The Alchemist and an Amaretto ( The Guild Codex: Spellbound 5) by Annette Marie [early review]

Hello to all,

                      while the tempest is blowing outside , i jumped on the opportunity to take a good cup of tea along with an excellent reads.....i was lucky to get an arc of one of my favourite series The Guild Codex Spellbound series by Annette Marie and i couldn't resist one more minute.....now i'm forced to wait until ....next year for book 6 but this was worth it!!
If you haven't started this series it's really time to jump on it as it needs to be read in order.

Happy reading!!

Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.

Publication: 2019

ISBN13:  9781988153322

Genre: urban fantasy, funny, magic

Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 16+

Description from goodreads :

 As a guild bartender, I can handle pretty much anything—mages, sorcerers, witches, the occasional demon. But show me anything family-related and I'd rather run for the hills. It doesn't even have to be my family.

So I have no idea why I thought spending the holidays with Aaron's mom and pop was a good idea.

Meeting his famous parents is already terrifying enough, but I've got a bigger problem. Students of his family's renowned mage academy are being attacked on the grounds—and somehow no one has seen a single assailant? Unexplained tracks litter the nearby woods, rumors of forbidden alchemy are circulating the campus…and Ezra has been acting strangely since we arrived.

Something deadly is brewing in the shadow of Sinclair Academy, and the longer we take to uncover it, the more dangerous it becomes. But no matter the risk, we'll protect the students.

And Aaron's parents too, I suppose. If we have to.

My opinion:

          Such an adventure! Tori sure is attracting trouble what should have holidays become a hunt with a limited time to save a friend the whole added with arrogant bunch of elitist mages with ego bigger than mountains. I really loved to learn more about Aaron as we meet his family but i also really wanted to punch him when we saw his darker side..;i still wonder why Tori kept cool about it and didn't punch him, Aaron is sure lucky to have friends like Kai and Erza.

This time we focus on shifters and we learn more about what they are in this universe...but we also discover other side of magic  and how some mages are elitist and putting their kind of magic above other. We get to see more of Sin as well and it was good to see how she became real friend with Tori;  both are out of their world in the Aaron's family home and it's not that easy for them.

What i loved even more was learning more about Erza.....he is lucky to have Tori watching over him especially since it's putting her in difficult situation. And of course Tori does find some interesting items along teh way ( even if this time she may not have a use for them herself)

This story is full of action and information , it's a real page turner as the characters have a limited time to succeed you can't stop you need to se what happen  as you get completely immersed in this addictive series.  There is the action, the humour as Tori can't stay silence in front of injustice and also cute moment when she interacts with fae ....but also some moment filled of emotion ... which will make you the next book as soon as possible.

It's a must read for sure but following the series in order.

An excellent book to recommend

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Extreme Medical Services ( Extreme Medical Services book 1) by Jamie Davis

Hello to all!

It's soon the weekend but we still have to work before that short break so i decided to share with you my opinion on a book i just discovered thanks to a freebie ( you cans till get it if you hurry) and sometimes with those we find pearls.

Really it was a wonderful promising start a series i plan to continue so without more delay if you love urban fantasy and medical tv show this should be just the book for you!

Happy Reading

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Publication: 2015

ASIN: B014Q1EVEO

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal, vampires, shifters,
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Source: free ebook

Short description from goodreads :

 Read the book described by one reader as "Like Grimm With Paramedics." Follow the exploits of new paramedic Dean Flynn as he gets assigned to a backwater station no one has ever heard of, Station U. He soon learns that his unusual patients are far from normal. They are the creatures of myth and legend. His tough, experienced paramedic trainer Brynne is determined to teach him everything she knows. With vampires, werewolves, witches and fairies as patients, will he survive? Will they?

My opinion:

          I really love the mix between urban fantasy and the medical part, it was a refreshing point of view and we are getting the opportunity to meet a lot of different paranormal creatures.  Dean is a young new paramedic who wants action but he never imagined to be assigned to a unit for unusual (aka paranormal) patients. With problem nearly normal for a paramedic: asthma attack, cardiac arrest, dishydratation etc but pertaining unusual people ( vampire, shifters etc)...it's a bit overwhelming at first but thankfully his mentor Brynne is not new to the job and it's subtleties. Dean is really good student but we glimpse deep down also a very gentle heart and good soul covered by a lot of determination ( a excellent combination fora paramedic i guess)

It's full of action and mystery with twists and intrigue behind the specific interventions scenes that are wonderfully written immersing us in the paramedic world easily and making us ( at least me) want more. I could easily imagine a tv series made from this book it could be fascinating!

