Murder on the Rocks (Karen MacInerney)

Trading Texas heat for Maine's tangy salt air, Natalie Barnes risked it all to buy the Gray Whale Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast on Cranberry Island. She adores whipping up her signature blueberry coffee cake and killer cranberry scones for her guests. But when her guests start turning up dead, the police and most of the townspeople think Natalie has added murder to the mix.
Now, Natalie must get cooking to solve the mystery and find the true killer before she loses the Gray Whale Inn. Or her life...

This is the 1st book in the Gray Whale Inn series. It was a fun humorous murder mystery. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

The Silence of God (Gale Sears)

At the turn of the twentieth century, St. Petersburg offers the best of Imperial Russia. The vast country is filled with grand cathedrals, a faithful populace, and many people who love and revere Tsar Nicholas II and the Romanov family. But as Russia becomes further entrenched in the Great War, a revolution begins brewing within her own borders.
For the wealthy Lindlof family, the only Latter-day Saints living in St. Petersburg at the time, the glitz and glamour of the Silver Age soon dissolves into mass rebellion, dividing their family and testing their faith. Life for Agnes Lindlof will never be the same—changed forever by an ideology that forces equality and demands the silence of God.
Agnes’s lifelong friend, Natasha Ivanovna Gavrilova, is the daughter of a professor and a firm supporter of Bolshevik ideals; she doesn’t believe in God at all. Yet, when the waves of the revolution wash over her family and her friends, Natasha must examine her own heart and decide for herself what to believe and what voice to listen to.
Based on an amazing true story of the only Latter-day Saint family living in St. Petersburg during the Bolshevik Revolution, The Silence of God is a rare glimpse into a fascinating period of history and a powerful, extraordinary novel of devotion and loyalty.

This book had a lot of Russian history and footnotes in it. I think it had more facts about the Russian / Bolshevik Revolution than depicting a story about the family. I love historical fiction, but this one was too much.

Turning Hearts (Deanne Blackhurst)

“Jake and I have called off the wedding.” “Amanda’s mother, doing dishes at the sink, froze at Amanda’s words. Her father stared at her in dismay. “But why?” her mother asked. “You both seem so happy together.” “Is it a worthiness issue?” her father turned a grim eye on Jake, who blushed. “No, sir,” he said. “It’s nothing like that.” “Then why?” her mother repeated. Amanda took a deep breath. “Because I’m going on a mission.”

Amanda knows there’s a certain family out there that needs the gospel—and she also knows she’s the one who’s supposed to bring it to them. Her recurring dream makes it seem urgent—the dream with the shiny gold frame and the vaguely familiar faces smiling down at her. The dream in which her grandmother says, “You must find them. You’re the only one who can.”

When Amanda gets to California and starts teaching, she wonders which family she was sent there to find. What happens next is something she never would have expected.

Turning Hearts is an inspiring story of faith, love, and the bittersweet struggles of missionary work that you won’t want to miss.

This was a quick read. I felt like I was reading a missionaries homecoming talk. It is a story about this girls testimony of missionary work and shared some of her favorite events throughout her mission.

The Crossing Places (Elly Griffiths)

When she's not digging up bones or other ancient objects, Ruth Galloway lectures at the University of North Norfolk. She lives happily alone in a remote place called Saltmarsh overlooking the North Sea and, for company, she has her cats Flint and Sparky, and Radio 4.
When a child's bones are found in the marshes near an ancient site that Ruth worked on ten years earlier, Ruth is asked to date them. The bones turn out to be two thousand years old, and DCI Harry Nelson, who called on Ruth for help, is disappointed. He'd hoped they would be the bones of a child called Lucy who's been missing for ten years; he's been getting letters about her ever since. Then a second girl goes missing and Nelson receives more letters. Soon it becomes clear that Ruth is in grave danger from a killer who knows that her expert knowledge is being used to help the police with their enquiries.

I enjoyed the mystery of this story, but I had a hard time with the wording she used to describe things and situations.

Dangerous (Diana Palmer)

Tall, lean and headstrong, FBI agent Kilraven lives by his own rules. And one of those rules includes keeping his hands off Jacobsville’s resident sweetheart, Winnie Sinclair, no matter the temptation. Shy and innocent, Winnie couldn’t handle a man like him—a merciless man with a haunted past. And this small town may hold not only the woman he fights to resist, but the answers to a cold case that is very personal to Kilraven....
Winnie has had her own share of sorrow and senses Kilraven’s pain. Even though she tries to deny it, the gentle 911 operator feels a connection with the darkly handsome agent. When he makes the disturbing discovery that her family’s unsavory past might have a bearing on his case, Winnie is determined to help him crack it...and the ice around his heart.
As they combine forces in a dangerous investigation, the stakes rise ever higher. Winnie’s life is on the line, and she’ll need Kilraven more than ever. But if they are to have a future together, her ruthless Texan will need to confront his past and risk it all for their love.

Loved this adventure. Had to look past the sex scenes that were described in detail, but some of the information in the middle of the scenes was needed to see the humor at the end of the book.

Chasing Lilacs (Carla Stewart)

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

The Fairy Godmother (Mercedes Lackey)

In the land of Five Hundred Kingdoms, if you can't carry out your legendary role, life is no fairy tale . . .
Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella -- until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job -- and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land.
But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale. In fact, one of them was so ornery that Elena could do nothing but change him into a donkey.
Still, her practical nature couldn't let him roam the country, so she brought the donkey -- er, the prince! -- home to her cottage to teach him some lessons. All the while keeping in mind that breaking with tradition can land everyone into a kettle of fish -- sometimes literally!
And so begins a whole new tale . . .

This was a fun read.

To Weave A Web Of Magic (Anthology)

These four extraordinary and renowned authors come together with stories of epic romance that live through the ages...of the beguiling and transforming power of beauty...of a woman awakening to the magic she possesses...of a world where human women pursue the love of angels...and of a medieval legend who comes thrillingly to life. Four stories to delight and enchant. Four rare talents destined to weave a web of magic that will leave you breathless...

Patricia McKillip's story of The Gorgon In The Cupboard was a bit too wierd for my tastes. I liked the idea that the artist finally realises that everything isnt always as it appears but could have done without the talking painting. Lynn Kurland's The Tale Of The Two Swords was very enjoyable. I think she should make this story into a full novel because I want to know more of what happens.

Sharon Shinn's Fallen Angel is definitely different from anything I've ever read. I'm not sure if I liked it or not. It is difficult to wrap my mind around this different world of angels living among us as just another race but I did like the characters.

An Elegy For Melusine, by Claire Delacroix, broke my heart. I hated the ending but liked the story up to then. I have heard a different version of this same story somewhere else.

Killing Moon (Rebecca York)

Private investigator Ross Marshall has a special talent for tracking--a talent that has helped him locate missing persons when the police's trail has gone cold. Now his current case has led him to a body buried in an isolated rural area--and a serial killer who is looking for a new victim. But while gathering evidence for the police, something goes very wrong...

The last thing genetic researcher Megan Sheridan expected was to discover her client shot and unconscious. Ross Marshall had requested her lab to run genetic tests on him, but instead of taking a blood sample, Megan found herself tending his wounds. Although frightened by the secrets she knows he is hiding, Megan is compelled to him by a force she cant explain--or resist. Ross tries to deny the ancient instincts clamoring for him to take Megan as his mate, for to do so would sentence her to a lifetime of sorrow. But now Ross has an even more urgent reason to stay aweay from Megan: The killer that he'd been hunting has turned the tables--and is now hunting him...

Took me a while to get into this one. It has a lot more crude language & images than I would have preferred but if you can get past that it has a good story.

Dagger-Star (Elizabeth Vaughan)

Elizabeth Vaughan delivers a tale of daggers and destiny with a cold and beautiful mercenary known as Red Gloves, and Josiah, a lone fighter emerging from the torched fields and razed farms of his homeland. All Josiah knows about the mysterious woman is her dagger-star birthmark, a sign that she is destined to free the people from a ruthless usurper's reign of terror.

Not a great read but I could read it more than once. I had a hard time clicking with the main character.

Shades of Gray (Pamela Carrington Reid)

Fighting her way through the chaos of her family's dysfunction, Samara Danes has immersed herself in a promising photography career. She sees no need to love or be loved. Then Adam Russell arrives in Samara's hometown on Australia's Gold Coast. Years ago, it was Adam who introduced her to the art of photography and opened her eyes to the wonder of the world. She in turn opened his heart to the truths of the gospel. Now can the older man's kindness, wisdom, and strength help save a family that teeters on the brink of dissolution? Are Samara's strong feelings for Adam more than just friendship and gratitude? With tender insight, gifted LDS author Pamela Carrington Reid explores the dynamics that stretch fragile relationships nearly to the breaking point. Shades of Gray is a richly crafted novel, genuinely moving and compelling-a tribute to the healing power of the gospel, where the lines of love are never blurred.

I thought this was a good young adult love story.

Upon the Mountain (Gale Sears)

World War I is raging in Europe. As America is drawn into the bitter conflict, Nephi Erickson comes to believe enlisting with the Marines is not only his duty, but also his best chance at making some much-needed money. He feels he has failed in his promise to care for his wife, Alaina, and their small daughter, Katie. As he leaves their tranquil Salt Lake City hillside home for a barren battlefield where disease can be as deadly as the enemy, Nephi has no idea that Alaina is carrying their second child-a child he may never see.
With her husband half a world away, Alaina derives some solace from the fact that her younger sister, Eleanor, lives nearby. Nineteen-year-old Eleanor-the only woman studying medicine at the University of Utah-is soon immersed in researching treatments for the influenza pandemic ravaging the world, a scourge that will soon touch her life all too closely. An unforgettable historical drama of innocence lost, of memorable characters struggling to hold on to truth and meaning in an age of turmoil, you'll be captivated by Gale Sears' poetic weaving of time, place, and powerful emotion.

I loved this story, but I had a hard time following it in the beginning. I feel that the author tried to cram too many different life stories into a too short of a book.

Tapestry Of Spells (Lynn Kurland)

Sarah of Doire, daughter of the village witchwoman, knows two things: Her brother has embraced the dark arts, vowing to destroy the Nine Kingdom; and she doesn't have the power to stop him. Now, even though she fears the quest will reveal the secret she's kept all her life and spell her doom, she must risk everything to thwart his plans--unless she can find aid from a man who knows too well the power of magic, whether used for good...or ill.

After seeing his entire family slain by his father's arrogant misuse of magic, Ruithneadh of Ceangail buried his own power and swore never to use it again. But when Sarah arrives at his door, desperate for his help, he finds himself thrust back into a life full of enchantments and peril. He knows the quest will be dangerous, but he has no idea the journey, the woman who accompanies him on it, and the truths he uncovers are capable of shattering his soul and unraveling the entire fabric of the Nine Kingdoms...

A Nine Kingdoms novel.

This was a good story. It took me a bit to truely get involved with these characters but then I was hooked and very disappointed that the book ended when it did...especially how it ended leading into the next book. I'll definitely be reading the next one when it comes out.

At Home in Beldon Grove Series (Ann Shorey)

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie’s life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but determined to take care of herself and her children. But when Samuel’s unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey and Molly has to leave her old life behind. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, keep her family together, and fend off some over-eager suitors.
Ellie Craig grieves the loss of three infant children, and when long-hidden secrets are brought to light, she must find a way to contact the family of her long-lost father. Meanwhile her husband, Matthew, faces controversy in his church and competition from a new arrival in Beldon Grove, who claims to be both a minister and the son of the town's founder. Will Matthew find the courage to reclaim his church? And will his unexpected travel companion help Ellie's heart mend?
The Promise of Morning addresses themes of overcoming tragedy, finding strength to meet daunting challenges, and trusting your heart to love again.

The Dawn of a Dream - Book Three

Release Date TBA - Twenty-two-year-old Luellen McGarvie is a misfit among her peers. Circumstances have left her heart scarred, and she believes marriage is not for her. More than anything, she wants to teach children in communities like hers and help them recognize that education opens a path to future possibilities. Turning her back on traditional roles for women, she must battle family and social customs to follow her dreams.

I enjoyed both of these stories in this series so far. The author is an easy writer and makes the story just smooth enough to keep you interested but not too much info to lose you in the facts.

Maximum Ride : The Angel Experiment (James Patterson)

In James Patterson's blockbuster series, fourteen year old Maximum Ride, better known as Mas, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock" - Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel - are just like ordinary kids - only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time...like when Angel, the youngest member of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were experimented on by a crew of wack jobs. Her friends brave a journey to blazing hot Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare—this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb—now her betrayed and greatest enemy - that her purpose is save the world - but can she?

This has been a fun read. I think it is also a book a young adult or even tween would enjoy reading. I am interested in reading the others in this series to see how well each character tells of their adventures together. This first book is told by Maximum the main character and leader of the flock.

