2014 Color Coded Challenge

  2014 Color Coded Reading Challenge

Here are the rules:
*Read nine books in the following categories.
1. A book with "Blue" or any shade of Blue (Turquoise, Aquamarine, Navy, etc) in the title.
2. A book with "Red" or any shade of Red (Scarlet, Crimson, Burgandy, etc) in the title.
3. A book with "Yellow" or any shade of Yellow (Gold, Lemon, Maize, etc.)in the title.
4. A book with "Green" or any shade of Green (Emerald, Lime, Jade, etc) in the title.
5. A book with "Brown" or any shade of Brown (Tan, Chocolate, Beige, etc) in the title.
6. A book with "Black" or any shade of Black (Jet, Ebony, Charcoal, etc) in the title.
7. A book with "White" or any shade of White (Ivory, Eggshell, Cream, etc)in the title.
8. A book with any other color in the title (Purple, Orange, Silver, Pink, Magneta, etc.).
9. A book with a word that implies color (Rainbow, Polka-dot, Plaid, Paisley, Stripe, etc.).
* Any book read from January 1 through December 31, 2014 will count.
*Crossovers with other challenges are fine.

*Everyone who completes all nine categories will be entered in a year-end drawing for a book-related prize package.

1. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead
2. The red glove by holly Black
3. Lemon tart by Josi s. Kilpack
4. Green eyed demon by Jaye Wells
5. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
6. Black Heart by Holly Black
7. Snow white Sorrow by Cameron Jace
8. silver by Cheree Alsop
9. Good girl gone plaid  by Shelli Stevens

2014 Fairy Tales Retold Reading Challenge

It’s here! The 2014 Fairy Tales Retold Reading Challenge is back in it’s third year! This year has been rough and I almost decided not to host it this year, but everything worked out! I’m looking forward to hosting the challenge this coming year, and I hope you guys all
Here are the details:
The challenge starts on January 1st 2014, and ends December 31st 2014
The goal of the read-a-thon is to read as many fairy tale retellings as possible.
There will be six different levels to aim for in this challenge:
Poor Cobbler: 1-3 books
Devilish Wolf: 4-6 books
Lady in Waiting: 7-9 books
Mountain Troll: 10-12 books
Evil Enchantress: 13-15 books
Monstrous Dragon: 16+ books
This challenge is only for Young Adult and Middle Grade retellings. No adult or children’s books count towards this challenge.
Because of confusion in the past, this year only straight retellings of fairy tales will count. No fairy tale-ish books, and no mythological or classic retellings.
Single novellas do not count towards this challenge, however a compilation of novellas or short stories can count towards this challenge.
Have fun and spread the word!
I’ve tried to compile as thorough a list as possible of eligible books for this challenge, which can be found here. If you can think of any book(s) that may be missing, don’t hesitate to let me know!
If you have any other questions or concerns, you can comment, email, or tweet, and I’ll do my best to get back to you.
***UPDATES 12/24/13***
It has been decided that instead of monthly link-ups, there will be quarterly link-ups, which will take place in March, June, September, and December. All those who link up their reviews (whether they be from blogs, Goodreads, Amazon, etc.,) will be able to enter a giveaway, which will most likely feature an assortment of old and new releases!


I've decided to shoot for the Evil Enchantress Level: 13-15 books

Snow White Sorrow by Cameron Jace
Cinderella dressed in Ashes by Cameron Jace
My name is Rapunzel by K.C. Hilton
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Towering by Alex Flinn
Beastly by Alex Flinn
Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer
Geek Charming by Robin Palmer
Little Miss Red by Robin Palmer
Splintered by A.G. Howard
Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

Kill me softly by Sarah Cross

2014 DAC

2014 Debut Author Challenge 

challenge objectives

To introduce reader to the awesomeness of debut authors and their books!