My only disappointment is the cliffhanger ...we are getting deeper into what is happening and then after a big info  we are left waiting for book 2....thankfully it's already release with a few others so no need to wait before getting your hand on it help.....because this series may be very addictive if it continues with this quality.

A great surprise.

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Frenchman Street (The Sentinel of New Orleans book 6) by Suzanne Johnson

Hello to all,

 it's by a sunny sunday that i have the great pleasure to announce you that  yes the final book of the Sentinel of New Orleans arc is out!!
There isn't a thing i hate more than having a series unfinished so we can be really grateful that the author decided to publish it to offer us a little closure ...yes we waited but it was more than worth it as the series get the story of the same quality or one even better as it dserves it.

So i won't be much longer but first a little note: if you haven't started the series yet or if you are missing some books just keep you eyes on the author blog some great opportunities will blossom extra soon. ( check that here)

Now...the story, happy reading!!

Publisher: Suzanne Johnson

Publication: 2018

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal, shifters, romance, fae
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 16+

Description from goodreads :

 The uneasy truce between the preternatural species of New Orleans has shattered, with wizards and elves, shifters and vampires—not to mention the historical undead—struggling for ultimate control of the city, including the humans who still think they’re atop the food chain.

They aren’t, however—and the Summer Prince of Faerie wants them to know it.

Stuck in the middle? One unemployed wizard sentinel. For DJ Jaco, war makes for strange bedfellows as she finally embraces her wizard-elven heritage and strikes a deal with the devil so she and her ragtag band of allies can return to defend her hometown. After all, when the undead French pirate Jean Lafitte is working in the mayor’s tourism department, things could go horribly wrong.

War is coming to New Orleans just in time for Mardi Gras, with the elves and wizards lined up on opposite sides, the shifters with a new leader, the vampires promising loyalty to the highest bidder, and the soul of the Crescent City resting on the outcome of the civil war going on in Faerie between the rival princes of summer and winter.

Mardi Gras Day is approaching fast, the faeries have infiltrated almost every parade, and the line between friends and enemies grows thin as DJ tries to stave off open warfare on the St. Charles Avenue parade route.

Laissez les bons temps rouler…but be careful, or the good times might roll too close for comfort. 

My opinion:

          Fabulous, a rollercoaster for emotions as once the story picks up there isn't a slow moment left there will be tears, there will be touching moment, there will be some humorous one and some very angsty ones. We are immersed in an adventure that doesn't allow us a reprieve we must know what will happen and we better not get interrupted for nothing ^^;;

We sure waited to get  the end of Dj adventures in this arc  but it was so, so well worth it... a real page turner with old characters we meet again with pleasure  like some fae hunters ( love faulkner) new one  like Gruff a so cute and funny corgi but so much more and i don't want to spoil too much . But get some tissues near you will need them and the little Corgi isn't the only one who will win you over i'm sure like Pen who can make you swoon or laugh depending on his menu.

Really this was a great read, we get to see how the events impacted the characters and how some got more mature and some not. There are twists to keep us on edge and this story couldn't be a better way to end this arc ( because yes i certainly hope to see more of the gang but rest assured there isn't a cliffhanger or questions unanswered ( at least not any that can't wait a full novella^^)

So yes it's better to have read the series to enjoy this one fully  and i can't recommend you this series strong enough but that being said it should be possible to read this one like that as we get enough info about the background to understand most of what happen but you if have teh opportunity to start by book 1 don't hesitate it just get better and better.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Demon Spiral ( Dr Wolf; the Fae Rift book 2) by Cheree Alsop

Hello to all!!!


Since i have a bit of time before people comes to change water pipes ( why i still don't know) i decided to share another review with you from not a new release but a series i take great pleasure reading: The Fae Rift series by Cheree Alsop. Actually 4 books are released so far so  you will probably not have to wait too long to have my opinion on those as it's quite addictive.
Let's start with book 2 though.