Methods of Madness (Stephanie Black)

It's been three years since the terrible night Emily Ramsey suffered a double tragedy-the death of her sister and the disappearance of her fiance. She deserves another chance at happiness, and gentle, adorable Zach Sullivan is the perfect man to mend her shattered heart. But from the moment Emily opens the hand-carved box holding a glittering diamond solitaire, she's seized by an unshakeable fear: she's going to lose Zach. That's exactly what Monica, Zach's ex-girlfriend, is banking on. Bitter with envy, Monica will stop at nothing to sabotage Zach and Emily's romance. Troubling notes show up in Emily's mailbox, fanning the flames of suspicion. A bloody photograph sends her reeling. But when someone is brutally murdered, will Emily be able to escape suspicion and the possibility that she might be next? Whitney Award-winning author Stephanie Black treats readers to another of her brilliantly thrilling stories that will leave the reader no choice but to keep reading well past the stroke of midnight.

I enjoyed this book. The author kept the twists just perfect, to the point you have to keep changing your theory on who the murderer really is. The story keeps you second guessing yourself all the way through the book.

Bewitched & Betrayed (Lisa Shearin)

My name is Raine Benares. I’m a seeker. I find lost things and missing people — usually alive. Finding the specters of six evil mages who escaped the Saghred, a soul-eating stone of unlimited power, was easy. Stopping them before they unleash Hell on earth just may be the death of me.
Being bonded to the Saghred wasn’t my idea — neither is hunting down its escapees. Especially not when one of them is also hunting me. He’s regenerating his body by taking the lives of powerful victims, along with their memories, knowledge, and most important of all, their magic. The dark mage wants control of the Saghred, and if he gets it, he’ll become an evil demigod whom no one can stop. The only thing in his way is me.
One of us doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

This latest edition to the Raine Benares series seemed to have more emotion in it than the others. It stil had plenty of Raine's wise-cracking humor but you could definitely feel her stress. This also had a steamy scene in the middle of the novel that completely took me by surprise because the others hadnt had any in them...just a fair warning if you want to read it.

Jenna's Cowboy (Sharon Gillenwater)

Jenna Callahan has a young son and rewarding work on her father's ranch. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town-the first guy she noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago. And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.
Jenna's cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him and become the man Jenna deserves.
With an emphasis on simple acts of love, Jenna's Cowboy gives romance readers what they want most, a love story with a Texas touch.

This is a modern day western love story. It is also a good look at the reality of what our servicemen go through when they return home from a war. After reading this book and looking it up on line to post on here, I found that it is the 1st book in "The Callahans of Texas" Series. The second book, Emily's Chance is do to release in September 2010. I am looking forward to following this family's adventures through this series.

Jude's Law (Lori Foster)

There's only so much frustration a guy can handle before he gets a little nutty. For Jude Jamison, his frustration has a name--May Price. She's everything the former Hollywood badboy actor came to Stillbrook, Ohio, hoping to find: open, honest, lovable, and full of those luscious curves you dont find on stick-figure starlets--curves May doesnt seem to appreciate in herself. Every time Jude tries to get close to the skittish business woman, to take her in his arms, she thinks he's joking. Joking? Joking does not involve lots of cold-shower therapy.

Time for new tactics. If May can't respond to his sly compliments and sexy innuendos, He'll just have to spell it out for her. Jude Jamison going to lay down the law for May Price. And after that, she'll have no delusion about just how much he wants her...

I actually liked this author's style. I would have preferred that she didnt have the sex scenes but I guess if I would have read the back of the book before I started reading I wouldnt have been surprised.

I liked how Jude wanted to take such good care of May and how her confidence and feistiness seemed to grow under his affectionate care.

The story kind of ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I found out there is a second book called Murphy's Law that finishes the story.

Fablehaven, Vol. 5 : Keys to the Demon Prison (Brandon Mull)

Since ancient times, the great demon prison Zzyzx has protected the world from the most dangerous servants of darkness, including Gorgrog, the Demon King. After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx is on the verge of recovering the five artifacts necessary to open the legendary prison.
Facing the potential of a world-ending calamity, all friends of light must unite in a final effort to thwart the Sphinx’s designs and find a safe home for the five artifacts. To this end, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn will venture far beyond the walls of Fablehaven to strange and exotic magical preserves across the globe, where the end of every quest becomes the beginning of another. In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate struggle to control the keys to the demon prison.

I enjoyed this series. This final book had a lot of twists that you wouldn't expect. It had an ending, but he also left it open enough you could easily build off of it.

Iron Kissed (Patricia Briggs)

When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.
This is #3 of the Mercy Thompson series and I'm loving every one.

