REVIEW: The Law of Moses (The Law of Moses #1) by Amy Harmon

Title: The Law of Moses
Series: The Law of Moses #1
Author: Amy Harmon
Publisher: Amy Harmon
Published: November 27th 2014
Format: eBook | Pages: 333
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance (with Paranormal elements)
Source: Amazon

Amy Harmon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.

Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story.

The first few words of every story are always the hardest. It's almost as if pulling them out, speaking them into existence, commits you to seeing it all the way through. As if once you start, you are required to finish.

Sigh.

There's hardly a moment in any given day that I don't want to pick up a book. But there are times that not just any book will do. I sometimes feel a need, almost a desperation, to be emotionally destroyed by a book. To be pulled so deep into the brink of sorrow and heartache that I'm practically drowning in it. So far down that I'm not at all sure it'll be possible for me to reach the surface again.

I'm always surprised when someone, an author, is able to evoke those kinds of feelings, emotions within me. When I started feeling that craving coming on recently I instantly knew that Amy Harmon and The Law of Moses were going to fill that need for me. I'd previously read her book Making Faces which did all of those things for me while also sprinkling in bits of warmth and happiness, so I was feeling pretty confident. If anything, The Law of Moses probably even made me feel a tiny bit more.

It was really hard for me to put a label on this book when it comes to genre, because at it's heart it's Contemporary, except there was this huge part of one of the characters, and who they were, that was heavily influenced with the Paranormal and/or Supernatural. So I guess you could kind of view it either way. No matter what label you throw on it though the one thing that matters is that Amy Harmon is a brilliant author. She strings together all these words that paint these beautiful images in your mind. Images of tragedy and loss and breaking, of love and mending.  

Whatever it was, when Moses came to Levan, he was like water—cold, deep, unpredictable, and, like the pond up the canyon, dangerous, because you could never see what was beneath the surface. And just like I'd done all my life, I jumped in head first, even though I'd been forbidden. But this time, I drowned.

Just like Georgia, I found myself quickly drowning in Moses. I seem to gravitate towards the broken and Moses could not have been more so. I found myself completely fascinated by his character and constantly wanting more of him. Every time we got to be in his point of view would end up pulling me deeper into his character. The only downside to that was that it could be so heartbreaking at times. Knowing exactly from his own mind how deeply he viewed himself as nothing or worthless or...I don't know. It's really hard to put into words. He made my heart heavy and I just wanted to hug him, convince him he was wrong.

"I'm a very ordinary girl, Moses. I know that I am. And I always will be. I can't paint. I don't know who Vermeer is, or Manet for that matter. But if you think ordinary can be beautiful, that gives  me hope. And maybe sometime you'll think about me when you need an escape from the hurt in your head."

My love for Georgia was right up there with my love for Moses. I loved her small town, country girl attitude. I loved her heart and compassion. I loved her tenacity, her complete and total stubbornness. I think what made me love her the most was the fact that she saw something beautiful and worth knowing in Moses. Something that goes beyond the pretty yet intimidating outer package. When everyone else was afraid of him and automatically assumed the worst, Georgia believed in him and ran towards him instead of away, hard as he tried to push her away himself.

Like I said there was a paranormal aspect to Moses's character that was a complete surprise to me. Normally surprises like that, going in expecting one thing and getting another, end up irritating me but it had the complete opposite effect in this case. It added so much more to this story and added this deeper emotional element that, in my opinion, it wouldn't have had without it. I feel so cryptic with not telling you what was so special about Moses but I really think it's one of those you need to read to find out things.

The Law of Moses was everything I was needing and expecting from an emotional read. It also surprised me at every turn. The characters are complex and complicated in all the best ways. I found it impossible to put down and found myself dreading the final chapter. I wish I could've stayed in this world and with these characters for just a little bit longer. If you love a book that will turn you upside down and inside out then I highly recommend this one.

SERIES REVIEW: The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices
Books in Series: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genres: Young Adult, Historical, Fantasy, Steampunk, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance
Source: Amazon & BookOutlet

Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Clockwork Angel Summary:

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them...

After I first finished The Mortal Instruments I didn't think there'd be any way possible for any other books set in this world to touch that feeling that they left me with. I knew everyone would always say that The Infernal Devices is so much better, it's their favorite, etc. But I felt so strongly over the fact that this wouldn't be the case with me. I mean I was on such a Shadowhunter high after I got done with City of Heavenly Fire it just seemed impossible.

I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong. (That was me admitting it...)

First off, let me just say, the emotional turmoil that I suffered throughout this series, most especially through Clockwork Princess, was just unreal. I can honestly say that I have never cried so much over a book as I did with that one. Do you think I can get Cassandra Clare to foot the bill for therapy? No? 

I love how this series was not only set in a different country but also it's a step back in time. Getting to see some of the history of these strong Shadowhunter families and how they've been entwined together over a century. Connecting events or people or objects from both the past and the present. Seeing family heirlooms from where they originated and the deeper meanings behind them. I found myself, well, giddy for lack of a better word whenever connections were made.

While I was completely obsessed with all the characters from TMI series, the ones in TID were just that much more for me. And I'm not just talking about the holy trinity that is Tessa, Will and Jem. I mean all of them. The ones who made me hate them and absolutely insane with rage. The ones who made me love them and experience their highs and lows with them. 

Of course I had my one character who stood out from the rest and I know that most people are very much Team Will, Team Herondale but...now I loved Will I truly, truly did...but I fell irrevocably and completely in love with Jem. Sigh. It was instant and unstoppable. I honestly see the appeal everyone has for Will because I truly felt that either direction that Tessa's heart went, had it been Will or had it been Jem, I would never have been too upset about it. Okay maybe just a little. But I would've been at peace either way.

The whole sort of steampunk aspect to this book was just the coolest. I loved the mix of clockwork things in a historical London setting. Plus it made for some truly "how in the heck are they gonna get out of this?" types of situations. I was on the edge of my seat...a lot.

It was also interesting, yet completely horrifying, to see or at least understand better a little bit of the history between the Shadowhunter world and the downworlders. To really understand where this hate and mistrust comes from between the different groups of supernaturals and the nephilim. Some of the stories made me absolutely sick and then hate some of the old school Shadowhunter generation myself!

I am thoroughly obsessed with the Shadowhunter world and this series has brought my obsession to a whole new level. I know there may be some people who will disagree with me but I do not want Cassandra Clare to ever stop putting out books set in this world. I feel like I'll probably go through a major bout of depression when she's finally done for good. Though thankfully that seems like it's not going to be for a while yet.

I loved this jump back in history. I loved the steampunk influence. I loved all of the connections between both series. Most of all I loved this new bunch of characters. And finally...Jem is everything. Your arguments mean nothing. :)

REVIEW: Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Every Last Breath
Series: The Dark Elements #3
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: July 28th 2015
Format: Paperback | Pages: 378
Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Amazon

Jennifer L. Armentrout | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

I have to make a confession. I feel like I have committed a huge, bookish cardinal sin. Maybe I should explain the reason before I just blurt it out. See this book has been weighing on me. The whole Roth versus Zayne thing has had me more freaked out than normal to finish a series. I love a good love triangle but this one is so different because I was not putting my trust in the author to make a decision on how this would turn out, I was putting it in my peers. That's a tough pill to swallow! And if I'm being honest...had I known that before I ever read the first book...I might have never started this series in the first place which sucks to even think about. This whole thing is the reason that, even though I pre-ordered Every Last Breath and received it on release day, I waited until now to finally stop procrastinating and just finish the series.

I was only about 15-20 pages in but I just couldn't put my heart into it. It wasn't holding my attention. My brain just kept going Zayne? Roth? Zayne? Roth? Zayne? Roth? It just wouldn't stop! I needed to know so I could quiet my head and embrace this book fully. I knew deep down that either way it went, no matter what would happen with my ship I would be able to finish the book in peace if only I knew.

Sigh.

I stopped where I was...and read the last page before I went on.

I know! I feel so wrong saying it! Unclean. But you know what? It worked.

Okay. Enough of being silly. I really won't be able to say a whole lot about this book since it's the final book in a series so it's hard to come up with a lot to say that wouldn't be spoiler-ish in any way. Even though on the inside my heart is screaming all of the things that it wants me to talk about.

