Virtue by Amanda Hocking

Virtue was a quick read with a storyline reminiscent of a fairy tale. Virtue was not a favorite of mine by Amanda Hocking, but a good read, all the less. Because this read was a novella I felt as though the story was rushed and could have easily been a full length novel.

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Silence, the third installment of the Hush, Hush series did not grab me in the same way book one and two did. Enough time had lapsed between books two and three that I felt a recount of past events in Silence would help refresh the reader as to the events of book two. Overall I enjoyed this read, but felt something lacking from the prior installments in the series.

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

I enjoyed the premise of Angel Burn. The basis of the story is something entirely different than what I have experienced with angel novels. There was a noticeable chemistry between Willow and Alex that kept me wanting more, although the storyline was a bit predictable in places. Overall a good read that I would recommend.

Great Hexpectations by H.P. Mallory

Absolutely AMAZING!!! I positively loved the third installment of the Dulcie O'Neil series. The chemistry between the characters, the humor, the surprises and the emotion this book invokes is unbelievable. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment, but will now re-read the entire series to relive it all from the beginning- yes it was that good! Way to go H.P., you have outdone yourself with this one! 

The First Husband by Laura Dave

If I could rate this book five stars plus, plus, plus I absolutely would. What can I say? Wow. I could not put The First Husband down. I did not want it to end. I would love to see the characters reappear in a future work (please?). I found all the characters endearing in their own right and relevant and real. It is not every day that a read grabs me as The First Husband did. 

Escape by Barbara Delinsky

I really enjoyed Escape and found that I could not put this book down. The setting was perfect and for a good part of the story I was not sure what the outcome would be. I love to come across a read that is unpredictable and I found that in Escape. I also like how the author took some characters that I didn't particularly care for and developed personalities that I eventually found endearing. A definite must read! 

I am currently reading Unbound by Neal Lozano

Purpose by Kristie Cook

Purpose by Kristie Cook is a continuation of the Soul Savers series. Seven years have past since the conclusion of book one and Lexi is a shadow of her former self, missing the half that makes her whole. In my opinion, Purpose fell short of the first novel, Promise. As with the first novel, I felt like one of the main antagonists, Vanessa, was very similar to an antagonist in a popular series. I drew the same parallel between Lexi and Tristan in book one. All in all a good read, but would like to see some character development and a deeper plot unfold in the next installment.

Promise by Kristie Cook

Promise by Kristie Cook was referred to me by a good friend who absolutely loved it. I liked Promise, but did not love it. Lexi's attraction to Tristan reminded me of another pair of popular characters who experience a similar dangerous attraction. This similarity actually made their relationship seem less endearing to me. Other elements of the book, such as Lexi's and Tristan's origins and the common enemy was unique and enjoyable. I thought there would be a hidden enemy that did not materialize, which I was glad did not unfold. Overall a good read.

I am currently reading Promise by Kristie Cook

Alexis Ames decides to learn who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their secrets closely. After meeting Tristan Knight and discovering that he s not normal either, the secrets begin to unravel. Their union brings promise to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy. Because they are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

This has got to be the most heart wrenching, tear jerking reads I have delve into in the longest time- if ever. This is a heart warming, intimate and tragic tale of a woman scorned, a mom's memoirs for her son and one mans mysterious past which will keep the reader guessing until the final chapters. Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas comes complete with a beautiful backdrop of Martha's Vineyard and a set of unforgettable characters. A page turner that will require a box of tissues!

Fate Fixed by Bonnie Wheeler

Fate Fixed is about a girl name Lexie and the boy of her dreams, Torin. The small town Lexie moves to with her mother, sister and step family experiences gruesome fatal attacks and mysterious happenings in the woods in her new hometown. Fate Fixed is a supernatural mystery that will keep the reader guessing as to who is behind the attacks; a rabid animal or something worse...something unthinkable. The protagonist, Lexie is likeable, as is the man of her dreams, Torin. Fate Fixed, book one in the Erris Coven Series, is a good read. Enjoy!

A Demon Made Me Do It by Penelope King

'A Demon Made Me Do It' was a unique and interesting read. I have read a lot of paranormal fiction, but can not think of a read that comes close to the premise of the first installment in the Demonblood Series. Meet Liora, a likable protagonist, who we soon learn has a dark secret. Enter an alternate existence, mysterious murders and a handsome newcomer, Kieron. 'A Demon Made Me Do It' was compelling from beginning to end. I am anxiously awaiting book two in the series!

I am currently reading Fate Fixed by Bonnie Erina Wheeler

I am currently reading: A Demon Made Me Do It by Penelope King

'Some girls share clothes, a bathroom, or a bedroom. Seventeen-year-old Liora Greyson has to share, too. Only she shares her body--with a demon.'