Happy reading!

Publisher: Cheree Alsop

Publication: 2016

ISBN13:  9781310202964

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

Source: won ecopy

Description from goodreads :

 When the head doctor’s daughter is bitten by a goblin, Dr. Wolf is forced to the edge of his limits to save her life. Other victims show up, turning the chance attack into one calculated to send a message. With the safety of the human race hanging in the balance, Dr. Wolf has to find out how an Archdemon made it to Edge City. The answer could mean life or death for the young woman whose blue eyes and warm smile have stolen his heart.

My opinion:

          After loving the first book a lot i was determined to continue this series, it took me a moment but i don't regret it. However, there is one element that bothered me a little...this can't be read as standalone, really can't. Now, i do love to read series in order and i do recommend it but what i mean is that if you start with this one you could feel lost and perhaps even give up which would be very sad so to start well start with book1: Shockwave!

Since we started with the most negative point let see why i do love this book and series. As soon as i remembered a little how the first instalment finished i was immediately immersed into this story because it literally take off where the last one ended. We are immersed into the action which makes us understand even more the characters since most of them like us were thrown into the mess without notice.

I loved to see how the relation between different characters, for example in this one we see police officer we met in book 1 and their attitude is changed. Dartan opens more and we discover what he sacrificed to save our world, Aleric we learn about him as well but he is also learning about himself and it was funny to see a human telling him what he was unconsciously doing . He is terribly loyal no matter how much he suffered but he still thinks he must redeem himself .

I also loved to discover more fae like the kind troll, the grims children and gargoyle as pet ^^.Really it's a great adventure easily read in one sitting...this one has a lot of action so really a page turner and i can't wait to start on the next book ( book 3 &4 are already available so don't wait and start the series if you haven't already done so)

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Ties that Bind (The Spire Chronicles 2 ) by Ashley Meira

Hello to all,


            I do hope you have a better weather than me because here it's storms after storms and not short and small ones either. Thankfully we didn't had any damage  so far but i'm sure hoping for dry weather ( not to warm but dry) for a few days at less.
The advantage of the rain is that it offers me a little more time to read so i did and happily since  i was lucky with what i picked so far.

Today i'm going back to my decision to alternate new series (or new author) with sequel and since the last book was the first in a series, today i'm giving you my opinion on a sequel and in a series i was introduced to very recently  The Spire Chronicles. If you remember i loved book 1 depites some element bothering me and thus i wantedto check book 2 which i don't regret at all as  it's really show improvment in the writing which was already good.

I won't make you wait any longer so Happy reading!!

Publisher: Ashley Meira

Publication: 2016

ASIN:  B01E1J3Y2G

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

Source: ecopy in exchange for an honest review

Description from goodreads :

 Hunter of all things evil and paranormal, snarky witch Morgan Maxwell knows she needs to get herself back into shape before she continues the hunt for the demon-worshipping vampire that tried to kill her, her friends, and the rest of the world.

Until she receives a summons from her estranged father to help solve the gruesome murders of werewolves and shifters that live in his city's forest.

The last thing Morgan wants to do is see the man who threw her aside when she was a child, but even she can’t let bitterness and resentment keep her from helping put a stop to the murder and mutilation of innocents.

But solving the murders will be the least of her worries. Alex – a man Morgan finds herself getting terrifyingly close to – has a personal stake in this case, one that Morgan fears will tear them apart for good.

Ties That Bind is the second book of The Spire Chronicles urban fantasy series, and is 72,000 words of fast paced action!

Readers who enjoyed The Dresden Files, The Kate Daniels series or just like reading action packed stories about tough, snarky heroines with magic powers will likely enjoy this series.

My opinion:

          I really loved this one as we can see how the writing which was already good improved from book 1 with a deepening of the characters. Morgan finally won me over, she isn't really mature yet, she does have childish antics but she can pull it together when it really matters. She doesn't jump to conclusion too easily either which can't be say from Alex....from having read book 1 we do understand where he comes from and it helps understand his reaction to Morgan's father but he was a little to intrusive to my taste and too single minded.

...loyalty is great, blindness isn't . That being said, you could probably miss book 1 and still enjoy this story a lot as the author managed to remind us the most pertaining info from the first instalment so if it was the big part of sex that prevented you to start this series, give it a try by starting by book 2 it would be good as that part was tamed down.

The red line from the story is there but we focus on several murders, some elements were predictable for me but it didn't make me enjoy this less. i particularly loved to discover more supernatural creature this time ( June sound really funny but i won't tell you what she is^^). We do get that investigation solved as well so it's no cliffhanger story ( a big plus).

The violence is important as we get description of gruesome murders but it's a big element for the story and really well written so put in the flow with the action, suspense and light touch of romance it blends wonderfully

i 'm delighted with this one and i can't wait to see how the story will progress.

Score:  5/5

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

Challenges:

Mortal Kiss ( Mortal Kiss 1) by Alice Moss

Hello to all,

             I will just take 5 minute to share with you my opinion this latest read because after doing the intendance for a Chtullu roleplaying game ( 24h) i'm completely out and i just want a such deserved nap..... i don't think i will be able to cook anything for a week at least i'm beaten, worn out...

So there are books that just the blurb makes you want to read them, with a main idea, plot  original and really interesting...but that don't meet your expectations and sadly for me Mortal Kiss was one of those. I don't regret to have tried this author but at least for now i won't continue this journey. However now that you have gotten my feeling let see my opinion in more details

 Happy Reading

Publisher: Bantam Children

Publication: 2011

ISBN:  0857510568

Genre: YA, paranormal romance, shapeshifters
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 16+

Source: gifted

Short description from goodreads :

 How much would you sacrifice for just one kiss . . .

When smouldering Finn and sexy Lucas arrive in Winter Mill, life starts to get very complicated for Faye McCarron.
But two boys battling for her heart is just the start. Soon there's a dead body in the woods, a motorcycle gang on the prowl, and the snow just won't stop falling. Something evil is at work, and only Faye and best friend Liz can stop it. As Hallowe'en draws near they must uncover the dark and sinister secret . . . before it's too late.


Love paranormal romance, werewolves and ethereal spirits? Then this book is for you!

My opinion:

          I had this book on my shelves for several years now and i had been really interested when i was reading the blurb but at the end  i must say that i’ve been quite disappointed...the story isn’t bad per say but it didn’t work at all for me.

There were time when i did get immersed in the story but it didn’t last, for me there were too many things that were not working so even if the idea behind the book was good i could not stay focused or immersed in the story. The author managed to surprise me a little yes but not enough.

Faye is an interesting character and we do get immediately that she must have something special along with her aunt and the author does tell us what it is. Globaly, she is the character the most well build and the one with who i could relate or at least understand the most. She is loyal and determined.

Liz.... i didn’t like her at some point but since she was perhaps not herself i could let go but then i would really love to know if it was really her or not. Anyway, Faye consider her as a friend and while i didn’t think she was acting like one at the most critical point i’m not disliking her.

Lucas...  i don’t want to do spoiler but you do guess quickly that something is amiss... and then Finn.... he was the one that disappointed me the most....he is supposed to be matureand deeply, truly in love with Faye.. yet he is the one rushing to the ennemy at the first occasion “just to see” and even worse...he finds his soulmate after such a long time searching, one that he lost  in the past...so kind of one second last chance....and he accepts to give it up like that. Someone tells him it’s teh only way to save people so love doesn’t matter let sacrifice it.  I’m not saying it could not be an honorable thing to do but look at it that way: you finally find the one you have been searching for and you don’t even hesitate before renouncing , you don’t try to fight for her you just “ oh oki let sacrifice it”... for me it doesn’t make sense at all. It’s too irrealistic and too sudden.

Same goes for the ending...without telling you how it end the characters go back to their life like nothing happened,quite unmoved.. like it was perfectly normal....it’s too unbelievable. There is also a medium cliffhanger but really i didn’t even care for it.. the story was good but no more  as i think teh author missed soem point.... for example Faye looses her phone..so far nothing bad about it but then a few hours after Liz calls her... we only know later that she switched back to her older phone, that i can accept but then how Liz knew which number to call? She didn’t know she had lost her phone since they were not talking to each other....it’s a detail yes but there are other and  when piled together it makes me loose any interest..and i’m really not tempted to spend any cent to get the next one, perhaps the story gets better yes but  i prefer to focus on something else.