Once I finally got into it this book was really hard to put down. It's been a while since I finished the previous books so I was worried going in that I'd feel a bit lost without going back and rereading. But it didn't take long before I fell back into this world easily and everything came rushing back.

What I love about JLA's books is that she knows how to write a really strong and ass kicking heroine. Layla is no exception. I feel like this final book is where I loved her character the most. She had so much weighing on her throughout the entire book and I loved how even though she was scared on the inside, outwardly she rarely let that show and she had her head on straight when I feel like the average person would crack under everything that was on her shoulders and in her mind.

The other thing I love about her books is her boys. She writes the boys that you instantly fall for, the ones who even when they're being cocky as all hell make you want to smile and sigh and make you fall even harder. Roth and Zayne are both perfect examples. They both have such good qualities to them that deep down I knew that however it went I could've been happy. Though I did have my hopes set a wee bit higher on one side before going in. But that's all I'm going to say about that.

It's difficult to really try to think of anything else to say. I mean there's a million things I'd love to go on and on and on about but this review would end up way too long and...you people who haven't read this one yet would end up hating me for saying to much. So I'll just leave it at this.

This book, heck this whole series, had everything I've come to expect from Jennifer L. Armentrout. An ass kicking, badass heroine. Swoon worthy guys you'll lose your heart over. Hilarious banter and laugh out loud moments. It filled me up with so many different emotions. One minute I'd be laughing so hard and the next my heart's being ripped out of my chest. You really feel everything when you step into one of her worlds and I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion.

SERIES REVIEW: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Mortal Instruments
Books in Series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Amazon & BookOutlet

★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!!!

Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

City of Bones Summary:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know... 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

I'm not even sure where to begin with reviewing this series. The Mortal Instruments quickly became my all time favorite series this January when I finally sat down and binged the entire thing. The world building, the characters (both those loved and hated), the storyline, the danger, the intensity, the keep you on the edge of your seat situations, just everything. It was all just so perfect. I feel like this is definitely one of those series where people are generally very firmly in one camp or the other. They're either completely in love with it, or can't stand it. As you can tell, I'm obviously in the former. I've given each book a 5 star rating and I can guarantee that it'll be a series I reread hopefully often.

I am usually, more so than the world or storyline, hugely drawn in by characters. Characters can really make or break a book for me. You can write the most beautiful story, the story to beat all other stories, but if I don't like your characters, there are no words in the world that will make up that difference or make me like your book. This series has that perfect blend of characters that I loved or that I loved how much Cassandra Clare made me hate them. Hating a character isn't always a negative thing. Especially in this case.

Does that mean I liked every single character from the very beginning? No. In fact the first time I read City of Bones way back in 2012 and once again this past month I found Simon, Isabelle and Alec all to be absolutely annoying. I know! I'm sorry! Don't hate on me! But I did and now I look at my past self and wonder what on earth I was thinking. That's the thing though, it just goes to show the incredible growth and changes, the evolution of all of these characters from the series start to the series end.

(If I had to pick a favorite character from the series? Easy. Magnus Bane. With Jace and Alec nipping closely at his heels.)

What I really loved was how on edge this series kept me. Every time I would stop and think that things couldn't possibly get any worse Cassandra Clare would show me just exactly how wrong I was. These books constantly kept me guessing or second guessing the story. Any time a new character would make an appearance I was filled with dread because sometimes the evilest of intentions would hide behind a charming smile. But I loved that. I loved that my feelings were in a constant state of chaos that had me doubting my first, second and even third impressions of people.

I loved how even though the romances, yes that is plural, were huge parts of the story they were done so that it didn't overshadow everything else that was going on. On that same note what I also loved was how there was this incredibly intensity to the way all these characters felt towards one another and how so often love was used as a weapon against them, whether it was a romantic love of more of a familial love. It made for some very messed up situations and times when I had to wonder how on earth can everything turn out okay in the end and still allow me to have everyone I love still alive. How is that even going to be possible?

I really feel like I should probably stop here and just leave this review as is. I mean there are like a bunch of little things that I'd love to gush and talk about but sometimes even the smallest of things would or could spoil something for someone so I'm not exactly sure where to go from here. I'm obsessed with the Shadowhunter world and I'm ready to read every spin-off/prequel/what have you both that's already out there in the world now or to come in the future.

Yep. I'm a total fangirl and I'm not ashamed to admit it. And now I'm off to keep myself immersed in Shadowhunter land and start on The Infernal Devices! Eeep!

ARC REVIEW: The Moonshadow's Daughter (Wolfe Creek #3) by Kaylie Newell

Title: The Moonshadow's Daughter
Series: Wolfe Creek #3
Author: Kaylie Newell
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: October 26th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 182
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★★✩ (4.5/5) Stars!

Kaylie Newell | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint...

Some secrets can kill. Others bite...

To the citizens of Wolfe Creek, Aimee Styles is dead. What they don’t know is she’s alive...and a werewolf. After she was bitten two years ago, Aimee isolated herself away from the town, determined to keep them safe. But all it takes is an icy winter evening—and an incredibly virulent flu—to interrupt her self-imposed exile.

Nothing prepared doctor and single dad Jake Blackstock for the sight of Wolfe Creek's missing girl, or her delicate beauty. He's instantly and fiercely attracted to her, despite her secrets and the shadows in her near-black eyes. Jake's falling hard. He knows nothing about Aimee...or what she really is.

But something else lurks in Wolfe Creek's shadows. Something malevolent. Something that won't hesitate to rip apart their life and new love…

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

Shifter/werewolf books are always hard for me to pick up. They either try to replace substance with a lot of sex or they're filled with insta-love and someone finding their "one true mate" where they instantly fall into feelings and emotions. And let's face it add more sex over substance. Having previously read the second book in this series though, and really enjoying it, I felt no hesitation picking up The Moonshadow's Daughter and jumping back into this series. Kaylie Newell actually knows how to write a really intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat filled with tension and danger and a really good love story. I will never hesitate to pick up one of her books in the future, especially after finishing this one!

So I've read this series sort of out of order. I read book two back in June when it released and really loved it but I still haven't gone back and read  the first one. Something I plan on fixing just as soon as I finish typing this up! But Aimee's story was one that I really couldn't wait to dive into. I've been intrigued by her ever since learning of her "death" back in Hunter of Her Heart and then having her suddenly pop up in that one. I couldn't wait to really find out all the details of what her life had been like. Plus she seemed so isolated and alone and even though I didn't know her I really wanted her to find some peace and happiness.

This book was everything I was hoping it would be and so much more. I mean I fell head over heels in love with these characters and this story. The thing I've discovered that Kaylie Newell is absolutely brilliant at his making you feel everything. I really do mean everything. She can write fear and tension in a way that makes you feel as if you are living through it right along side of the characters. For most of the book you don't see this thing that she's building up towards but when she's describing the feeling of being watched the hairs on your arm and the back of your neck stand up right along side the character you're living it through. You get that creepy feeling as if you yourself are being watched. It was amazing! It's intense and I couldn't have put this book down if I wanted to. I devoured it as I held my breath and turned the pages as fast as I can.

I was so excited to see that Jake and his absolutely adorable son Daniel were set to bring Aimee into their lives for this book. I remember both of them from the previous book and their story was also one that I was intrigued by. Daniel is just the sweetest little thing and I wanted him to be real so I could snuggle him in my arms and carry him around with me. And I always lose my heart the fastest to the really devoted single dad type characters. They're like my kryptonite. I am quite smitten with this little group of characters. They're the types of characters that have you desperately wanting them to be real.

I am just completely in love with this book. It's got danger, heartbreak, intensity, passion, and a love story that will melt your heart. In a way I am so happy that I haven't read book one, Lone Wolfe Protector, yet because I'm not ready to be done with Wolfe Creek and it's people this evening. I want more! Though it's going to be hard to top this one I'm still very much looking forward to getting to know Koda and Maggie better. Love this book. Love this series!!

Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

REVIEW: Lone Wolfe Protector (Wolfe Creek #1) by Kaylie Newell

Title: Lone Wolfe Protector
Series: Wolfe Creek #1
Author: Kaylie Newell
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: August 25th 2014
Format: eBook | Pages: 201
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Amazon
★★★★✩ (4.5/5) Stars!

Kaylie Newell | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Maggie Sullivan is back in Wolfe Creek, determined to find out why her best friend vanished one fog-shrouded night a year ago. But it quickly becomes clear that if the folks in the secluded mountain town know what happened to her friend, they aren't talking...

