Category Archives: 4 Flames

THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE
A Night Huntress Novel #5
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Source: Personal Purchase

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (February 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061783188
ISBN-13: 978-0061783180

SUMMARY:

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.
  Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . . 

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh, Ms. Frost.  How much do you love to tease us?  I was looking forward to see how the author was going to create a new plot for us with her latest installment in the series.  I am so glad it was worth the wait!

I loved the chemistry that we have grown to love between Cat and Bones!  Can I get a shout out for Chapter 21? Sexy and hot are the first words that come to mind when reading that chapter even though I am sure there are stronger descriptive words for it.  Seeing the pair connect and stay true to the nature of personality the author created for them was great.

The side characters were wonderful as well.  I really wish the author would hurry and write Vlad’s book!  I am in desperate need to see him have some happiness! I also loved how we got to see a softer side of Mencheres in this book.  Kira has brought out his softer side and I love it!  We also get to see more of Spade and Denise as well.  I love how they are so protective of each other. Fabian, Dave, Tate, Don and even mentions of Juan were included in the story as well. 

Not only is the romance, witty dialogue, favorite characters and action packed scenes included in this story, but we also deal with sadness and heartbreak for Cat.  She finds out something is wrong with someone close to her and has to learn to let go of this person.  What does happen to this person was beautifully written and I wanted to cry with their last thoughts. 

While it wasn’t one of my favorites in the series, I still thought the author did a wonderful job of continuing the series for Cat and Bones.  It was exactly what we needed at the right time.  Now if we can just get her to write faster and produce even more stories!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

COWBOY FEVER
Author: Joanne Kennedy
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402251416
ISBN-13: 978-1402251412
SUMMARY:

Miss Rodeo Wyoming Jodie Bryce is back from the big city to find that her childhood friend Teague Treadwell’s rugged cowboy charm never looked better. But Teague thinks Jodie’s success lifted her out of his reach, and now he’s got to shed his bad boy image to be worthy of the girl next door.

MY THOUGHTS:

As a fan of this author, I had no problem diving into this story even though I am not a fan of western reads.  They always seem to go overboard on the cowboy theme, but I have found that author Joanne Kennedy knows how to write her westerns.


It has romance, action and horses, but it also has characters that weren’t over the top.  Jodie was caring and never felt like she was too good for Teague.  She wanted to help people even though she was a beautiful Rodeo Queen.  Enter the sexy cowboy, Teague, who wants to take care of his brother that has down syndrome. Now we have a basis for a romance while keeping the reader engrossed in a story!  


If you are looking for a sweeter western read, then this is it.  It has romance that is beautiful, characters you love — and one you will despise–with a plot that moves beautifully to an ending you will be cheering for. I actually think this is one of my favorites by this author so far.


MY RATING:

KAT, INCORRIGIBLE
Author: Stephanie Burgis
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Atheneum (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416994475
ISBN-13: 978-1416994473

SUMMARY:

Twelve-year-old Kat Stephenson may be the despair of her social-climbing Step-Mama, but she was born to be a magical Guardian and protector of Society–if she can ever find true acceptance in the secret Order that expelled her own mother. She’s ready to turn the hidebound Order of the Guardians inside-out, whether the older members like it or not. And in a society where magic is the greatest scandal of all, Kat is determined to use all her powers to help her three older siblings–saintly Elissa, practicing-witch Angeline, and hopelessly foolish Charles–find their own true loves, even if she has to turn highwayman, battle wild magic, and confront real ghosts along the way!

MY THOUGHTS:

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant in reading and reviewing this book.  The cover is cute, it is geared for the younger teen scene, and the main theme is magic. I usually have bad experiences with younger teen books that try to come across cute with paranormal weaved into the mix.  I was honestly surprised though by reaction I had towards this book. 


From the moment I stepped into the world the author created, I fell hard for it!  While Kat could be stubborn at times, it fit the character because she is a younger tween.  The family dynamics also brought fun and drama to the mix.  What I also enjoyed was that it was set in the 1800’s.  I am not a big fan of historical books, but the author has written it so wonderfully that I didn’t feel that I was reading a historical tale at times. 


With great writing, magical fun, and all around great characters, this would be a delight for a younger tween to enjoy along with the adults.  If you are looking for quirky and something fun to pass the time,  then I recommend getting a copy of this book! I am glad to have found a new author to keep and eye on!