Bone Crossed (Patricia Briggs)

Car mechanic/shapeshifter Mercy Thompson must protect her friends from vampire queen Marsilia's revenge.
#4 in the Mercy Thompson series. I love reading about Mercy and her friends. This one is going on my wish list.

Into Thin Air (Cindy Miles)

After centuries of protecting lost souls, modern-day earthbound angel Gawan of Conwyk is a month shy of retirement (into blessed mortality) when a new case drops in his lap-or, more specifically, onto the road to his ancient, spirit-inhabited castle. When he finds Ellie stumbling in the rain, she doesn't know who she is or how she got to the north of England; as it turns out, she's more dead than alive, a corporeal projection "fluttering about betwixt the living and the unliving." To help her, Gawan's got to track down her real body and solve the mystery of her near death, but he knows that once he saves her life, she'll forget him-a matter complicated by Gawan's discovery that she's his one-and-only soul mate.

I am so happy that I have discovered this author.

This was another sweet and charming love story with enough humor to keep it from being too sappy. I definitely recommend it!

Dark Lover (J.R. Ward)

The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed--orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate--Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead...
Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasnt there before, Beth Randall is helpless agains the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her but his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both.
It's a definite thumbs down for this one from me.
I have heard tons of rave reviews about this series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. I liked the author's style of writing. The idea of the brotherhood was good and I am curious as to what happens with some of the other "brothers" but I dont know if I want to wade through all the sex to find the little bit of plot that she throws in.

Dickens Inn, Vol 2: A Far, Far Better Place (Anita Stansfield)

Jackson didn't know how long it was before he finally realized that he was in the hospital, and it was Dr. Callahan on the floor with him, trying to talk some sense into him. Once the realization hit him, he struggled to bring himself back to reality while his breathing and heart rate remained shallow and fast for more minutes than he could. . . He felt more afraid than he'd dared to admit. . .
Their lives have all the ingredients for “happily-ever-after” until a traumatic and life-changing even in Jackson's life plunges his family into chaos and sorrow. His mother's unexpected death hurtles him toward a painful pilgrimage into a past that collides with the anguish of the present and threatens to destroy his family's future.

I am really enjoying this families story, I hope there are more books to follow.

Death's Mistress (Karen Chance)

"Dorina Basarab is dhamphir, half-vampire, half-human, a berserker who polices/executes misbegotten vampires (while she may consider that all of them, it's actually only revenants, vampires who didn't make it through the change correctly). Karen Chance is known for great action scenes. This book has a couple of over-the-top action scenes that, while original and humorous become, frankly, exhausting.
Louis-Cesare, her aristocratic French vampire love interest, returns here accused of murdering the vampire who is holding his former mistress Christine. Also appearing is Radu, Louis-Cesare's maker and Dorina's uncle. Radu is always amusing. Christine is an interesting plot device with a twist. Dorina's sidekick-in-a-bag is an absolute joy...whoever said that tertiary characters couldn't be fun? Louis-Cesare, in my mind, comes across as rather flat in this installment, though he was well-developed in the first book. Dorina, while still fun, is also a bit flat. Perhaps it is the lack of madness that's a problem (or perhaps it's the unexplored explanation for why her fits are gone).
Dorina's father, vampire Senator Mircea, has been given many, many pages in the Cassie Palmer novels, but in Death's Mistress, the passages regarding his attempts to build a better relationship with his daughter are well executed and quite touching.
I was slightly disappointed by this book. Still, it's an entertaining romp, and I look forward to the next one."
(anonymous review from Barnes and Noble site)
I copied this review because I agreed with most of what was said.

Blood Bound (Patricia Briggs)

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.
But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.
I like this series very much! This is the 2nd in the Mercy Thompson series.
I love the fact that Mercy Thompson is a mechanic, doesn't describe herself as beautiful and takes care of her friends.

Face Out (Rachel Caine)

Without the evil vampire Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, the resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends are almost starting to feel comfortable again...

Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of Eve's castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger-and way more dangerous-than anyone suspected.

This is the 7th book of the Morganville Vampire series. Rachel Caine has done a good job keeping each of these novels interesting and unique.

I was happy to see that, at least in this story, you reap what you sow.

Fool Me Twice (Stephanie Black)

When it comes to pleasing her twin sister, Megan O'Connor is an easy touch. She'll do just about anything to gain Kristen's approval, including trading places with her. After all, Kristen's plan promises to get Megan out of a dead-end job and make them both rich. It will be a nice reward for a little genealogical investigation — something that couldn't have happened without the help of Kristen's new LDS acquaintances. And who could blame the twins for using a tiny bit of deceit to manipulate an inheritance out of someone as demanding as their estranged Aunt Evelyn?
All Megan has to do is pretend to be Kristen, move into Evelyn's house, and take care of the wealthy old woman until her failing health kills her. It shouldn't take too long. It shouldn't be too difficult. Megan's the nice one. Except for the lie, the task is a natural fit. Everything would be perfect if she could just ignore the guilt — a feeling that only grows stronger as she spends more time with the new friends Kristen arranged for her.
But soon Megan discovers that there is more to worry about. She's living in a house of illusions where she isn't the only one playing a part. Someone has developed a new plotline that ends with a death scene — and in this version, the victim won't die of natural causes.
Beneath the surface of the sleepy New England town of Britteridge, deceit weaves a deadly web where turnabout is anything but fair play.

I enjoyed this book. It took a few chapters until I could get into it, but after that it was a fun story to follow.

Hunting Ground (Patricia Briggs)

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran's controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan --and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all--or risk losing everything...

Patricia Briggs has brought us another wonderful novel.

Moon Called (Patricia Briggs)

Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.

This was an easy read that I had problems putting down! The main charactors were well developed (love a tough female), plot interesting with a quick pace, and the ending had me reaching for the second book! Love Mercy and all her super natural friends.
This is the first of the Mercy Thompson series.

Blood Magic (Eileen Wilks)

As they plan their wedding, Lily Yu and Rule Turner, a prince of the lupi, are facing a great deal of tension from both their families. Not everyone can accept their mixed marriage: she's Chinese and he's a werewolf. Even Lily's grandmother is acting strangely distant, though Lily and Rule are about to discover that her behavior has nothing to do with their upcoming nuptials.
A powerful, undying nemesis has come to San Diego to exact vengeance on Lily's family - and turn the city into a feeding ground. It's up to Lily and Rule to stop her, in spite of ancient treaties and an inheritance passed down through the blood. Otherwise San Diego could go up in flames, and they won't live to make it to the altar...

Another good story in Eileen Wilks Lupi series. I enjoyed learning more of Grandmother's story.

Cry Wolf (Patricia Briggs)

INTRODUCING THE ALPHA AND OMEGA NOVELS...Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack…and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she’d learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf: an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member—and as his mate.

The only downside I can think of for this book was that the author made reference to things that happened in her Mercy Thompson series. It made me feel I was missing something and maybe I should have read that series first.

Like I said, that was the only downside. I enjoyed this story!

Carpe Corpus (Rachel Caine)

In the small college town of Morganville, vampires and humans lived in (relative) peace-until all the rules got rewritten when the evil vampire Bishop arrived, looking for the lost book of vampire secrets. He's kept a death grip on the town ever since. Now an underground resistance is brewing, and in order to contain it, Bishop must go to even greater lengths. He vows to obliterate the town and all its inhabitants-the living and the undead. Claire Danvers and her friends are the only ones who stand in his way. But even if they defeat Bishop, will the vampires ever be content to go back to the old rules, after having such a taste of power?

A good addition to the series.

Midnight's Daughter (Karen Chance)

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Unlike most dhampirs, though, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity. Now Dory's vampire father has come to her for help— again. Her Uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula), cruelest among vampires, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare to put him back there.Although Dory prefers to work alone, Dracula is the only thing that truly scares her—and when she has to face him, she'll take all the help she can get...

I admit that it took me a little bit longer than normal to truely get into this story. This is a spin off from Karen Chance's Cassandra Palmer series. I think I picked this one up too soon after reading Curse The Dawn. It kept making reference to Mircea who is a pivotal character from that book and I wanted to follow his story, not his daughter's.

I did finally get involved and enjoyed the conclusion. I am wondering what is next in the books for Dory.

On The Prowl (story collection)

These all-new paranormal romances from today's hottest authors feature a female werewolf who comes into her own; a Lord who crosses paths with a fiery mage; a mixed-blood Child of the Moon who faces an uncertain future; and a woman whose sixth sense proves to be a dangerous talent.

I like reading story collections. It helps me to discover new authors that I can seek out later if I like their writing style.

The first book is by Patricia Briggs and is the prelude to her Alpha & Omega series. I enjoyed this story enough that I went the next day to get that series.

I usually enjoy Eileen Wilks & Karen Chance but I was a little bored & disappointed with their stories.