Seasoned sheriff's deputy Koda Wolfe reluctantly agrees to help this beautiful woman, even as he tries to convince her to leave for her own good. Soon he's compelled to protect Maggie from herself, his family's ancient curse, and a killer who could strike again.The nights heat up in more ways than one as Maggie and Koda begin a fiery relationship. But as they delve deeper into the disappearance, the eerie woods come alive with secrets bound to tear them apart. 

And someone is watching their every move...

So I've kind of read this series out of order, started off with two and three then finished off with book one. But regardless of the order I read them in this series has quickly become a favorite of mine. It's so hard to find paranormal romances that aren't cheesy or repetitive or a number of other complaints I could put out there. The Wolfe Creek series, though, felt really fresh and unique, it was intense and had a dangerous edge. Filled with complex characters that are full of depth and that you wish were real. Plus an intriguing setting full of mystery and legend and magic. Each book is just as strong as the next one, pulls you in just as deeply and keeps you just as much on the edge of your seat as the others.

In a way I'm kind of glad that I wound up reading this book last. Mostly because Koda was the character I was really looking forward to the most. He seemed very intense and serious when I came across him in his brother, Zane's, book. I couldn't wait to peel back the layers and discover more about him and what makes him tick. He didn't disappoint at all. Besides, there's just something about a man in uniform.

I was surprised with how much I liked Maggie. I really couldn't get a very good read on her from the other books so I didn't go in with any feelings either way. She ended up being so much fun though. She wasn't anything like I expected her to be. She was very brave and bold and didn't allow her grief over her missing friend completely consume her. Sure she had closed herself off a bit, but she's a fighter and I loved how she never once gave up on her friend and was determined to find out the truth behind what happened to her. She was a very strong female character for everything she's gone through and I thought that was awesome.

I also really liked how the romance between Maggie and Koda progressed. How they started off wanting to strangle each other but ended with wanting to rip their clothes off instead. I love when characters start out with that kind of love/hate thing going on. Well it's more so a hate or strong dislike. They're always the most fun romances to follow. They ended up being my favorite couple from the series. They were intense and incredibly sweet and of course oh so steamy.

While I feel like the mystery and the "big bad danger" that was in this book was probably the easiest for me to figure out it didn't take away any of my enjoyment from the story. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what was going on during this book I was still just as on the edge of my seat as I was with the others. I've said it in my review for book three and I'll say it again here, Kaylie Newell is really good at making you feel everything. Everything. The danger, the intensity, the romance. I felt it all.

I loved this book and this entire series. It's been a lot of fun and so nice to be in an intriguing paranormal world that I can actually fall in love with. I look forward to reading more from Kaylie Newell in the future!

ARC REVIEW: The Reaper's Kiss (Deathmark #1) by Abigail Baker

Title: The Reaper's Kiss
Series: Deathmark #1
Author: Abigail Baker
Publisher: Entangled Select Otherworld
Published: August 25th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 341
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★✩ (3.5/5) Stars!

Abigail Baker | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Drop-dead gorgeous…and fatal.

Ollie Dormier's tattoos are deadly. She is a Scrivener—an employee for Death—and her skull tattoos mark her clients for their demise. She does her job, and she stays out of trouble. But when her hands start to burn hot and fierce, and her control goes leaping out the window, all hell breaks loose. Ollie is showing the early signs of being a Master...demonstrating power that is forbidden.

That power is exactly what Reaper Brent Hume is counting on. A hot, scruffy rebel, who does marvelous and terrifying things to Ollie's insides. Now he needs Ollie's help—and her skills—to overthrow the evil and corrupt Head Reaper. That is, if he can figure out a way to keep this hot-handed girl cool...and keep his hands off.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

I'm having very mixed feelings about The Reaper's Kiss upon finishing it. On the one hand it was a brilliant and unique storyline and so many things within that blurb had me highly intrigued and desperately wanting to get my hands on it and see what it was all about. On the other hand while I still feel like it was all of those things,  but some of the execution of the story fell flat for me.

One of the most interesting draws to this book were the Scriveners. The idea that these supernatural types tattoo their mark on you and you can kiss your soul goodbye. It was fascinating how these people would unknowingly feel the pull to wander into their shop and get marked. I wondered how difficult it would be tattooing someone knowing that it meant their death. Could I handle doing something like that? It was crazy to think of. Though the gist I got from Ollie was that the majority of the people that sat in her chair were lowlife's who didn't deserve a second thought. But still...

I absolutely love a good story where there's a fascist government and a rebellion stirring in the otherwise seemingly devoted people of said government. Plotting and planning and desiring to take down the dictator like leader and bring a more peaceful and harmonious life to their people. This book had all of those things, but that's where the execution wavered for me. Part of the time I was saying yes, yes, yes! And the rest I was running my hand over my face with a heavy sigh.

Sometimes it was hard to look past some if it's more lackluster moments. Ollie, every so often, came off very much like a petulant child. Everything had to be done her way. Upon meeting a new group of rebels for the very first time, after being told she was needed and being asked if she would help them, her response was basically my way or the highway. Especially when her question back was "Will you do everything I say?" I mean, that's it? These people didn't know her or what she was truly capable of the rumor of her has basically just been passed around and instantly they're just suppose to follow her orders without even a "here's my plan" or "here are some ideas I have". Nope it's just do as I say or I don't need you I'll go do it alone. 

The other big thing that had me questioning my feelings towards this book was the romance. Now I am all for romance. You dangle a ship in my face and I am all over that. And I do ship Ollie and Brent. I ship them hard. But I felt like this amazing story kept getting taken over by Brent, Ollie and their uncontrollable hormones. Things went up in flames way, way too fast in my opinion when they knew basically nothing about one another. This is a series. So it seems as if there's going to be plenty of time to develop a romance between them am I right? A nice and amazing slow burn that by the time it finally ignites, a couple books in at least, you feel that "finally!" feeling because the rest of the story was the bigger pull. Is that what we get? No...Hello insta-love. Sigh.

I think that's what makes this whole thing so difficult for me. Because I am completely hooked already. Like I desperately want the next book to be in my hands so I can see what happens next, because that ending...It's going to be maddening having to wait! So I'm trying hard to look past the whole insta-love thing because there's no question that I will be continuing with this series. 

My final verdict? Pretty good, but it could have been freaking amazing with just a couple tweaks. And how long until book two? *Bites nails in anticipation*

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

ARC REVIEW: Beauty and the Werewolf (San Francisco Wolf Pack #2) by Kristin Miller

Title: Beauty and the Werewolf
Series: San Francisco Wolf Pack #2
Author: Kristin Miller
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: August 25th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 176
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★ (3/5) Stars!

Kristin Miller | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint...

This lone wolf falls hard...for his enemy.

Unmated werewolves don't normally live past three hundred years old...and billionaire Jack MacGrath is cutting it close. Sure, he has almost everything-the respect of his peers, a mansion in San Francisco, a private jet, and fast cars. But without a mate, Jack's in trouble. Then he sees her. Gorgeous, proud...and his enemy.

Isabelle Connelly is good at hiding things from her father. Like her success as a painter, or the incredibly intense attraction she has to Jack MacGrath. After all, she's royalty and falling for anyone lesser-to say nothing of a rival pack-would be, er, unseemly. Now she must choose between her duty to her family and her pack...or her perfect fated mate.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

I felt the need to throw a little paranormal romance into my life to break up the huge amounts of contemporaries I've been stuck on lately. After reading the blurb for Beauty and the Wolf, it seemed like the perfect book for the job. Now, I wasn't exactly blown away, but as I whipped my way through this story I found myself drawn in deeply and filled with a need to know how Jack and Isabelle's story would end.

I became very fascinated with the lore of this world. The fact that werewolves don't normally live past 300 unless they find the one. The mate they're fated to be with. I was intrigued by all the possible "what ifs" that presented.

Jack's character was like a breath of fresh air when it comes to the normal werewolf male characters. I mean, sure he had a very powerful alpha like air about him but that side of him was minuscule compared to how sweet and kind hearted he was.