To challenge readers to discover and read 12 books by debut authors!

challenge rules & guidelines

You must have place to post your thoughts on the books you’ve read for the challenge. Be it a blog, goodreads account, youtube page, tumblr, amazon account, etc.

Due to past demand there will be no deadline to join the challenge, but please be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the challenge.

The 2014 debuts must be read between January 1, 2014 – January 31, 2015. The extra month is to allow participants time to read December debuts.

Each review equals one entry into the monthly prize packs.

book guidelines

must be a young adult, middle grade or new adult title.

must be the authors ya/mg/na debut, released in 2014.*

*If an author has a previously published adult or children’s book and this is their first ya/mg/na title it counts towards the challenge. In addition if an author has a previously self pubbed ya/mg/na and is now with a traditional publisher it counts toward the challenge. Self published debuts do not count toward the challenge at this time.

I’m still working on the spreadsheet. Printable too!

I just started working on the Goodreads list, feel free to check that out and vote for your favorite titles. Beware that anyone can add a title to the listopia… I’ll try to keep the list updated, but double check that the book listed is a debut.

1. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
2. Alienated by Melissa Landers
3. Nil by Lynne Matson
4. Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell
5. Beware the Wild by Natalie C Parker
6. The Falconer by Elizabeth May
7. Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis
8. The girl who never was by Skylar Dorset
9. Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano
10. Snow like ashes by Sara Raasch 
11. Burn out by Kristi Helvig
12. The Winner's curse by Marie Rutkoski

2014 SARC

2014 SARC

THE CHALLENGE

To read 15 Young Adult and Middle Grade standalone novels in 2014 released in the United States between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014.

ELIGIBLE BOOKS

-YA/MG standalone novels. This means that the book can not have an announced (sometimes sequels happen unexpectedly) sequel, prequel, follow up, etc.

-Companion novels count towards the challenge as well. Companion novels take place in the same world as a novel but usually follows the life of a different character. It can be read independently from the book that came before it.

-Released between January 1 – Decemeber 31, 2014 in the United States. If a book was previously released in another country but is being releasing in the US for the first time, it is eligible. At the same time, if you live in a country where it was previously released, but it is being released in the states for the first time – lucky you – it counts.

-Must be read in 2014

-Can be read in any (legally) readable format: ARC, Paperback, Hardcover or e-book. Audio books do not count toward the challenge.

THE LIST

For a list of eligible challenge titles to get you started towards your goal, please visit this Goodreads List (please note, the list is not comprehensive or final). You are more than welcome to vote for standalones you feel will fit the list.

PARTICIPATION PERKS

There will be a prize pack given away each month to a random participant. You gain entries into that month’s prize pack by linking up your challenge-eligible reviews. There will also be giveaways on the hosts’ blogs to go along with special posts with authors. And of course, there are random giveaways that we may throw in here and there!

GET YOUR VIP PASS

Sign up with a link to where you will be posting your English reviews.

This can be a blog, Goodreads profile (an SARC 2014 list would be better), Shelfari profile, Librarything profile, or Youtube channel.

What are you waiting for? Sign up and grab a button HERE!

1. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
2. Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano
3. Nil by Lynne Matson
4. Mistwalker by Saundra Mitchell
5. The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco
6. Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout
7. Silver by Chris Wooding
8. Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell
9. Mayday by Jonathan Friesen
10. Phoenix Island by John Dixon
11. Complicit by Stephanie Kuehn
12. Minders by Michelle Jaffe
13. Fragile Line by Brooklyn Skye
14. My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal
15. Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff

Fifty Shades of Grey Review

Fifty Shades of Grey
Written By: E.L. James
Published: May 25, 2011

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

This book is intended for mature audiences.


My thoughts:

Every girl friend I have said I needed to read this book it was amazing and that I might need a change a panties close by, so naturally I had to see what all the fuss was about. I liked the story it was good and a little erotic, however the absolutely amazing part and dripping wet panties didn't occur for me. The story did keep my interest and the ending made me want to read the rest of the series so that I know what happens.

