cassidy is part of a shadowy Alliance of mortals and mages whose job it is to take those deadly curiosities out of circulation.


Welcome to Trifles & Folly, an antique and curio shop with a dark secret. Proprietor Cassidy Kincaide continues a family tradition begun in 1670—acquiring and neutralizing dangerous supernatural items. It’s the perfect job for Cassidy, whose psychic gift lets her touch an object and know its history. Together with her business partner Sorren, a 500 year-old vampire and former jewel thief, Cassidy makes it her business to get infernal objects off the market. When mundane antiques suddenly become magically malicious, it’s time for Cassidy and Sorren to get rid of these Deadly Curiosities before the bodies start piling up.

My opinion:

          Captivating! When I saw the blurb of this book I knew I had to read it and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. I was completely immersed in the story as the action start immediately and what a great adventure it is. The characters knows each others and they have worked together already so you are not getting a lot  of information and background to set the story, now you do get the background info you could hope for but sporadically along the novel so it quite fast spaced and you can’t stop turning the pages.

Really telling you all the good points of this book would be too long but among the most important one…one character is Belgian!! ( yes us!) Sorren the master vampire comes from my Country^^ and he is quite good, even better for animals lovers there is Baxter a funny little dog quite protective but  so cute and a ghostly one Bo even more protective. Cassidy is funny and I really don’t envy her gift, then Teag is also a fabulous character I really appreciate him, he is loyal, a good fighter, a great friend. On a side note he is gay and in a relationship but I appreciated that the author didn’t focus on that making the story accessible to a large audience., His boyfriend Anthony could become an interesting character as well but so far he isn’t into the secret and as a lawyer he is cautious so he didn’t grow on me except for his protective instinct toward Teag and Cassidy.

The plot itself was really well built and I loved to learn more step by step. There were several moments with humour and those happened right at the moment I needed to breathe a little because this is quite suspenseful and I won’t feel that reassured in a museum in the future I think ;)  The city description was interesting, I never visited Charleston but from what I’ve learned about the city it’s really the perfect setting for such a book.

If you love magic ( Viking one, voodoo, etc ), mysteries and supernatural this is a book you have to try, I really loved the idea of different groups trying to either own or destroy powerful artefact and the shop cover^^ . Yes the story is a little dark but there are good ghosts not only bad one and the ending isn’t a cliffhanger so really urban fantasy lover it’s a book you should enjoy.

On a side note:  if the characters know each other it’s because the author created this universe several years ago so she really masters it. There are several novellas happening before this novel, if you want to learn more about Sorren for example, but you can really dive into Deadly Curiosities without any prior knowledge.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Halloween event: Ghoulishly Good Monster Mash Mix Up has started!

Hello to all!!!


               October and his dark magic is well in place so Halloween is far away.... which mean... Special halloween event around the blogospehre. Really it's not too hard to find several of them  but i want to introduce you to one that hold a special place in my heart: the Ghoulishly Good Monster Mash Mix Up or GGMMMU which is hosted by Brenda from Crazy Four books.

It's the second year she is doing is and it has become even more exciting, this time you get not only reviews, books suggestions,and great contests ( open to international for as many as possible)but also authors interviews as they will come representing one kind of monster.... Yes you heard right one kind because the GGMMMU is open to all creatures without discrimination: witches, werewolves, vampires of course but also, ghosts, zombies, ghouls, trolls, elementals etc... yes the list is too long to be put here.

As they are a lot of creatures who will get someone to take their defense, it can means several posts a day too!! So a lot of fun  for the rest of the month!.


Now the best part: the giveaways!! A lot will be  make their appeareance later  in the daily posts and i will try to update the list here so you don't miss any but today was already a generous program to start.