MY RATING:

STARFIRE
The Demonslayers #3
Author: Kate Douglas
Source: Author Submission
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra; 1 edition (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781420110012
ISBN-13: 978-1420110012

SUMMARY:

The women of Lemuria are still in chains. The daughter of an enslaved warrior, brutally attacked by a vicious guard, Selyn has survived – barely. Beaten and terrified, she must overcome her fear and trust her life to the only man who can help her: Dawson Buck, one from Earth who has crossed through the portal, a gifted healer. His skills and knowledge renew her body and strengthen her spirit – and awaken a compelling passion she has never known. But she cannot yield…Selyn seeks revenge for herself and her mother and all the Forgotten Ones who toil in secret. If Dawson helps her, his own life may be forfeit. And for Selyn, true love does not ask such sacrifices… 

MY THOUGHTS:

I admit to being addicted to this series.  The characters are great and the writing is wonderful!  This is a great series for the paranormal lover!As a matter of fact, fans of UF would love this series as well with this new book in The Demonslayers series.

While the romance is not as heated as I like it between the two main characters, their is a special connection that the two have that keeps the reader interested.  I loved the angst and personalities of both and the story was great!  At times, the plot can move a little slow within the book, but at most times it flowed nicely for me.  While there are times I wanted to throttle some of the characters in the book, I always felt better when Dawson and Selyn were together. This book was refreshing in a way for the series in the fact that the main characters had emotional turmoil to balance out the action.

Even though I was a little disappointed in the little amount of heated scenes of romance, the emotional attachment between the two helped ease it. If you are a fan of the series, then I recommend adding this book to your pile!  I loved the first book in the series, the second book was an okay read, but this book surpassed the others!  A great new read from a masterful writer!

MY RATING:

LOVER UNLEASHED
Black Dagger Brotherhood #9
Author: J.R. Ward
Source: Personal Purchase

Hardcover: 512 pages
Publisher: NAL Hardcover (March 29, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780451233165
ISBN-13: 978-0451233165

SUMMARY:

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.

As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

MY THOUGHTS:

Attention BDB fans!  Our addictive crack known as The Brotherhood books has finally arrived and has entered my system!  After waiting not so patiently for this book,  it finally arrived and all activity around my house ceased.  There was no housework, no TV Shows, only small interactions online, no dishes and not even me paying attention to my family.  If you have read this series you know there is no help for our addiction to these books and there is no point in trying to help us. 


While I was excited to read about Payne and Manny, I found myself even more excited to read about Vishous.  Oh V, I can never get enough of your terrible ways and attitude.  They are just oh so sexy!  I was heartbroken about what the author puts you through in this book, but at the same time I was overjoyed to read so much about you.  Can we take a moment to enjoy the scene of V and his candle in the penthouse one more time? *sigh*


We also get some teasers for all of us who are rooting for “Team Qhuay”.  Even though the author enjoys torturing us with this couple,  I am not one who will turn down any type of scene that involves Qhuinn and Blay.  I just wish the author would quit putting them through so much and give them their HEA.  I still don’t know how Layla is going to play out with this, but if it is what I am thinking, I hope the author changes that–verily!


We only get to read about the other Brothers a few times and frankly, it wasn’t enough.  Especially with the authors announcement on who will be featured in the next book.  I expected some turmoil and angst to peak our curiosity for the next book, but alas there was none.  I did however enjoy the small story of the new detective that is introduced to the mix and I am curious to see how that is going to play out in the future books.


I wasn’t a fan of the group of warriors led by Xcor.  Yet, as I read more into the book I realized that it was something that was needed in this book to create more story arcs for following books in the series.  I am curious to see how the Brothers are going to handle them.  Sadly, or gleefully depending on your outlook, The Scribe Virgin was not present for any of the story in Lover Unleashed.  I found that odd, especially since Payne was imprisoned by her and is V’s twin sister.  


Overall, I loved the story thanks in part to V and Butch.  You can never go wrong with those two.  It wasn’t a favorite book in  the series in my opinion, but not one of the worst.  Now if the author will hurry and bring us HEA’s for Qhuinn and Blay, along with my favorite brother Tohr, I will be in Heaven titled BDB!


MY RATING: