Short 'n Sweet Novellas with Bite... My Review of "Ablaze" (Ablaze, #1) by Morgan Black

Ablaze by Morgan Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

***ARC provided by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review***

After reading this short yet sweet novella, I have to admit that I am hooked on the possibility of learning more about the relationship that's developing between Cheyenne & Luke...

However, I would be lying if I said that this book didn't have a few issues. One of which is the flow of the book, along with the strength of the characters (Luke & Cheyenne) as being fully realized individuals who fall for one another. Also, I felt that after the 65% mark that there was a disconnect in the dialogue concerning Cheyenne and Luke.

I do realize that with a novella being this short, that there's only so much that the author can include for the readers, but still, being the Persnickety reader that I am, I'm always in search of quality reads that will captivate me for 1-4 hours straight...

Although this novella wasn't absolutely perfect, it was a decent start for what may turn out to be a really awesome series...

Other than that, this book was a sweet little romp that'll keep you occupied for an hour.

Giving this one 2.75 stars.





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Interracial Romance with Soul... My Review of: "Love Through Pain" by Ancelli

Love Through Pain by Ancelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To say that I was thoroughly impressed with this book would be a total understatement. I was absolutely amazed with how well written this book was. In my mind, I kept thinking that this couldn't possibly be written by the same author, whose (earlier) books, totally turned me off. I tried to be nice about it, but I hated her first book! But now... I am so amazed at what I had a chance to read.

I started reading this book on last night, got to 9% and then went to sleep. I am so glad that I did stop, because if I hadn't, I wouldn't have hardly gotten any sleep at all!



Thankfully, I didn't restart until about 2pm on this afternoon... At 5:40pm, I was able to finish this deliciously well-written book with a smile on my face.

Not only was this book intensely captivating, but the characters were memorably realistic until it was just absolutely nuts!

Although it had a minimal amount of flaws, Ancelli totally outdid herself.

I am so thankful that one of my fellow "Fans of Interracial Romance" group members was willing to loan this amazing book to me, because if she hadn't, I probably would have never taken a chance on this novel. I'm glad that I gave Ancelli's books a second chance....

Giving this one 5 stars.



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My Review of: "The Righteous and the Wicked" by April Emerson

The Righteous and the Wicked by April Emerson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

***ARC supplied by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review***

Please don't get me wrong on this.. While I really enjoyed the general premise of the book, and was actually compelled to read it in one sitting, I found that there was a general disconnect with the characters and with the flow of the story.

I can understand the Catholic Angst of wanting to do the right thing and avoid temptation, but for some reason or another, it seemed as if the writer was a little heavy handed with Eric's constant referral's to his addiction as being "dark" and demonic.

Emma, in my opinion, was not a strong character in the beginning, and I really do feel like her background wasn't explored enough to justify her self-hatred. Also, tell me this... how can one broken person heal another? It's almost like the blind leading the blind, which of course, ends up with the characters in a complete and total mess. Which leads me to the train wreck that occurred as Emma makes her deal with the devil, so that he can come to the light.

As with any train wreck, it's ugly to watch, but you just can't help yourself....



What happens afterwards, you will have to discover that for yourself...

Pros: This story was fast-paced with Seductive, Well-Choreographed Sex. Interesting characters (such as Eric, a broken conflicted horn-dog of a man who just doesn't give a flip who he sticks it to & Emma, a woman who eventually finds her voice & decides to stop being a victim).

Cons: Uneven flow. Annoying moments in the story that will cause you to roll your eyes, and issues regarding the POV's that need to be refined.

This book does have the potential to be a 5 star book, but it needs to have some issues resolved first and foremost.

Giving this one: 2.75 stars.



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Intensely Captivating Vampires... My Review of: " Aden" (Vampires in America, #7) by D.B Reynolds

Aden by D.B. Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*** ARC supplied by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review***

To be succinct, I loved reading this book. Not only was it fast paced, with a great storyline, but also the characters were well-developed. And that goes doubly so for the character of Aden. I especially loved reading the narratives depicting Aden's fight to survive in a world where the blood of an Arabian Royal's Bastard son, meant little to nothing.

The thing that I did take notice of, is that D.B. seemed to have turned up the heat a few notches, with the sex scenes, which in my opinion, were incredibly sensual, and well choreographed.

After reading this installment in the "Vampires in America" series, I can definitely say that D.B has moved to my "1 Click" list.

By adding her own special touch to the world of Vampire PNR/UF fiction, D.B. Reynolds has managed to provide readers with a series that is not only original, but also intensely captivating as well.

Giving this one: 4.75 stars.



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My Favorite Things for the Week of: January 16, 2014

Sexy Vamps Ahoy! My Review of: " Blood Prophecy" (Blood Hunters, #4) by Marie Treanor

Blood Prophecy by Marie Treanor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

***ARC generously provided by Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review***

For me, a great book has the awesome power to compel you to continue reading, regardless of the time and/or setting.

After having read this most recent installment in the "Blood Hunters" series, I believe that I can safely say that Marie Treanor definitely has the "goods" as a PNR writer.

Not only is her world-building top-notch, but also her passion for her craft via the creation of multidimensional characters, polished storylines, & not to mention, some "muy caliente" sex scenes, is quite evident as well.

I like how she allows the reader to have a good look at Janiene, a former prostitute/junkie, now a vamp hunter & at Dmitriu, a former priest, now a Vamp investigator with a body made for pure lust, and enables us to witness how the power of love, lust, adventure, and acceptance can help the broken overcome their issues and essentially become someone extraordinary.

Giving this one: 4 solid stars.

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Sexy Vamps Ahoy! My Review of: "Blood Descent" (Blood Hunters #3) by Marie Treanor

Blood Descent by Marie Treanor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

***ARC supplied by Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review***

To be succinct, I enjoyed reading installment #3 in Marie Treanor's "Blood Hunter's" series, but to be quite honest, I felt like it was missing the intensity of the 1st installment.

Don't get me wrong, the book was great, but it wasn't 100% captivating... Overall, it was captivating in certain parts of the book, mind you, but not 100% captivating...

For me, a 5 star book literally compels me to finish it within 3,4, or even 5 hours, even if I have to finish the book at 3 frickin' o'clock in the frackin' morning.

It wasn't an excellent read, but it was definitely above average...

Giving this one: 3.5 stars for intrigue, hawt sex, and awesome PNR elements...







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My Review of:" Black Arts" (Jane Yellowrock, #7) by Faith Hunter

Black Arts by Faith Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being able to read a well-written story that's been crafted by a Master storyteller, such as Faith Hunter, has been somewhat of a rarity these days. Yes, there are some writers who do a decent job with presenting their characters to their fan base, but sometimes, I just want a 'Lil more perfection than some writers are willing to give.

Give me a kick a$% heroine and other multidimensional characters, a world that's been built with much love and care, along with a boatload of snappy dialogue that's second to none, and I am one happy chica.

While reading this book, I was well pleased,with every aspect of it, except for the ending, of which I wanted more, but overall I cannot complain.

For those of you who are still sitting on the fence, wondering if Ms. Hunter's books are worth the $$, please know that Faith Hunter is a Top Notch Urban Fantasy writer whose literary works are worthy of not only being one's "Want It, Need It, Gotta Have It Now List," but her books are also well worth the price as well.

Giving this one: 4.75 stars...



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My Review of:" Reason Enough" (Dan and Elle, #1.5) by Megan Hart

Reason Enough by Megan Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a sweet 'n spicy novella that was a fun read. Not much to think about, but it was decent.

Giving this one: 3 stars

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My Review of: "Roommate Wanted" (Sharing Space, #1) by Nina Perez

Roommate Wanted by Nina Perez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this novella, and I'm looking forward to reading the other installments in this series.

Although it wasn't absolutely captivating, it has managed to pique my interest.

Giving this one: 3 solid stars....

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My Review of:"Collide" by Megan Hart

Collide by Megan Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although this book wasn't absolutely spectacular, I did enjoy reading it.

What I really liked is that it had an interesting paranormal-tinged plot (Time Travel anyone?), seductive sex scenes that were well-played, and 2 very likeable characters. I especially loved the way that Ms.Hart developed the character of Johnny (who, btw, was seriously hawt...)

The only thing that I can complain about is that there was some considerable lag in the very beginning of the book, which inspired me to fast forward and skip around the book (at first).

Other than that, it was a fairly decent read.

Giving this one: 3 Solid Stars.



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My Review of: "Blood Guilt" (Blood Hunters #1) by Marie Treanor

Blood Guilt by Marie Treanor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*** ARC received courtesy of Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review***

After having read this awesome PNR written by Marie Treanor, I am thoroughly impressed. The characters were multidimensional, the story was well-developed, and her world-building is spectacular.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mihaela & Maximilian's story of lust, love, and redemption. For me, being the persnickety reader that I am, reading a fairly captivating PNR/UF is such a rare treat to the point that it is almost unreal.

My only issue with the book is that there was a minimal amount of lag in the 1st half of the book, other than that, this book was awesome!

I'm convinced that Marie Treanor's books are worth being on just about any PNR/UF lover's "AutoBuy" list.

Giving this one: 4 solid stars.



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My Review of: "Blood of Angels" (Blood Hunters #2) by Marie Treanor

Blood of Angels by Marie Treanor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

***ARC provided by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review***

As a lover of just about everything PNR, I loved this book. Although it moved somewhat slow in the beginning, I enjoyed reading it, but I do have to say that I enjoyed the 1st installment in this series, a lot better.

Other than that, Ms. Treanor has presented us with another intriguing PNR featuring 2 broken people who find a sense of wholeness in each other.

Giving this one: 3 stars.



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My Review of: "Raphael" by D.B. Reynolds

Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*** ARC supplied by NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review****

I absolutely love it when the heroine makes a decision not give up the "cookie" so easily to an Alpha male (who would inspire just about any Chica to drop their panties on the fly). But the thing that I really love, is when the Alpha takes a good look at that self-respecting Chica, and decides to claim her, because she is is his woman.

Ahhhh, how I love books that detail a good chase/dance of seduction between a man and his woman.

After reading this, I was thoroughly pleased to learn that this was D.B's first book, because it was Awesome!

Not only did this book have fully realized characters, but it was a captivating read, that was well-written with loads of snappy dialogue.

Although it started a little slow for me, it built up to a fever pitch crescendo, leaving me panting for more at 2:30in the morning.

D.B. is now one of my official "1 Click" authors.

Giving this one: 4.5 stars for an excellent combo of PNR, Mystery, and Suspense elements.



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My Favorite Things for the Week of: January 6, 2014

My Review of: "Republic of Love" by Carol Shields

The Republic of Love by Carol Shields
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*** ARC provided by Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review***

Every now and then, I like being able to read a book that causes me to think, one that I can truly savor. With that being said, this book of poetic prose was a joy to read and ponder. Unlike some books which are an exercise in the "Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am" mentality of our instant gratification-based culture, this book gives the reader a window into the lives of 2 damaged people who find themselves engaged in a restorative type of "slow love."

After having watched the movie version of this book, being able to finally take the time to read this book, was a true gift.

Not only was,the story well crafted, but the characters were fully dimensional, as well.


Some may not like the slow and steady pace of the book, but when something this good is being cooked, you have to give it time to let the story unfold.

Oh to be loved like Tom loves Fay,... Now that would truly be sublime.

Giving this one 5 stars.



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My Review of: "Blood Guilt" by Marie Treanor

Blood Guilt by Marie Treanor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*** ARC received courtesy of Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review***

After having read this awesome PNR written by Marie Treanor, I am thoroughly impressed. The characters were multidimensional, the story was well-developed, and her world-building is spectacular.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mihaela & Maximilian's story of lust, love, and redemption. For me, being the persnickety reader that I am, reading a fairly captivating PNR/UF is such a rare treat to the point that it is almost unreal.

My only issue with the book is that there was a minimal amount of lag in the 1st half of the book, other than that, this book was awesome!

I'm convinced that Marie Treanor's books are worth being on just about any PNR/UF lover's "AutoBuy" list.

Giving this one: 4 solid stars.



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My Review of: "Elevator Heat"

Elevator Heat by B.D. Rowe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

***ARC supplied by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review***

I liked this book, I really did, but... I would be lying if I were to say that it was 100% pitch perfect (which it definitely wasn't).

While reading the book, I could see where the author was going with the POV's, but it seemed as if the flow of the storyline was thrown off with the POV's. Also, it seemed as if the characters were on their way to becoming fully realized, but with a story this short, there weren't enough pages to allow that to happen.

Other than that, I liked the way that the author allowed the reader to see the relationship/infatuation unfold between 2 broken people in need of one another.

Although the ending left something to be desired, it was a decent book, but it needs to broken down and put back together, piece by piece.

Giving this one: 2.5 stars.



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