Score:  2/5

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

Challenges:

Negociation ( The Twelves Kingdoms 0.5) by Jeffe Kennedy

Hi!

              Welcome on The Twelves Kingdoms Day event!!!!

Jeffe Kennedy is releasing the third book in the Twelves Kigdoms series today and to celebrate that she is offering the prequel novella " Negociation" for free but hurry because that offer will be for a limited time only!

Before the only opportunity to read it was in the anthology " Thunder on Battlefield, vol II" but now it's available in ebook format. A good way to start on the series if you haven't already and a sweet bonus for those who are up to date. In any case i had to share it with you ( i love the cover)

Book Description: Negotiation by Jeffe Kennedy

A Story of the Twelve Kingdoms

A wounded warrior trapped by the sorceress who knows him better than he does himself…

General Uorsin escapes the last devastating battle, only to find himself alone on a mountain, feverish and no closer to finding the paradise that drives him on. Salena, greatest shapeshifter and magic-worker of her people, springs the trap she’s set to protect her land—and to prevent the ravager Uorsin from ever reaching it.

Together, they spend a night setting the terms that will determine not only the rest of their lives, but the fates of the peoples of the Twelve Kingdoms—and the thirteenth.

A description it's not always enough to decide a reader to pick a book or not so i was even more happy when i got the opportunity to review this novella so here is what i thought of it.

My opinion:

          I love when a novella gives us a real insight into the story and author’s writing style which is what “Negociation” does. If like me you haven’t started the series yet this prequel is a wonderful entry in this universe in which the author put a lot of work building.

You can see how engaging her writing is and all the complexity of the world but also how determined the characters can be….Jeffe really put a lot of thinking into her character building and it shows even in such a short story. Salena knows what she wants and she did think, a lot even, before acting even if the outcome she knows will happen isn’t ideal, far from it;…I’m not sure I would have been able to make the same choice as her.

Uorsin….i don’t like him he makes my skin crawls and I fear Salena did not measure all consequences and even that aside just how he considers women makes me disliking him greatly.

And here come the detail that perhaps makes this series not one for me at the moment despite all the beauty of this universe and lovely writing…. In this series the women are acting, they are not simple trophies so far so good but even from this novella we can get that the author isn’t against making them use sex as a weapon…. I’m not naïve, I know women in all history often had to use that trick, weapon to survive or worse and I can read paranormal romance so it’s not the description that really bothers me either.- By the way in the novella they only speak of it, no steamy scene or nothing so don’t hesitate to give it a try- It’s just that I’m not comfortable with that idea, at least at this moment.

This is a fantasy romance so you can expect a mix of them and there isn’t a perfect ideal balance either it depends on the moment if fantasy or romance must be prevalent. I have no problem with that….after all I need some romance in my books but it’s also the reason why I can’t take it lightly either.. I want love not sex ( not sure if I’m  being clear) so I fear  it will come to clash for me at some moment of the story….the question is will this fear be enough to prevent me for trying….i don’t think so but at least I come prepared.I did like this novella!

So do I recommend this novella? DEFINITIVELY! Either you will be in love with the universe and jump on the first book if you haven’t already or it will at least gives you a really good idea of the style so you can make your choice in all conscience but one thing for sure the author is more than talented and really kind so don’t hesitate to send her a message if you read her books. 

So interested? Remember you can this Free for a limited time so don't be shy and gives it a try!

you can get it via the following links ( if it's not free when you are checking, just check again later it will be )

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/545307

http://www.amazon.com/Negotiation-Twelve-Kingdoms-Novella-ebook/dp/B00Y76WW0E

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/negotiation-4

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jeffe_Kennedy_Negotiation?id=eVemCQAAQBAJ

Under the Gun (Underworld Detection Agency 4) by Hannah Jayne

Hello to all,

 Only a few days left before school start again and this month teh weather made us think we were already deep in Autumn ....so the mood isn't at the top but i'm enjoying my gifting preparations^^ ( the weather is just what i needed for it^^) also apples and pears are in profusion so i 'm planning some delicious cakes.. after all we should always try to see the positive of each situation^^ it makes us live longer;)

So since summer is nearly behind us so is my stock of romantic suspense but with all the excellent ones i discovered i will follow up the series so you won't have to wait too long before seeing more^^. Until then back to urban fantasy with the fourth installment of a series i've shared with you already....not my favourite ( far from it) but one that is mostly enjoyable ( after all, i still read it^^).