Craved by Stephanie Nelson

Craved by Stephanie Nelson is a captivating read that kept me turning the pages and wanting more. I enjoyed the chemistry between Gwen, the witchy protagonist and Aiden, the sexy vampire pursuing her. Add in a murder mystery, some laugh out loud humor, a wolfy ex and magic galore and you have Craved. I am very much looking forward to the next installment of this new series.

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

I was expecting Witches of East End to be an easier read than it turned out to be. I had a difficult time losing myself in this read. To me, the final chapters were the most revealing and least cryptic. I would have liked to have learned more about the protagonists earlier in the book. I did find the protagonists likable and the antagonists hard to identify, which kept me going and guessing until almost the very end.

Passion by Lauren Kate

I was disappointed in book three of the Fallen Series. I enjoy the chemistry between Daniel and Luce. Having Luce travel all over time and encounter numerous Daniel's, but not her Daniel left me wanting more. I was in hopes that all the time travel would help identify Luce's roll in the 'fall'. I have a theory, but I will keep it to myself because that is all it is: a theory. I look forward to the next book in the Fallen series and to having some blanks filled in. 

I am currently reading Craved by Stephanie Nelson

Gwen Sparks holds a rare power. She can see into the memories of the dead. When she learns that vampires are killing witches for the power in their blood she'll have to team up with her ex-boyfriend, detective Micah Reynolds to catch the murderer. She'll also have to protect her heart...and her veins, against a sexy but frustrating vampire who has claimed her as his.

Family Storms by VC Andrews

I liked the first book in this new series by VC Andrews. I have read so many VC Andrews books and series I thought I knew the outcome of Family Storms about mid-way through. I was right on one assumption, which I will not reveal, and was surprisingly wrong on my other two assumptions.
A good read with a likeable main character and interesting plot. I am anxious to see whaty is in store for the second book in the series.

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

Nice, light read for the summer. The characters were likeable and I enjoyed the writing style the author chose and how the story developed by flashing back and forth between the present and the childhood of the characters. I love the attempted 'robbery' and the loon from the internet date site- both were laugh out loud encounters.
It was refreshing to see a main character with flaws flourish and find her way after overcoming very real and relevant obstacles regarding bullying and eating disorders.

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

I like the concept of Immortal Beloved and look forward to book two in the trilogy. The summary and title of the book led me to think this was a paranormal romance with a touch of reincarnation, which is not the case. I was slightly disappointed with that misconception but Immortal Beloved still reads well and ends leaving the reader wanting more. 

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels was, in my opinion, not as compelling as the previous books in the Mortal Instruments Series. I am also disappointed in the progression of Jace and Clary's relationship. I did enjoy the revelation of the nemisis towards the end of Fallen Angels. A couple of questions I thought would be answered and were not- Why did the seelie queen give Clary the bell? What did the witch mean when she said Jace would fall in love with the wrong girl? Ugh...I will just have to wait until the next installment in 2012! Overall a very good read...I just wanted more.

HP Mallory, Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author: Become a Character in my next Jolie book Contest!!...

HP Mallory, Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author: Become a Character in my next Jolie book Contest!!...: "Become A Character Contest!!! I'm at it again! Become a character in my next Jolie Wilkins book, Be Witched! The super fun part of this co..."

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

I really enjoyed book three of the Mortal Instrument series. There were some sad bits, and some surprising bits that were very agreeable. Many secrets were revealed, but I can not help feeling like there are more to come. I must say I like the modern love interest between Alec and Magnus. Their relationship is tastefully developing in an area that many are still not entirely comfortable with. Kudos to Cassandra Clare for adding the modern love interest into such a well written series! Off to book four, City of Fallen Angels! 

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

I am an ardent fan of the Sookie Stackhouse series. I anxiously countdown from the time I read the last page until the next book in the series is released. With that being said, I must say that I thought this was a slow starter in the series. Rather than flying through the pages, I was speed reading through the pages waiting for the story to get going. For me, the story really began about half way through the book. At that point I began enjoying myself, thankfully. I think that part of my bane is that so many creatures and sub-plots have been woven in that are still active topics in the series. I feel as though the first several chapters are designed to re-cap who these characters are and to place them in the current novel. All I can say I want more vamps and less vamp politics, less orphaned fairies and less re-hasing of past events. I will continue reading the series, I am loyal, just slightly disappointed in this particular book in the series.

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

I was taken by book one and completely enraptured by book two of the Mortal Instruments Series, City of Ashes. There is a definite chemistry that Cassandra Clare has created that makes it acceptable with the reader that Jace and Clary have this forbidden yearning. Each character whether Shadowhunter, Downworlder or mundane could stand alone as a protagonist in their own series. I also like how the book changes prospective from one character to the next as a narrative without having the story line stray from the plot. Happily onto book three! 

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

I was easily sucked up into this entertaining world of Shadowhunters, downworlders, mundanes and demons. I love New York City, so I was pleasantly surprised to find NYC as the backdrop for this compelling read. The characters easily become endeared and developed well early on, the plot thickened and twisted like the roots of an old withered tree. The epilogue left the reader wanting more, but was well written and could have smoothly ended as a stand alone novel. Lucky for me it is a series and I am happily off to book two! 

A Tale of Two Goblins by H.P. Mallory

A Tale of Two Goblins, part two of the Dulcie O'Neil series, was an enjoyable read. I think I may actually have a crush on the Loki, Knightley Vander. H.P. Mallory has a technique of creating male characters which are absolutely irresistible! The vampire, Bram Stoker, is a little hokey, but grows on the reader just the same. I was skeptical of the protagonist, Dulcie O'Neil, at the end of book one, but any skepticism I had has dissipated. A great read...I am anxiously awaiting book 3!! 

To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory

It took me a while to get through To Kill a Warlock. I prefer paranormal fiction that does not contain quite as many paranormal characters. I suppose I prefer the protagonist to be human (a witch is OK), so I knew from the beginning I was going to have to overcome my preferences in order to enjoy To Kill a Warlock. I did warm up to several of the main characters; let's face it who doesn't like a sexy paranormal man?? Dulcie is still growing on me as a protagonist, perhaps I will feel differently after reading the second installment in the series. I should mention how much I enjoy the humor H.P. Mallory sprinkled throughout To Kill a Warlock, I love to come across a read that makes me laugh out loud!  

A Short Poem Inspired by a Friend Waiting for His Soul Mate

We may not have met

As of yet

But rest assured, my love

I know you are out there

Imagining me

Imagining you

When the timing is right

We will begin our flight

Together forever, my love

by: Trisha Fleming

Giving Your Characters Life Online

Great article regarding the development of fictional characters by way of social media. I think this is a great tool, especially if you are having problems developing a particular character...or just love your character so much that you would like for them to be shared with all! I have seen this on Facebook recently, and I have got to say that I love the voice it lends the character.



http://selfpubauthors.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/giving-your-characters-life-online/

Social Media for the Book Blogger

I came across this article regarding the do's and dont's of book blogging. Some great suggestions, check it out by clicking the link below!


http://chicklitisnotdead.com/2011/04/ask-liz-lisa-social-media-5-dos-and-a-do-over/

Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory

For the four stars I awarded Fire Burn using Goodreads.com I would award Toil and Trouble with ten stars, but I will have to settle for five as this is the Goodreads.com limit when providing a review. What can I say, I loved, loved Toil and Trouble and was left wanting much, much more. The chemistry between Jolie and Rand has blossomed far beyond any dreams I had at the end of Fire Burn. The twist during the battle caught me off guard in a good way- well done! The characters of this series are endearing and hopefully will reappear in many more novels in this series (hint, hint H.P.- I want more than the three book deal with Bantam!!!). I am pleased that a novella will be forthcoming in December 2011 regarding the strife between Sinjin and Rand. Did I mention that I was completely engrossed in Toil and Trouble?? It was one of those reads that you can not get enough of, but read so quickly that you could kick yourself for not making it last just a little bit longer...

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory

I have been in the YA zone for quite some time. So when within days I attended an online Q and A with H.p. Mallory (and absolutely loved her) and had a dearest friend of mine rave in a way I haven't heard about this book, I thought why not? I shelved my YA interests for a time to read Fire Burn. I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoy the chemistry and angst between Jolie and Rand. I also liked how there are attractive potential supernatural suitors galore. I also find it refreshing that at then end of this book I am absolutely unclear on whom Jolie's love interest will be. However, I am surprised at Jolie's purity. In an age of wanton ways a celebate mid-twenties something gal is a rarity. I hope Jolie starts in on something extra-curricular in book two, the girl definitely is surrounded by some alpha males that I would not be able to resist for long. The only problem I had with Fire Burn was the abrupt ending, the novel flowed nicely until the last page which I thought cut off abruptly. I think a cliff hanger may have worked better to leave the readers sitting on the edge of their easy chair with their jaw on the ground. Maybe H.p. Mallory wasn't sure she would write a second book? All and all a great find and I look foward to book two!

All Ages Welcome!!

I am a fiction enthusiast who loves a good book. I can dig into a biography, a mystery, a romance, a paranormal, etc, etc. Since the running of the vamp fiction took hold a few ago I have been looking for a paranormal author that can stand on their own. Well,someone who can hold me over til the next Sookie book. I have really taken a liking to young adult paranormal authors. A few in particular stand out for me: Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzgerald, Lee Nichols and Amanda Hocking. Great authors who release compelling series and a must read for lovers of the paranormal genre. Please note, my avid readers, that young adult does not mean elementary reading. The YA genre just omits a lot of language and sex scenes (cleans it up if you will). Please grab a YA and dig in, I guarantee you will enjoy it!!