Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

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Pivot Point
Series: Pivot Point #1
Author: Kasie West

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

MY THOUGHTS

Pivot Point is the first book in the Pivot Point series by author Kasie West.

When I first saw the cover for this book, it sparked an interest in my mind.  I love that cover and I applaud the cover artist for it.  Then I read the summary and I was definitely interested in reading about Addison.  Then I read the book and can honestly say that I loved it.  I loved the theme, suspense, plot, and characters so much more than I though I would.

Since Addie can see into the future and see which decision she makes will have the outcome she wants.  She is called a Searcher and the name fits the power.  She has to search the outcomes to see which one would be best.  When her parents divorce, she sees one future with her living with her father and one future where she is living with her mother.  In both futures there are love interests and her best friend.  There is also mystery and suspense in each as well.

With each chapter alternating between both outcomes, we get to see the decisions that Addie is going to be forced to make in each one.  The author did a wonderful job of balancing the dialogue and narration without over doing it on either.  The characters were enjoyable and I found myself telling my family ‘just one more chapter’ before doing something for them.

If you are looking for a fresh and new paranormal read in the young adult genre, then Pivot Point should be your starting point.  I can’t wait to see what the author is going to bring us for the second book in the series!

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Review: Louder Than Words by Laurie Plissner

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Louder Than Words
Author: Laurie Plissner

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Since the snowy night when her family’s car slammed into a tree, killing her parents and little sister, Sasha has been unable to speak except through a computer with a robotic voice. Nothing is wrong with her body; that’s healed. But, after four years, Sasha’s memory, and her spirit, are still broken. Then one day, she’s silently cussing out the heavy book she dropped at the library when a gorgeous, dark-haired boy, the kind of boy who considers Sasha a freak or at least invisible, “answers” Sasha’s hidden thoughts — out loud. Yes, Ben can read minds; it’s no big deal. He’s part of a family with a host of unusual, almost-but-not-quite-supernatural talents. Through Ben’s love, Sasha makes greater progress than she has with a host of therapists and a prominent psychiatrist. With him to defend her, bullies keep the world from ever understanding Sasha, he pulls away. Determined to win him and prove her courage by facing her past, Sasha confronts her past — only to learn that her family’s death was no accident and that a similar fate may wait for her, in the unlikeliest of disguises.

MY THOUGHTS

Louder Than Words is the debut novel by author Laurie Plissner.

The summary of this book was what intrigued me instead of the cover.  While I can say the cover did absolutely nothing for me, the summary itself is what drew me into wanting to read it.  I loved the premise of this book — to the point to where I thought it was well outside the box of normal when it came to young adult paranormal.  The romance was a little on the darker side without the sweetness you would expect, but one that was different but good.  While I can’t say I was a fan of each of the characters, I can say that the author did have a great voice in her narration and execution of story.

It is kind of hard to describe how I felt upon reading the last page of this story.  It was good, but it wasn’t one that blew me away.  It had moments I enjoyed, but it also had moments that I didn’t.  While some parts I wanted to reread again and again, there were also parts I wanted to skim over to get to the next part of the story. There were several things going on at one time that led the reader down a different path than what you really wanted to read about.  At times it became too much and I wished the author would have just stuck with one or two things to keep me interested.

While this book is good for a debut author,  I feel it could have been better.  I think the book just needed a little more polishing before the ending was revealed.  Even though it wasn’t a favorite book of mine this year, it is an author I will keep an eye out for in the future for more.

MY RATING

If the library doesn’t have it, don’t worry about reading it!

Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

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Lover At Last
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
Author: J.R. Ward

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.

MY THOUGHTS

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!! You have been warned!

Lover At Last is the 11th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward.  The main characters are Qhuinn and Blaylock with previous characters in the series make appearance’s.

Holy. Freaking. HECK!  I would have cursed with that last statement, but I think I used all of them up in the course of reading this novel.  Instead of a basic review like I usually do, I am going to mix it up and discuss the different story lines that are featured in this book.

BLAY / QHUINN

I don’t even know where to start with these two characters.  After everything they have gone through, I knew we were still going to be dragged through the angst filled river before these two would hook up.  I laughed. I cried. I was frustrated with actions and words.  I was eager for the sexy times.  Qhuinn had some major sucking up to do (no pun intended) and can I say that this man can grovel. Blay even grew in this book for me.  His backbone and strength were in your face and I loved that he was so Alpha like in this book.  With that being said though, I still wanted to throttle Blay at times when he wouldn’t accept our emo Qhuinn and ‘get it on’ sooner!  Their sex was hot, but their ending to me was a little cheesy. I can’t decide if I am in love with that last line of the book or if I want to roll my eyes. I also keeping thinking about that lamp and the couch.

Even though there was no eye contact between them, Qhuinn felt compelled to say something.
“What’s…” He didn’t finish the “doing” part of the sentence.  Why bother?  The guy stalked past him like he wasn’t there.  “I’m great,” Qhuinn muttered as he resumed trudging through the ice pack. “Doin’ awesome, thanks for asking — oh, you having probs with Saxton?  Really?  How’d you like to go out and get a drink and talk about it? Yeah?  Perfect.  I’ll be your after-diner mint–“

“You are perfect the way you are.” Blay’s voice was strong. “There is nothing wrong with who and what you have always been.I’m proud of you. And I love you. Now… and always.”

LAYLA

The girl grew a spine people! I can honestly say that Layla has became a character I am thrilled to read about. Verily.
Before, I couldn’t stand her. Now she is one who deserves a happily ever after.  I really would love to see her with Xcor!  That car scene near the end of the book had me swooning.