Happy Reading!

Publisher: Kensington

Publication: 2013

ISBN:  0758281102

Genre: urban fantasy
Violence: strong
Language: mild
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodreads :

When you’re near the top of the Underworld Detection Agency, the claws really come out…


Quick thinking and loyalty have taken human Sophie Lawson a long way in the UDA—along with a healthy dose of magic immunity. But when her old boss Pete Sampson asks for help after a mysterious two-year disappearance, she’s determined to find out what high-placed demon has put two ruthless werewolf killers on his tail. Of course, sucking up to her icy vampire department head and negotiating a treacherous inter-office demon battle are the kind of workplace politics that could easily get a “breather” way worse than reprimanded. And sexy fallen angel Alex is doing whatever it takes to heat up Sophie’s professional cool and raise feelings she’s done her best to bury. Too bad their investigation is about to uncover the Agency’s darkest secrets…and powerful entities happy to sign one inquisitive human’s pink slip in blood…

My opinion:

          When I started this book I hoped to like it better than the last but unfortunately it didn’t happen. Oh yes the investigation was more entertaining and had some interesting twists that had me keep reading. However I was really disappointed by Sophie.

Until now Sophie was a character that showed a lot of loyalty and trusted her friends all while being often underestimated even if she is far from powerful or strong willed… I wanted her to improve with the time, to mature and learn. She did learn to fight and she is standing more for herself and what she thinks that’s true. However that was accompanied by her loosing her trust, her faith…  Seeing her lying to those she call friends, doubting them again and again wound me.

Sophie is stronger physically, perhaps psychologically as well in a sense but she isn’t the same good heart as before.

Seeing her doubting others like that disappointed me a lot, it even got irritating after half of the book. She couldn’t make her mind about her loves interests either.  That added to the fact that this book was a tad darker than the rest with a lot of violence and deaths of characters , which I wasn’t fond of but still, didn’t help me to enjoy it as much as the first one even if the focus was on werewolves.

I took a long time to write this review because I perhaps felt too angry at first to really put my opinion into words, after a moment I see that I did like this book, mostly thanks to Vald and the sword teaching part^^ funny and just coming at the right time. Simply it wasn’t what I hoped for  ( and I’m still angry at Sophie^^). I still want to continue the series and I do think I have the next book ready somewhere but  it’s not my favourite series of the moment at all.

I guess that what I liked less in fact was all the political aspects, secrets, manipulations etc that we discover. I prefer honestly so learning that so many things went behind the back of the characters and that’s is far from finished and we are starting to be unsure of who are the really good ones ( and if we hesitate, that Sophie does as well is more understandable )

 I can only hope next book will have a good investigation part and some cleaning the staff of bad elements because some really need to be taken out.

 So a good book that fit the series but must be read in order, if you love suspense, investigation and supernatural creatures this is a series that should please you.

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

Challenges:

Raven Cursed ( Jane Yellowrock 4) by Faith Hunter

Hello!

           The weather is spoiling us right now with 7 degrees above the normal ( nearly 17°c) and a bright sun so i won't be long because i want to enjoy it as long as i can ^^, it way to early so we know it won't last but it's really good for the moral to savour it when we can.

Today i decided to pick a book from my pile that fitted several challenges and i opted for the fourth book in the Jane Yellowrock series since it got shifters and witches and is an older book too... i've enjoyed the book but strangely i had a little more difficulties to express my opinion on it so i can only hope i will be clear enough^^

 happy reading and i hope spring will come to enlight your days no matter where you live.