Painted Blind Review

Painted Blind

Written By: Michelle A. Hansen

Published: May 3, 2012

Goodreads:

Psyche Middleton vows her dad will never see the risqué photos she took during a summer modeling stint abroad, but one of them ends up on a billboard in her Montana hometown, where everyone—especially her dad—can see it. That becomes the least of her worries when she meets Erik, a mysterious guy who rescues her from a mob and who she’s never actually seen because he can make himself invisible.

Erik takes her to his palace in an idyllic kingdom, and she is swept into the beauty and culture of his world, but his affection has one condition: she may not see him. Enchanted, intrigued, and not wholeheartedly believing he’s real, Psyche can’t bring herself to love him blindly. When she betrays his trust for a glimpse of his face, Psyche ends up at the mercy of Erik’s controlling mother, who demands that Psyche prove herself in order to be reunited with him. Psyche knows love is never easy, but this is ridiculous. She agrees to complete three impossible tasks to prove her devotion to Erik—or die trying. 

This modern retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche is a fantastical journey filled with laughter, danger, and the indomitable power of love.

My Thoughts:

Painted Blind was a retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth and was amazingly well thought out. Psyche was a girl that decided to do a risque photo shoot as Venus during a modeling stint abroad only to unknowingly upset the goddess Venus herself. Venus employs the services of her son Erik to go check out this girl who portrays here in the photos. When Psyche meets Erik she is enthralled by him even though she has never actually seen him. Erik asks her to trust him and takes her to his kingdom and the only thing he asks is that she can not see him. Psyche can't seem to love him without seeing him and looks at his face and pays the consequences. Will Psyche be able to fix her Mistake or will she lose Erik forever?

Oogy: The dog only a family could love Review

Oogy: The dog only a family could love
Written  by: Larry Levin
Published: October 10, 2010

Goodreads:

In the bestselling tradition of Rescuing Sprite comes the story of a puppy brought back from the brink of death, and the family he adopted.

In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen--one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue--ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. He had been thrown in a cage and left to die until the police rescued
him and the staff at Ardmore Animal Hospital saved his life. The Levins, whose sons are themselves adopted, were unable to resist Oogy's charms, and decided to take him home. 

Heartwarming and redemptive, OOGY is the story of the people who were determined to rescue this dog against all odds, and of the family who took him home, named him "Oogy" (an affectionate derivative of ugly), and made him one of their own.

My Thoughts:

Oogy: The dog only a family could love was the heartwarming true life account of a wonderful dog who was treated poorly by humans and stills loves them. Oogy was used as a bait dog to train fighters and was almost torn apart and left to die. Oogy managed to survive and went through countless procedures to restore the damage done to him by the other dogs. Once healed he wasn't the prettiest face you'd ever saw but he was a loving and happy dog despite his cruel treatment. Larry Levin and his family met Oogy and looked past his rough exterior to the amazing heart inside and gave him a forever home.

Death Rejoices Review

Death Rejoices

Written By: Aj Aalto

Published: April 24, 2013

Goodreads:

Marnie Baranuik is back, and this time, the Great White Shark of psychic investigations has “people skills” and a new assistant who seems to harbor an unhealthy curiosity about Harry, her revenant companion. Together, they’ve got a whole lot of questions that need answering. Is an ancient vampire hunting in Denver? Who is stalking Lord Dreppenstedt? How do you cure a slipper-humping bat, ditch an ogre, or give a demon king the slip? And what the hell was she thinking, swearing off cookies?

Teaming up with her sexual nemesis, Special Agent Mark Batten, and their long-suffering supervisor, Gary Chapel, Marnie discovers that vampire hunters aren’t easy to rescue, secrets don’t stay buried, and zombies sure are a pain in the ass to kill




My thoughts:


I'm Still in love with the characters. Love the change in Marnie, guy and batten's crazy love triangle. I like that you get some more back story on guy and daysitters. I also like the addition of more dynamic characters with a twist to make you keep reading.