Sunny's story was horrible.It was mainly sex with only enough story to tie the romance and sex episodes together. I felt as if I was witnessing a cheap porn movie! I have to say I was very disappointed to have to wade through all of that in an attempt to find a storyline.

Veil Of Midnight, Ashes Of Midnight (Lara Adrian)

Veil Of Midnight

Bound by blood, addicted to danger, they'll enter the darkest—and most erotic—place of all.A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man—vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability—a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence—a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness…and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed—and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata.

But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond—and a passion that could save or doom them both forever.…

Ashes Of Midnight

As night falls, Claire Roth flees, driven from her home by a fiery threat that seems to come from hell itself. Then, from out of the flames and ash, a vampire warrior emerges. He is Andreas Reichen, her onetime lover, now a stranger consumed by vengeance. Caught in the cross fire, Claire cannot escape his savage fury—or the hunger that plunges her into his world of eternal darkness and unending pleasure.

Nothing will stop Andreas from destroying the vampire responsible for slaughtering his Breed brethren . . . even if he must use his former lover as a pawn in his deadly mission. Blood-bonded to his treacherous adversary, Claire can lead Andreas to the enemy he seeks, but it is a journey fraught with danger—and deep, unbidden desires. For Claire is the one woman Andreas should not crave, and the only one he’s ever loved.

A dangerous seduction begins—one that blurs the lines between predator and prey, and stokes the flames of a white-hot passion that may consume all in its path. . . .

I think I'm a glutton for punishment. These stories are not horrible but nor are they great. I am curious as to what happens to "the ancient" they allude to in all the stories. So...I guess I'll keep reading to find out.

Embrace The Night, Curse The Dawn (Karen Chance)

Embrace The Night

Cassie Palmer has finally become Pythia, the supernatural community's all-knowing oracle. She's struggling with her new powers (such as shifting back and forth through time) and is stuck between good and evil factions of the paranormal community. Her main concern, though, is to figure out how to reverse a pesky spell that threatens her independence: the geis, once placed on her for protection, is now trying to bind her to the handsome master vampire, Mircea, with results detrimental to them both. Their only hope is to look through space and time to find the fabled book that has the counterspell in it.
Curse The Dawn
Cassie Palmer may be the world's chief clairvoyant, but that doesn't mean people have stopped trying to kill her. And now, the self-styled god Apollo, the source of Cassie's power, is on the warpath—leaving her no choice but to face down her creator once and for all.

I've really enjoyed all of the Cassie Palmer stories and these are no exception. Lots of action, great characters, funny dialogue, unique fantasy elements, and just a lot of fun. Looking forward to the next one in the series (gonna be a long wait though :( )
There are some steamy scenes.

The Ariana Trilogy (Rachel Ann Nunes)

I am reading the Ariana Trilogy. It is a combination of the 1st 3 books in the Ariana Series. I am posting the 3 books individually below.
Ariana: The Making of a Queen
First novel in the Ariana series
On a rainy Parisian evening, Ariana de Cotte considers her life. It is her wedding night, but Jacques has gone drinking with his friends, and she is left alone with her thoughts and memories . . . memories of a beloved twin brother, lost to her in a terrible accident; of her estranged parents, who had shut her out when Antoine died; of the loneliness and anger that consume her. She is nineteen, and her life seems beyond hope or repair. Thus begins the story of an extraordinary young woman who, as her life spirals downward, struggles to find meaning and hope in the face of unimaginable suffering. Her bitter refusal to listen to the LDS missionaries doesn't help matters as she blames God for her troubles. Until one dark night, when her life hits rock-bottom and the Spirit begins its whisperings to her heart. As you come to know Ariana, you will weep for her tragedy, smile at her small triumphs, rejoice as she embraces the faith that will sustain her, and feel the love of a good man who has the power to change her life forever. Rachel Nunes has created a powerful and moving novel with characters so real that you will let them into your heart and invite them to stay. Having done so, you life will never be the same. You'll find yourself re-living this exceptional story again and again!
This 1st book is mainly just introducing you to the characters and their pasts. A must read to know what is going on it the next books.


Ariana: A Gift Most Precious
Second novel in the Ariana series
Broken promises, broken dreams, broken hearts . . . Ariana Perrault has seen them all in her short lifetime, but now they seem only distant memories. Having climbed the long pathway from sinner to Latter-day Saint, she has felt the arms of a loving Heavenly Father around her, guiding her to a wonderful life with Jean-Marc and their three beautiful children. Her best friend, Paulette, has also repented, embraced the gospel, and started an eternal family of her own. But who could know that one of life's deepest, darkest tragedies is just around the corner? In this powerful sequel to Ariana: The Making of a Queen, these two women and their families come face to face with the life-and-death consequences of past choices. Will their testimonies give them strength enough to withstand the darkest hours of their lives? The answer, born of both adversity and joy, is A Gift Most Precious.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. Warning you may want your box of tissues.

Ariana: A New Beginning
Third novel in the Ariana series
Life is good for Ariana and Jean-Marc Perrault and their five children. Active in the Church, prosperous in the banking business, and firmly committed to their family, they are happily moving forward with their lives. Then the bottom drops out. How does Ariana cope with imminent financial ruin, the near-fatal injury of one child and the rebellion of another, and a scheming, determined ex-husband who still wants her? Confronted by life's challenges, Ariana discovers that her reliance on the Lord and her love for Jean-Marc and her children can make the dramatic difference between triumph and tragedy. A rare and compelling story about the power of love and the miracle of new beginnings.

I haven't read all of this one yet, but so far it has made me feel for Ariana ... How can one person go through so much and still be strong. I am loving this Series so far. There are 4 more books in this Series: Twice in a Lifetime, Ties that Bind, This Time Forever, A Glimpse of Eternity.

Hearts in Hiding (Betsy Brannon Green)

Devastation, betrayal, self-pity, anger- none of these words do any justice to the tangle of emotions Kate Singleton is experiencing. Married just over a year, with a baby on the way, Kate learns that her husband, and FBI agent, is dead. To top it off, the same people who murdered her husband have a contract on her head.
With the help of the FBI, Kate flees with little more that the clothes on her back. And in no time at all, they provide her with new clothes, a new home, a new name, and. . . a new husband.
But this is only the beginning of Kate's adventure. Before it's through, there will be a kidnapping, true love, and enough suspense to keep any reader turning pages long after bedtime. Hearts in Hiding is an action-packed, romantic first novel by gifted author Betsy Brannon Green.

Midnight Alley & Feast Of Fools (Rachel Caine)

Claire Danvers's college town may be run by vampires but a truce between the living and the dead made things relatively safe. For a while. Now people are turning up dead, a psycho is stalking her, and an ancient bloodsucker has proposed private mentoring. To what end, Claire will find out. And it's giving night school a whole new meaning.

The wait is over. dig into the feast... In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace. Student Claire Danvers has never been convinced, though—especially with the arrival of Mr. Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town’s living and its dead is unthinkably sinister. It’s only at a formal ball, attended by vampires and their human dates, that Claire realizes the elaborately evil trap he’s set for Morganville.

I like this series. I'm a little frustrated about how the books leave off at somewhat critical moments though.

Claimed By Shadow (Karen Chance)

A recent legacy made Cassandra Palmer heir to the title of Pythia, the world's chief clairvoyant. It's a position that usually comes with years of training, but Cassie's circumstances are a little...unusual. And now she's stuck with a whopping amount of power that every vamp, Fey, and mage in town wants to either monopolize or eradicate -- and that she herself doesn't dare use.
What's more, she's just discovered that a certain arrogant master vampire has put a geis on her -- a magical claim that warns off any would-be suitors, and might also explain the rather...intense attraction between them. But Cassie's had it with being jerked around, and anyone who tries it from now on is going to find out that she makes a very bad enemy...

It drug a bit in places but left me wanting to immediately start the next one in the series.

Mortal Sins (Eileen Wilks)

FBI agent Lily Yu, is in North Carolina with her lover and mate, Rule Turner, Lu Nuncio of the Nokolai werewolf clan. He is there to take custody of his son from the boy's grandmother. It's a purely personal trip until Rule, in wolf form, finds three bodies in a shallow grave. They carry the stench of death magic, which makes the murders a federal crime. Lily takes charge of the investigation and soon realizes that nothing adds up -- not the motives or the main suspect, who is behind bars when death strikes again.
But murder, however bizarre, is an everyday affair for Lily, who was a homicide cop before being recruited into the FBI's Magical Crimes Division. A more personal shock arrives in the form of Rule's son's mother. Why would she now challenge rule's plan to bring his son to live among the Nokolai? But family matters must take a backseat when the violence escalates, and there's no rhyme or reason for the next strike -- by a killer who may not even be of this world...

I really enjoy this author. She knows how to spin a web so that you really cant predict what is coming next.