Publisher: ROC

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0451464338

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal, shifter, witches
Violence: strong
Language: mild
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodreads :

 The vampires of Asheville, North Carolina, want to establish their own clan, but since they owe loyalty to the Master Vampire of New Orleans they must work out the terms with him. To come up with an equitable solution, he sends an envoy with the best bodyguard blood money can buy: Jane Yellowrock.


But when a group of local campers are attacked by something fanged, Jane goes from escort to investigator. Unless she wants to face a very angry mast vampire, she will have to work overtime to find the killer. It's a good thing she's worth every penny.

My opinion:

          I have mixed feeling this time… oh I do have loved this book and it’s still as well written as the precedent and a great addition to the series. However I had some trouble to understand Jane this time or agree with her decisions….as a result I was quite angry at some moment even if I couldn’t put the book aside.

Jane finally reveals what she is at more people but that was what I felt wrong….she could have say the truth to her shaman Angie that I would have understood….Derek Lee too (until now he was my favourite) but she tells it to Ricky.. the unfaithful, lying, deceiving man of her life…. In my opinion It could have been the worse choice, not that I would have loved to see her tell all her secrets to the vampire but Ricky! Arg I don’t trust him for a second and he is tempted to go back to the enemy once again , with a special agency that is dangerous for all supernatural.. arg Jane think with something else than your body! Beast is perhaps thinking Ricky could be a great bed partner… but she doesn’t see herself bound to him for eternity so secret should be kept!

It’s true that I always preferred Derek the more responsible and one that’ seemed to understand Jane better….now it’s not exactly what happen in this story but I guess all friendship needs to be refreshed at a time or another, especially since they were more partner, colleague than friend to start with.Derek at least stay reliable in my opinion. We don’t see too much of Leo this time, even if we do hear a lot from him, since it’s Gregoire that Jane is tasked to protect and  that  outside New Orleans….I didn’t remembered Gregoire well I admit but I was delighted to see more of the B-Twins and they are working well with Jane all the while being more than simply colleague….when she needs understanding she didn’t think it would come from them nor did she think she would need it but they were there and I want more of them.

This story focus largely on the magical part since Evangelina, head of molly’s coven is practising illegal magic and… black magic too. I hated her and that feeling just grew stronger that woman is pure evil and completely out of her mind this time she even goes against her coven, yes we don’t know all her past but still….i don’t approve her at all. So magic is predominant this time even if the shifter part is still well built with the werewolves who escaped last time, the lack leopard who still need to be taught a lesson and Ricky which we still don’t exactly know the future..

I really appreciated to get a little more of the Cherokee legends since Evangelina called one demon from them but Angie baby knows more than it seems and it was really wonderful to learn and it let so many possibilities open, I do want more .

However another part disappointed me a little: Molly…..we don’t often see strong female friendship so I was really happy to see Jane and Molly….despite her husband not liking her friend Molly stayed true to their friendship… until now. We discover that she doesn’t trust Jane near her children as before since she doesn’t go again Big Evan. Sadly it just got even worse….it’s something I regret, I do hope we will see the situation improving but I’m not sure. Jane has another friend prospect, on the vampire side but friendship needs time to grow so it’s too early to tell.

The story was fast passed and the humour vastly presents despites the violence and heartbreak so it’s really an excellent instalment in the series, I can’t wait to start on the next one either. I would recommend to read this series in order but at the same time, if one book could be read without having read the precedent ones it should be this one, the author gives the necessarily information and the story is focusing so well that you are immersed directly. 

If you love, magic, shifters, vampires, native American legends, history, humour and fast paced action, this series is right for you

Score:  4/5

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

Challenges:

Back From the Undead (The Bloodhound Files 5) by DD. Barant

Happy Halloween!!!

Leaves are flying with the winds and candy are are dropping in your basket or have you already eaten them all? Here it's quite busy, the Chullu special session in the roleplaying is going well so far but the organsiation (that means me) must be ready for everything and we must keep the schedule too so not a lot of free time and a long, long night ahead.
Now that the meal has been served ( rosted rat^^) though i have a few minutes to share with you one author that makes my halloween time even better but as a rules all year long as long as i can read this fabulous series.

So here comes " Back from the Undead" by DD Barant, 5th book in the series The Bloodhound Files.

Happy reading!

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0312545061

Genre: urban fantasy
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: bought
 

Short description from goodreads :

 Another work day, another case for the Bloodhound Files. But this time, Jace is truly stumped: How is she, a mere human, supposed to penetrate the dark heart of a child-trafficking ring of pire orphans—one that turns out to be part of a blood-farm operation, in the crime-ridden border city of Vancouver, British Columbia?


Jace is in over her head. But with the help of her former lover, Tanaka—whose family is one of the last samurai clans left in Japan—she stands a chance at seeking justice for the condemned children… Until the Yakuza tries to put an end to Jace’s investigation. Jace risks more than death—this time, it’s the fate of her very soul that’s in danger . . .

My opinion:

          Fabulous! Really so far I haven’t discovered another series that can hook me so fast and that since book 1. Of course I have others series I consider favourites (and a lot) but when it comes to suspense one, investigations one I can often guess the culprit , motives etc  it’s not necessarily bad per say, I do enjoy romantic suspense nevertheless but it takes more to keep me hooked. With DD Barant, yes sometimes details can be predictable, I guess some things but there are so many twists and turn that I keep being surprised and I love that!. It’s a book (and series) where each word is important and you don’t want to miss a line.

 I greatly enjoyed “Back from the Undead” because it’s perfectly in the line of the precedents books but at the same time we get once again another dimension. Jace is investigating the disappearance of pire children in Canada….not only it’s highly risky because in this parallel word Canada isn’t a pleasant place but it’s done on Stoker’s demand…. Yes the same man who tried to kill her, who killed a lot of pires and werewolves and is deviously cunning and manipulative. As you can imagine it won’t be easy even less if you add Yakuza to the mix.

DD Barant managed to keep the investigation so realistic despite all the paranormal elements and created so many twists and turns that I had to finish this book in one read. Trying to guess Stocker motives, even more after meeting Zevon was interesting and so funny. Charlie, the golem, is as always a great partner for Jace and he helps her a lot when, starting to be affected by the special spell making guns unknown, Jace is panicking. Oh let’s not forget his love for good clothes and how he hates when they get destroyed or dirty^^… what was the funnier was to see him completely in symbiosis with his T Rex soul^^   I could really imagine the TRex vs Oni and it was so fitting the ambiance of the book that I couldn’t stop smiling.

Jace is adjusting to the universe a little to well even since she is starting to be affected by the curse too but it was interesting to see how her relationships were evolving. Now with Cassius, she still has doubt but decide to go with the flow. She is still planning to go back home but she is starting to make a life for herself where she is by starting a Dojo (even if her clients have more strength and speed than her^^;;)

Eisfanger, the lab technician and shaman, is also on her team and he does help I was happy to see this thrope and how he still get confused by Jace‘s speech and attitude while Charlie seems to have given up. The alchemy between them is really well done.

The investigation part is just right paced, like I said each detail or element has an importance for this story or later but the fact the divinities and spirits were involved was a great plus. Gashadokuro will make you smile and you won’t look at your meals the same way^^ . Really the tension was so high  I was biting my nails but at the same time the balance with the humour just kept a smile on my face all along the story except for one thing.  I was disappointed to see Tanaka appears so shortly and how it went…we learn he is from a family of samurais and that there is top secret because they were hunted and still are. It explains his personality and how feeling guilty about what he has to do he is trying to regain his honor… yes but after that it just felt wrong. I hope we will discover there were more to it and that he will come back because just this time wasn’t enough and not right, I would have hoped he would at least make her meet the other samurais

So at the end I can only recommend you to try this series if you love urban fantasy, humour, action and investigation you will really love it (still think of it as a mix between criminal minds and ncis les expert). I should have read it on Halloween perhaps but each day I waited would have been one too late it’s really a wonderful book so don’t wait and just get your copy . To recommend!

Score:  4,5/5

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

Challenges:

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Brenda's halloween contests

Today is the last day of Brenda's event The Ghoulishly Good Monster Mash Mix up.., the topic: all the different kinds of shifters ( other than werewolves) because diversity is the key of success.

To win a pre order of Avenger's Heat or an ebook enter here before the 3rd November

Remember to check the other contest too while you can still enter ;) Good luck