Touched Review

Touched

Written by: Aj Aalto

Published: September 18, 2011

Goodreads:

The media has a nickname for Marnie Baranuik, though she’d rather they didn’t; they call her the Great White Shark, a rare dual-talented forensic psychic. Twice-Touched by the Blue Sense--which gives her the ability to feel the emotions of others, and read impressions left behind on objects--Marnie also has a doctorate in preternatural biology and a working knowledge of the dark arts. She is considered without peer in the psychic community. 

Then her first big FBI case ended with a bullet in one shoulder and a chip on the other, a queasy heart and a serial killer in the wind, leaving her a public flop and a private wreck. When the FBI’s preternatural crimes unit tracks her down at a remote mountain lodge for her insight on a local case, her quiet retirement is promptly besieged by a stab-happy starlet, a rampaging ghoul, and a vampire-hunting jackass in tight Wranglers. Marnie figures the only real mystery is which one will kill her first. 

Too mean to die young, backed up by friends in cold places, and running with a mouth as demure as a cannon’s blast, Marnie Baranuik is about to discover that there’s no such thing as quitting time when you’re Touched.


My Thoughts:


Marnie is a psychic who is a bonded daysitter to a revenant (vampire)who is coerced out of retirement to assist Mark Batten, a former lover, and Gary, leader of the Preternatural crimes unit on a case. Marnie is a foul mouthed smart ass, but absolutely hilarious main character. Marnie has a thing for her Revenant Harry, with whom she is bonded to, and Mark Batten, fbi agent and former lover. Marnie is a hot mess but she is resourceful and funny.  I love the different take on vampires.

Eternal Vows Review

Eternal Vows

Written By: Chrissy Peebles

Published: March 5,2012

Goodreads:

Never marry a stranger... even if he is a drop-dead gorgeous immortal king.

Never pretend to be a princess.

And most importantly... never slip on an ancient wedding ring you know nothing about.

Sarah Larker returns to a cave where her sister disappeared ten years earlier. She walks through a portal and is mistaken for a runaway princess on the run by a dangerous immortal king in medieval times. Her plan is bold as well as daring-become this princess, wed the king, and slip on an ancient wedding ring that will unlock the portal back home. Then find her sister and run as fast as she can out of Dodge. But taking on the identity of Princess Gloria comes along with dangerous consequences; and slipping on the ruby ring comes with an even higher price.

My Thoughts:

Eternal Vows is the first installment in the Ruby Ring series written by Chrissy Peebles. Sarah is a researcher trying to find proof of bigfoot, she finds them and follows them into a cave that takes her through a portal that thrusts her into medieval times. She is mistaken for a runaway princess who is to wed a king that holds the key to opening the portal back home. The key is an ancient Ruby Ring that has a secret Sarah wasn't prepared for. Will she be able to find her way home? I found this Plot to be unique and very interesting, the characters are well thought out and the story progresses quickly and keeps your attention.

Ember X Review

Ember

Written By: Jessica Sorensen

Published:  April 20, 2012

**Mature Content Advisory** 
Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual situations and language

For nineteen-year-old Ember, life has always been about death. With a simple touch, she can see when someone will die. It’s her curse and the reason she secludes herself from the world. The only person that knows her secret is her best friend Raven. 

But that changes when she meets Asher Morgan. He’s gorgeous and mysterious and is the only person Ember can't sense death from. The silence he instills in her mind and body allows her to feel things she’s never been able to before, so despite her initial reservations, Ember lets Asher into her life and lets herself to get close to him. But the closer they get, the more Ember realizes that Asher is keeping secrets from her.

When unexplained deaths begin to surface in her town, Ember questions why she can’t see Asher's death and what it is he’s hiding from her.