“He was the father of my young, and he will be accorded all the rights and privileges of that station.”  “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep.  I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”

XCOR / BAND OF BASTARDS

I am begging and groveling that this male will be redeemed and get his HEA.  He is the bad guy that makes you feel so good.  Not only can he lead a bunch of bastards, but he can spout sweet words to his Chosen. Even if his book isn’t next –because it may be too soon for it — but I can still hope and pray it is soon. Plus I would love some more page time with Throe!

“You are in my dreams,” he murmured.  “Every day, you haunt me.  Your scent, your voice, your eyes…this mouth.”
“I cannae believe you let me touch you.”  His voice grew hoarse.  “I shall remember this for all my nights.”

TREZ / iAM

Many people haven’t been a huge supporter of this story.  I can agree when it comes to Trez.  That Shadow is just plain boring and selfish.  But I will jump up and say that I am all for learning more about iAm.  When that man finally cracked and made his first joke, I laughed and instantly wanted to read more of him.  He is trying to guide Trez and protect him at the same time. Please Ms.Ward, bring me more of him!

ASSAIL / SOLA (Marisol)

I am in the opposite camp as most people on this one as well.  I wasn’t a huge fan of Rhev, so it is no surprise that I wasn’t a big fan of Assail.  Yes he has some sex appeal and there is chemistry between him and Sola, but I have only a slight interest in their story.  Plus, does anyone else think that Benloise is the one who kidnapped her? I think Benloise has a deeper story in this one.

MISC

I really hope that Ward will bring us a story for Saxton and give Lassiter one as well.  Saxton really grew on me with this book and he deserves a male of worth as well. There is also some pining for a young by Beth in this book — especially with it playing a HUGE role in Xcor’s revenge plans.  I also loved how the previous brothers were included in this book.  While I wish they could have been featured just a wee bit more, I understand that they had their time in previous books.  This just gives me an excuse to reread them again.

Z’s voice was a surprise.  And so was the Brother’s arm shooting up and shoving Rhage to the side.
“Will you get off me!”
“But I’m giving you CPR–“
“I will die before kissing you Hollywood.” Z tried to sit up, his breathing heavy. “Don’t even think about it.”

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: Demon’s Curse by Alexa Egan

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Demon’s Curse
Series: Imnada Brotherhood #1
Author: Alexa Egan

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

A fast-paced and captivating debut—the first in the dark and sexy Imnada Brotherhood series about shape shifters in Regency-era England.

A rising star on the Covent Garden stage, Bianca Parrino believes she has everything she wants. Independence. Wealth. And a life finally free of her violent, abusive husband. But when her close friend, Adam, is murdered, and Bianca is suspected in his death, she is unwittingly drawn into the search for his killer, and soon must question everything she believes—about her friend, about herself, and about a world she never knew existed.

A member of the mysterious race of shape-shifting Imnada and part of an elite military unit, Captain Mac Flannery gathered intelligence during the Napoleonic wars. As a result of a savage massacre, Mac and the men he served with are cursed. Now one of them has been found murdered, and Mac suspects the existence of the Imnada has been discovered at last. His only link to unearthing the truth is the beautiful actress who turns up unexpectedly at Adam’s funeral.

Before long, Mac has more to contend with than Bianca’s overt mistrust, his ill-fated attraction to the haughty and beautiful actress, and his ongoing search for an end to the curse. Because Adam’s killer is back, and Mac is next on his list.

MY THOUGHTS

Demon’s Curse is the first book in the Imnada Brotherhood series by author Alexa Egan.

I was a little hesitant in reading this book.  I haven’t read many paranormal romance books written in the Regency era.  If I am going to read a historical book, I usually want it to be pretty straight forward.  I have to say though that this book was pretty good.  While it was different in ways with shape-shifting in the historical world, it still had the basic structure of one without the shape-shifting. There was romance and suspense that kept me hooked from beginning to end.  I will admit that the first half of the book was a little bit confusing for me, but I think it was because I was trying to force my way of thinking.  I wanted it a certain way because it wasn’t what I was used to.  After I got over my expectations and that line of thinking, it kind of clicked in place for me and became and enjoyable read.

If you are willing to read the fantasy, romance and shape-shifting thrown into the Regency era, then this book will fit.  I will definitely keep an eye out for the next book in this series and will be adding this author to my watch list.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

Review: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

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For the Love of a Goblin Warrior
Series: Shadowlands #3
Author: Shona Husk

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Centuries ago, Meryn was thought to be utterly lost–all traces of his soul given up to the ravening goblin horde. But with the curse that enslaved him now broken, he must once again learn to walk in the realm of men.

Nurse Nadine Gilbert likes working the night shift to avoid her disturbing dreams, but her mysterious new patient looks hauntingly familiar. Meryn knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance, but Nadine brings out his long-buried human side. Telling her the truth about his violent past could destroy their fragile trust. Could she ever believe in the love of a Goblin Warrior?

MY THOUGHTS

For the Love of a Goblin Warrior is the third book in the Shadowlands series by author Shona Husk.  If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, it should still be no problem to follow along.  While I recommend you read the previous books, it is not necessary to read them first.  The main characters are Meryn and Nadine.

While this book was good and kept me reading straight through until the end, it wasn’t a book that I would say I fell in love with.  The story was a little choppy at times and it kind of threw me off while reading it.  Once I recognized the pace of the book though, I started to enjoy the plot.  This book had it all. It had loss, love, obstacles and redemption. I really enjoyed the characters and they actually felt right together.  While this book fits into the paranormal romance genre, I loved how it incorporated the fantasy elements as well.  I haven’t read much about Goblin’s, but I found it is a story line element that I could enjoy in future books – especially if written by this author.

Again, it can be read as a stand alone novel, but reading the previous books in the series will just make the world the author created richer and better detailed in your mind.  I can’t wait to see what the author will come up with next!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!