The main, all long  GGMMMU giveaway: you can enter for it Here:  main prize: a book of choice as long as it's paranormal or urban fantasy ( thus include one of the monster from teh event;) ) and under the established limit of price. You can also win print book like Shift happens by JC Mckenzie or the Necromancer betrayal by mimi Sebastian. All those are open to international ( YES!!)
US participants can also win Print copy of Shadows by Paula Westin or by Kelly Oram

Day 1 is dedicated to the beings with special abilities ( not witch,wizard  but "unclassified") -hey it starts well as the hunter in the Guild hunter series from Nalini Singh are entering this category ^^;; ( i will try to post a review for each monsters too^^)-

Back to the giveaway; today prize are ebooks: Dark Nebula from  WJ May or Being Jamie Baker by Kelly Oram . Open internationally you can enter here before the 26 October

Day 2: Werewolves with the sponsoring of the author Kim Grosso!

The prize for this werewolves day giveaway is a ebook ( under 2,99) of your choice as long as it's a "wolf" story or an ebook of " Tristan's lyceum Wolves" by Kim Grosso, or an audiobook of Logan's acadian wolves by Kim Grosso or a Dimitri coffe mug... that means 4 winners in total and yes it's open to international so don't hesitate to enter Here before the 28 october. Good Luck

Day 3: Djinns, Gargoyles and Dragons

3 differents creatures sharing today events, strange not so much in my opinion as i read a book where the 3 were included very recently^^;; so i can really see them having kind of friends meeting

For the lucky winner of day 3 prize: The choice of a ebook or print copy of Burn Baby Burn by Shannon Donnelly. Open to International!. Enter Here

Day 4: Vampires
Vampires day Prize is a gothic necklace offered by the author Elle Rossi. You can enter until the 3rd November and yes it's open to international. To participate enter Here

Day 5: Magic Users ( Witch, shamans, druids etc)
Win a ebook ( under 3dollars) of your choice. 2 winners, Int Open until:      enter Here

Day 6:  Shifters
 Interested by a 5dollars gift card from amazon?  Enter today giveaway at  Brenda's blog " Crazy Four Books" before the 3rd november   Here  , it's open to international
Prize sponsorised by J C Mckenzie who has also a interview  there for you to enjoy, go have a look.

Day 7: Elementals
Today you get the opportunity to enter 2 different giveaways ( aside from the main one) you can enter to win  " Liquid Lies" ebook from Hanna Martine Here before the 4th november

AND for Time travelers lovers you can win a ebook of  Enemy of mine from author Red L Jameson, it's international and you can enter until the 4th november. Don't hesitate the entrries are low so hurry and partivcipate Here

Day 8 Gods, goddesses and such

If you love mythology or any origin this is teh perfect day to visit Brenda's blog and see the suggested titles hindu, Norse, Irish/celtic, egyptian etc there is a little for everyone in the paranormal stories featuring Gods, goddesses and similars

And since Brenda and the authors are generous you have two prizes for today!
You can win either a copy of Prophecy by Julie Ann Lindsey or Enemy of Mine by Red L Jameson ( yes second opportunity to do so^^). International you can enter before 5 th november here

Day 9 Of Air and Sea

I did not think the event could get even better but it is!!! You love Mermaid? Sirens are tempting you or perhaps you prefer harpy? If your wish is a creature/ monster from the air or the sea today is one not to be missed on Brenda.

Aside from fabulous interviews ( really funny one) you have the opportunity to grab one of the several prizes available : for fan of JC McKenzie you can win a print copy  ( i WANT!!) but also a digital one from " The Shucker's Booktique" if you prefer alien you can win Cato in digital book from Celeste Prater ( steamy reads but so good written ( see my review of book 1 )
You don't have to hesitate enter Here before 6th november, international entries accepted


Day 10 Ghosts,Ghouls, golems, Zombies and necromancers

Today is special because you have two prize to get but it will require some imagination on your part for the firstone.
Chrissy Peebles, advocat of the zombies in this event, is offering you the opportunity to win 10dollars paypal  to win you have to finish the big fight scene she started in her interview. To see the rules and participate enter here ( the sooner the better^^)

Jessica Aspen has taken the side of the ghosts and she is offering an ecopy of  "Ghosts of Christmas", you can enter until the 7th November! you only have to comment and enter here


Day 11 Witches

Today you can win the full set ( in ecopies) of the Beloved Vampire series from Mary Moriarty. You can enter Here until the 8th November. International ( and for our US friends, you can also grab a copy ( print?) in the main giveaway )

Day 12:angel
day 13


Don't forget though that each comment you make can enter you in her CIG giveaways as well to win any book featured during the month so another to win the paranormal book ( but not only) book of your dream for the CIG it's here:


So tell me what creature(s) is/are your favourite? the one you would like to read more about/ discover or which one are you waiting for during the GGMMMU?

good luck and i wish you a lot of fun!

Angels’ Judgment (Guild Hunter 0.5) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all!

                        In my area, today ( oki the whole weekend) we enjoyed a fantastic weather.. sun , no rain and at least 10 degrees above the normal ( up to 25°C!) as a result i tried to stay outside as much as i could to savor it after all.. this nigh teh rain is already back and tomorrow the temperatures drops.
However even the sun did not kept me from reading a minimum and since this month is about paranormal creature i plan to try to read a little about as many as i can. After gargoyle and siren as principal characters i decided today to go back on a serie i really love... the Guild hunter one by Nalini Singh...however with a little twist...because this novella, part of the Angel's Flight anthology, focuses on the hunters not as much on the angels and vampires but don't worry you will get more of those later

 So without more delay here comes my opinion on Angels' Judgement by Nalini Singh

happy reading

Short description from goodreads :

In Angels’ Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...


This is a compelling, sexy addition to the Guild Hunter universe.

My opinion:

          Nalini Singh focuses on the Guild Hunter as a whole how it’s structured, directed and how it fits in the Angels’ world and to do so she is telling us the story of Sara and Deacon first meeting. It’s an interesting read if you are new to the series but for once, even if it’s a prequel I would recommend it to be read after book 1 and or book 2

It’s happening before the events of the main series as Sara isn’t the director of the guild yet and Deacon is still the slayer even if he works as weapons master already. In fact we discover the guild depths as Sara does, the fact that there is a intel section, that a slayer exist as a honourable function for when a hunter goes rogue which seems not as uncommon as it was first imagined.

Yes, if you have read the main series you know how it will end but at the same time you are surprised because if you knew the final result how it came to be wasn’t told until now.

Several vampires are being killed and a hunter is suspected. Such a situation necessity the Slayer to come in action since hunting fellow hunters is his responsibility. However Sarah has been nominated as possible candidate for director’s job and that means a lot of trouble ahead. Simon, the current director, knows that alone you can’t win what will come and he decide that Deacon can do the hunt while taking Sara as his partner to protect her if needed. Did he knew more? I like to think so but perhaps it will be matter for another novella.

The investigation is interesting as we learn about the guild at the same time and some characters, like Elena, you met in the main series do intervene.  I never imagined Sara like that either but she was a hunter at first (which we tend to forget) and Deacon is simply too good to be true. Until now in the series he was only in the background, we learn about what he is doing via Sara and via the weapon he made but that’s all. Now we see him as the fighter he can be, and what a warrior.

We also discover that Sarah has a kind of power we didn’t know.

 To resume it was a really good read when addicted to the Guild series you want a little more between each release!

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Captured (Fallen Siren 0.5) by SJ Harper

Hello to all!

                         Halloween preparations are starting to blossom everywhere but  i'm more Christmas.  The advantage to this time of the year is the numerous blog hop, giveaways and reviews focusing on paranormal romance and urban fantasy... i can't resist even if my wishlist suffer at the same time.

I told you i was going to try to post more this month and i still hope i will manage while crafting on the side ( yes i'm not as far as i hoped i would be) and better to start now.

Today i'm introducing you to a series via the prequel novella ( which has been offered some times ago) the second book is releasing this month so i though it would be fitting to start with this one so today it's mermaid and werewolf and... suspense^^. -If you are lucky i will perhaps even post about book1 later this month but we will see- ( after all i plan to try to give you a little on different creatures so everyone should find one that fit his/ her tastes)

Happy reading

Short description from goodreads :

Join FBI Agents Emma Monroe and Zack Armstrong.
She’s a Siren. He’s a Werewolf.
Their mission is redemption.

Emma Monroe is a Fallen Siren, cursed by the gods and banished to Earth for her failure to prevent the kidnapping of Persephone. She’s had many names and many lives, but only one mission: redemption. Now she works for the FBI and is on temporary assignment in Charleston. Solving this next missing persons case could be the key to ending her ancient curse—unless the temptation that’s her new partner gets in the way.

Zack Armstrong is a Werewolf. Tall, dark, and dangerous, he currently works for one of the bureau’s elite Child Abduction Rapid Deployment teams. In many respects the man is every bit as mysterious as his secret and perilous past. But there are two things he’s certain about, that he’s going to get his man and his woman.

When Zack finds himself suddenly shy a partner and a third child goes missing in Charleston, Emma goes from consultant to CARD team member in the space of a few hours. The abductions of the first two boys ended in murder, an outcome that neither Zack nor Emma can abide. As they race against time to track down the kidnapper and rescue the latest victim, they find themselves fighting something just as treacherous—a growing attraction that can’t be ignored or denied.

My opinion:

          I loved it! Really it was a wonderfully done prequel which could even work as stand alone. We are directly introduced to the main character Emma Monroe a siren -think godly being with supernatural power yes but no fins- in disguise who works as a FBI agent whose task is finding missing persons. She is doing that to try to make amends for not saving Persephone which is the reason Demeter cursed her.

She is called in for the case of a missing young boy by Agent Zack Armstrong who is in charge of that file and a werewolf.

The spark between them is immediate but I really appreciated that they put the case first and the investigation was well described as well as how it affected them. They can be supernatural beings, in secret or not, but they are not insensible. They are dedicated to their job and do they best. Zack is quite the gentleman, he sound loyal and more than sexy. Emma has suffered a lot  but I love how she can be strong willed. They are really good together and great partner.

There is some romance yes, even steamy one but not until the end which I found particularly appreciable with this kind of story. The suspense is well balanced by some humour little moments (and the love of foods^^). It’s well paced not too quick but not slow and since it’s a short story it’s really good.

We are not left on a cliffhanger, the case is solved, the characters have decided of what they want ( or can afford) so at the end we are satisfied… we do want more yes but in the good kind of want^^.

If you want some urban fantasy, with more than a touch of romance but investigation as the foremost element this is definitively the short story to try as it will introduces you to what should become a really promising series

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

La Malédiction de l’Aube (Negociator T.1) par C. E. Murphy

Coucou à tous,

                           Ces derniers jours ont été bien plus remplis que je ne l'aurai cru et le résultat est que je suis en retard pour vous donner mon avis. Mieux vaut tard que jamais cependant et puis on a encore plus de la moitié du mois pour lire beaucoup plus après tout.

Aujourd'hui je partage avec vous mon avis sur La Malédiction de L'aube, premier tome d'une trilogie de C. E. Murphy. Pour la petite histoire je suis tombée sur cette série par pur hasard et je ne savais même pas qu'elle existait  ( j'avais une autre série de sur ma liste pour cet auteur^^;;) mais on dirait que j'aime de plus en plus les gargouilles comme créatures.

 Bonne Lecture

Editeur VF:  Harlequin Luna 2008
Titre original:Heart of Stone ( edited 2007)
Genre: fantasy, romance paranormale, urban fantasy
Violence: moyen
Langage: normal
sexe: non
Public: +16ans
Obtenu par achat

Quatrième de couverture de l'éditeur Harlequin:

Chaque nuit, seule au monde au cœur de New York, Margrit court dans Central Park désert. Un soir, un homme l'aborde. Elégant, altier, il a les cheveux blonds et les yeux clairs d'un prince nordique. Tentée de fuir d'abord, fascinée malgré elle par la beauté et le charme de l'inconnu, Margrit le laisse exposer son étrange requête. Et peu à peu la stupéfaction la gagne. Car Alban - c'est ainsi qu'il se prénomme - sait presque tout d'elle. De son métier d'avocate. De son acharnement à défendre les causes les plus délicates. Et s'il s'est décidé ce soir à interrompre sa course, au risque de l'effrayer, c'est pour lui demander de plaider sa cause auprès des hommes. Les hommes qui l'accusent injustement de meurtre. Les hommes qu'il ne peut affronter car, s'il se fait prendre, il mourra. Lui, le dernier descendant d'une race ancienne qui se transforme en pierre au lever du soleil...

Avis:

          Une très belle surprise, je ne connaissais pas l’existence de cette série avant de tomber dessus par hasard et j’en suis vraiment heureuse. Je n’ai pas encore lu énormément d’histoires sur les gargouilles or je les adore assez on dirait.

C. E. Murphy nous offre le récit d’une jeune avocate métisse vivant à New York. Margrit est vraiment pleine de fougue et très idéaliste j’ai beaucoup aimé ce trait de caractère ainsi que son honnêteté et le fait qu’elle ne voulait pas jouer des apparences. Elle aime courir mais son insu elle est également protégée lors de ses sorties nocturnes par une gargouille solitaire prénommée Alban.

Alban vit en marge des autres de sa race et des autres créatures paranormales tels que les selkies, djinns, dragons et vampires (oui tellement de choix, c’est savoureux) pourtant il ne se mêle pas pour autant aux humains. Seul, il ne résiste pourtant pas à son instinct de protection et veille sur les joggeuse qui traverse le parc la nuit. Sa protection est silencieuse et discrète pourtant après des années à veiller sur Margrit il décide de l’aborder un soir simplement  pour l’entendre. Malheureusement le même soir une autre jeune femme se fait assassiné et il devient le principal suspect.

Pour protéger son honneur mais plus globalement garder l’existence des races anciennes secrètes il veut prouver son innocence mais seul il ne le peut il demande alors l’aide de Marrit qui se retrouve soudain plonge au cœur d’un univers dont elle ignorait tout. Cette dernière prend progressivement de plus en plus fait et cause pour son client et n’hésite pas à s’attaquer à un maître de la pègre, ignorant que c’est un dragon, tenir tête à un millionnaire, maître vampire et côtoyer bientôt des représentants de toute les races anciennes. Non seulement elle leur tient tête mais elle négocie avec eux, échangeant des faveurs et se mettant en danger pour découvrir le vrai assassin. Ce faisant, elle se rapproche également d’Alban, si galant et protecteur.

Le rythme est bien établit, pas trop soutenu mais avec des surprises tout au long du chemin pour nous captiver d’avantage plus on s’enfonce dans le récit et c’est univers si particulier et en même temps pas si différent du nôtre. La romance n’est pas le point central de l’histoire à ce stade mais on la voit bien prendre naissance. Au vu de la situation c’est un élément que j’ai beaucoup apprécié après tout les événements ne leur laisse pas tellement de temps non plus et il faut d’abord apprendre à se connaître selon moi.

La fin est peut-être un peu amère pour moi-même si elle laisse entrevoir plus qu’une lueur d’espoir ce qui nous offre la possibilité de nous arrêter à ce tome si c’est nécessaire mais nous encourage à acquérir la suite de la trilogie tout autant car on veut plus qu’une conclusion de l’enquête, on veut être assuré du bonheur durable de ces personnages auxquels on s’est attachés.

Vraiment une série à recommander si vous  voulez une bonne histoire avec du suspense et une foule de créatures paranormales et une romance naissance.

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: Toutes les opinions exprimées ici sont les miennes, il s’agit de d’un avis honnête et personnel. Aucune compensation n’a été fournie en échange de ce dernier.

Challenges:

Divine Vices (Divine Vices 1) by Melissa Parkin

Hello to all,

                      October has started and i plan to  offer you more review this month as i focus on two of my favourites genre ( paranormal romance, urban fantasy) to fit the season^^.
I'm starting with one i hoped to offer you long before but sadly fate was against me in this case first i was quite ill and when i was better it's the photocopy machine that got in the way... two weeks to be repared... one page printed then broken again and one month to wait.... it's a reason i prefer print book^^ i can read it as soon as i want ( and let's be honest the actual books stay less longer in the pile than digital one)

Any way i'm really glad i got to read this one because it was good and i just regret not having read it before but then... it fit the monthly Theme too^^

happy reading!

Publisher: Melissa Parkin

Publication: 2013

ISBN:  0373277210

Genre: Paranormal, YA
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Source: ecopy in exchange for a honest review

Short description from goodreads :

 Danger seldom leaves its victims unscathed in the ways of seduction, and this lesson is one that sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster now knows all too well.


Nine months following the traumatic accident that claimed the life of her mother and sister, this high school junior has at last found a fresh start in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine. In the company of her best friends, Ian and Gwen, she’s bracing the usual turmoil of adolescence and taking all in stride… until the new transfer student, Jackson Matthews, comes walking into her life. He’s arrogant, sarcastic, roguish, devastatingly sexy, and the very last thing Cassie wants to entertain. But when circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself a bit too close for comfort as their bond intensifies. Plagued by unexplainable events, a sudden string of disappearances, and even a cult-related murder, Cassie begins to fear for her life. Is it all just a coincidence that these happenings began when this Casanova strolled into town, or has she in fact fallen for a real lady-killer, or worse?

My opinion:

          Quite compelling. It’s an  enjoyable YA story , quickly read; The beginning gives a insight of what the paranormal creatures are in the prologue so we know where we stand a little however  I found the the beginning a little slow at first which doesn’t last and before the middle of the book you are so caught in it that you can’t stop turning the pages.

 The characters are intriguing and the plot has some twists preventing him to be too predictable. There is a sort of love triangle (sort of since she didn’t know for one) but the “insta-love”, that could deter some, is explained later and it makes sense so it did not bother me at the end of the book.

I was immediately on Ian side, the good friend and, so different boy who doesn’t play by the standards. I guessed a little about him but not everything and I must say it was really well done and I would love to see more of him. He is quite mature for his age too. Jack… that one I didn’t like he is too egoistical in my opinion, too proud, I don’t trust him at all but he has me curious nonetheless. It’s not hard to see there are more to him however even himself doesn’t really know so only more books will reveal us more information.

 I must confess there were moments I was irritated with Cassie’s behaviour as she is afraid of someone ( won’t say more to avoid spoiler), even terrified but the instant after she is defending him with everything she has….  Not really understandable in my opinion even if ado can be quite undecided. That put aside, she had to grow up quicker than normal and she is quite mature for her age. She is trying to do her best but forgot along the way what she really wants for herself. Her friendship with Ian and Gwen is something precious to her and even if each one is really different from each other they don’t hesitate to fight for their friends.  I’m not that fond of Gwen has she likes dating different boys quickly and I don’t really agree to that, we get another insight of her character later but still something is off with her in my opinion.

The suspense is well maintained I really would be happy to read book two as soon as it’s available because one of the bad point of this book is unfortunately the cliffhanger just when you wanted more.

 If you want a classic a well written YA paranormal romance (soft one for this book) and don’t fear the cliffhanger, this is one you want to try.

Score:  3,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received.