My Thoughts:

Ember X is the first installment in the Death Collectors series written by Jessica Sorensen. Ember has a curse of witnessing someone's death with just a simple touch, She tries to keep to herself and not touch anyone so that she doesn't have to experience their death. Ember's best friend Raven is the only other person who knows about Ember's curse. Ember is amaze when she meets Asher, whom she can't read his death and it is exhilarating to see nothing.  Ember realizes that maybe Asher isn't what she thinks and begins to question everything she feels, and wonders if Asher has something to do withthe unexplained deaths occuring in her town which seemed to have started when Asher showed up. Will she believe what she feels or will she let doubt tear her from the guy she truly cares about?

Ascend Review

Ascend

By: Amanda Hocking

Published: April,  2012

Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?

The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end. 

Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it

My Thoughts:

Ascend is the third installment in the Trylle trilogy written by Amanada Hocking. Wendy is married to Tove and must now figure out how to end the war between the Trylle and the Vittra. Wendy will be queen soon and must figure out how to stop the Vittra from taking her kingdom before that happens. Wendy struggles with her feelings for Finn and Loki and must decide which man is her true love as well as what to do about her marriage with Tove a man she is not in love with. Wendy must make the descicsion that will forever change her kingdom and her people.

Torn Review

Torn

By: Amanda Hocking

Published: February 28, 2012

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

My Thoughts:

Torn is the Second book in the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking. The story continues right where switch left off. Wendy has to decide whether to marry a guy she doesn't love or follow her heart and possible be banished by her own people. Wendy struggles with al  lof the new responsibilities thrown on her as the trylle princess and with a war just around the corner its time she makes some decisions. Can Wendy make the right choice for her heart and her people or will she have to settle for just whats right for the kingdom? I couldn't seem to put this book down, It was ingaging and had you feeling for the choices Wendy had to make. Amanda Hocking is an amazing writer and I can't wait to read the final book in this series.

Switched by Amanda Hocking Review

Switched

by: Amanda Hocking

Published: January 3, 2012

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

My Thoughts:

Switched is the beggining of the Trylee series by Amanda Hocking. Wendy gets taken from the only home shes ever known and thrown into a world she thought nly existed in stories.Wendy went from beng nobody special to a troll princess, who now has to learn all these traditions and rules so she can one day be queen. Wendy falls for her bodyguard Finn who has feelings for her but is also very dedicated to his job and people. Can Wendy get it together and be the Queen everyone expects her to be?  I really enjoyed this book, it was good from the beginning and kept my attention throughout the entire book. I felt bad for Wendy because she was so confused and everyone around get was being so vague. The characters where relatable and real, I felt as though I could feel every emotion they were going through. Can't wait to read the rest if the series

Gone Girl Review

Gone Girl

Written by: Gillian Flynn

Published: May 24,2012

 

Marriage can be a real killer.

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around

 

 

 

Megan's Thoughts:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a page turning thriller that will keep you interested from beginning to end. Nick Dunne’s wife has gone missing the morning of their five year wedding anniversary with evidence of possible foul play at the scene. Nick’s nonchalant behavior, as well as holes in his alibi, is quickly making him the number one suspect. But is being unhappy in your marriage and a little bitter make you a killer? There are of course other people that might want to harm Amy. Like her stalker ex-boyfriend from high school or the guy that date raped her just months before her and Nick got together. She is Amazing Amy from the beloved children’s series after all. Fame does sometimes come with a price. The story dives deeper and deeper into Amy and Nick’s married life and reveals shocking secrets from both parties. It is a roller coaster ride and you will spend one half of the book believing you know the characters and you have it all figured out then it will twist so drastically, so abruptly and everything you thought you knew will be wrong. It was fantastically written and thought through. I couldn’t put it down. If you love thrillers packed with secrets, twists and sociopathic behavior then you will love this book 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Water Witch Review

The Water Witch

written by: Juliet Dark

published: February 12,2013

After casting out a dark spirit, Callie McFay, a professor of gothic literature, has at last restored a semblance of calm to her rambling Victorian house. But in the nearby thicket of the Honeysuckle Forest, and in the currents of the rushing Undine River, more trouble is stirring. . . .

The enchanted town of Fairwick’s dazzling mix of mythical creatures has come under siege from the Grove: a sinister group of witches determined to banish the fey back to their ancestral land. With factions turning on one another, all are cruelly forced to take sides. Callie’s grandmother, a prominent Grove member, demands her granddaughter’s compliance, but half-witch/half-fey Callie can hardly betray her friends and colleagues at the college. 

To stave off disaster, Callie enlists Duncan Laird, an alluring seductive academic who cultivates her vast magical potential, but to what end? Deeply conflicted, Callie struggles to save her beloved Fairwick, dangerously pushing her extraordinary powers to the limit—risking all, even the needs of her own passionate heart.

My Thoughts:

The Water Witch by Juliet Dark is the second book in the Fairwick Chronicles series. The Water Witch was a lot more fast paced than demon lover,it elaborated on the history of some more of the main characters. Callie, armed with the knowledge of her family history, is recruited to assist a group of fey back into Faerie or they could die. Callie inadvertently lets out a lethal creature from Faerie that begins to reek havoc on the town of Fairwick. Callie is trying to unlock her true potential to stop the grove from closing the last known door to Faerie. Callie faces creature way more terrifying than an obsessed individual in this second installment. I felt that this book made me more interested in this series than the first as it was more the pace I enjoy and seemed to give more depth to the characters.

Demon Lover Review

Demon Lover

written by: Juliet Dark

published: December 27,2011

I gasped, or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked my breath in and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh. 

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of her having written the bestselling book The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she’s found herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: Her incubus is not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the demon, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this supernatural lover from her heart.

My thoughts:

Demon Lover by Juliet Dark is a paranormal romance. The main character, Caillie, is a professor of fairytales and gothic romance. Caillie gets a job as a professor at a college in a small town in New York called Fairwick. While in Fairwick she buys a house that was owned by now deceased Dahila LaMotte, author of gothic romance novels that talk about a demon lover. Caillie also inherits Dahlia's manuscripts and the demon lover she wrote about. The beginning was a little slow going but it sped up towards the middle and end. The ending frustrated me but made me want to read more.

Black Mamba Review

 Black Mamba

Written By: Jac Simensen

Published: April 28, 2011

Recipe for a Spellbinding Voodoo Thriller...Start with a Mamba, a Haitian Voodoo Priestess. Stir in an evil, psychotic, Voodoo Sorcerer, the leader of a Cabal of rich, important men who increase their loathsome powers by sacrificing young virgins in a bizarre, erotic ceremony. Add the innocent, kidnapped daughter of a dead prostitute. Then, fold in a physically stunning Haitian Zouk singer, and a fading rock star. Finally, season the thickening brew with equal portions of sex, betrayal and murder. Simmer and bring to a boil in a battle-to-the death, power duel between the Voodoo Mamba and the Sorcerer set in an otherworldly desert canyon.

Megan's Thoughts:

Black Mamba by Jac Simensen is an exciting thriller with a Voodoo kick. The main character, Stella, is a Voodoo Priestess who inherited her powers from her mother when she was young in Haiti. She is adopted by a wealthy British family and eventually ends up in Atlanta, Georgia. There she believes she can make a difference and deter child prostitution and sex slavery, using her first hand knowledge of this gruesome crime and the spirits that dwell deep within her. Stella comes head to head with a powerful and evil Voodoo Sorcerer who seems to be the hub of the sex slavery in Atlanta and many other major cities in the U.S. The story is smothered in crime, scandal, sex and magic. It can at times get a little confusing because of the number of characters involved and how the chapters jump around, on occasion skipping ahead ten years or so without warning. Overall, a good read especially if you are into twisted stories of blackmail and murder with a little Voodoo to complicate the mix.