I'm always immediately drawn in to a good forbidden type of a romance. It was the huge draw that this book in particular had on me. It wasn't quite everything I had hoped it would be in that area, but it was fun all the same. I guess I had hoped there would be more of a backstory where the two families were concerned that would cause lots of back and forth. Some big, dark family secret that would be nearly impossible for either side to get past and make Jack and Isabelle's feelings seem more taboo. Even though that's not how it played out, I was still pulled in and didn't want to put the book down.

There was a lot of chemistry and sizzle between Jack and Isabelle. The only problem, which is pretty much what I expected to happen, was the whole insta-love thing. It's generally what makes me unsure about picking up a shifter/werewolf book. Romances always seem to be filled with "the one", "the fated mate" type of a situation and with that comes that instant connection and instant feelings. It's a bit frustrating, well maybe a lot frustrating, when you have a really good and pretty solid story...only to have the premature I love yous put a smudge on what is an otherwise pretty fantastic story.

Regardless of the insta-love and my desire for Jack and Isabelle's story to be filled with more roadblocks, it was a very sweet and heartwarming read. It was quick and steamy and lots of fun. Exactly the type of book I needed to mix up my reading schedule!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

ARC REVIEW: Baby's Got Bite (Take it Like a Vamp #2) by Candace Havens

Title: Baby's Got Bite
Series: Take it Like a Vamp #2
Author: Candace Havens
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: July 28th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 166
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★✩ (3.5/5) Stars!

Candace Havens | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Some consequences bite . . . big time.

Bennett Langdon has a firm no-relationships policy. Still, it doesn't stop her from hooking up with a super-sexy bad boy at her best friend's wedding. After all, it's only one night—what harm could it do? Ten weeks later, a pregnant Bennett has her answer...

Linc Monahan can't believe it. This wasn't supposed to happen. He's a werewolf, and shouldn't be able to father a child with a human. Now Linc has to find some way to tell Bennett that not only do werewolves exist, but she's about to have a baby with one.

But when word of their surprise conception gets out, the fur hits the fan. There are people who don't want this baby to be born—even if it means killing. Now Bennett and Linc aren't just fighting each other . . . they're fighting for their lives.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.

Werewolves, and vampires, and accidental pregnancies oh my! Well the first book in this series, Take it Like a Vamp, has been sitting in my Kindle for what seems like forever. But when Baby's Got Bite came along, I knew after reading that blurb that I needed to put my procrastinating to an end and at least read this one. I had quite a bit of fun reading this book. Though most things did work well for me, I will say there were one or two that didn't.

This book basically had me from the very beginning. The opening was the perfect mixture of absolutely hilarious and deliciously steamy. Bennett and Linc have a really great antagonistic type of chemistry. The kind where it seems like the only thing they would ever agree on would be the undeniable attraction between them. Oh how I love relationships that start out like this!

Linc is every bit the alpha male you would expect from a werewolf/shifter. He's the fiercely protective lone wolf. I loved how he comes off as very upbeat and playful but when you dig beneath the layers there's also  a bit of sadness and loneliness to him as well. He was quite surprising and swoon worthy.

Bennett on the other hand I both liked and disliked. She had lots of moments when she was funny and sweet and adorable, the kind of chic I'd even love to be friends with. Then there were the things that bugged me. Like the fact that all the supernaturals in the book spoke in a very polished manner. I mean, I guess it's also from the fact that most of them have been around for hundreds of years, but it's the fact that the two "humans" in the story, Bennett and her best friend Casey who's from the first book, both came off as, well, less than polished. Sure, Bennett's "potty mouth" was part of her character and how she was trying to clean up her act now that she was pregnant. I thought that was actually cute and funny at first but when every thing was "eff off" or "shove it up your a" it got less funny. And Casey was nearly as bad. I just thought it reflected negative on the human aspect and, to me at least, it screamed humans were white trash compared to all the sups.

I think that my biggest complaint though, would have to be the fact that there was so much build up and alluding to danger for Linc, Bennett and the baby for very good and very intriguing reasons. Allusions that, sadly, went no where. I was practically on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen. Almost craving something to happen but nothing really did. 

Regardless of those few disappointments, I'd have to say I still really enjoyed this book. I love how there's a huge mix of supernaturals in it. I'm talking shifters, vampires, fae, witches, etc. It definitely scratched the paranormal/supernatural itch that's been nagging at me for a while now. Can't wait to see what else is in store for this series!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!!