VAMPIRE TRANSGRESSION by Michael Schiefelbein

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VAMPIRE TRANSGRESSION
Author: Michael Schiefelbein
Source: Library
  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin; 1st edition (September 4, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0312374399
  • ISBN-13: 978-0312374396
SYNOPSIS:
Victor Decimus is a 2,000 year old vampire, having last seen the sun when he was a Roman soldier in biblical times. There are few rules that govern a vampire’s existence but those rules are absolute: 1) Vampires are not allowed to associate with other vampires and 2) Once a vampire convinces a human to take his place as a vampire, he must leave the earthly realm for the Dark Kingdom.

Victor, unfortunately, has broken both those rules — he’s sired his human lover Paul as a vampire and stayed with him on Earth. The two enjoy an intense life as lovers, living in Georgetown and mingling at their private club for devotees, a converted church now known as Dies Irae. But their transgression is not taken lightly and agents for the Dark Realm are now on the prowl, looking to enforce their will and, if necessary, threaten everything that Victor and Paul hold dear, even each other, to punish their transgression.
MY THOUGHTS:
I was looking for a book to fit in one of my challenges, and I came across this book at the library.  Not only did it fit into a few of the challenges I am signed up for, but it touched on different subjects at the same time.
We have vampires, male/male romance, BDSM, and a dark and rich plot.  This is the third book in the series by this author, but the first I have read by him.  I will say that this book did not serve well as a stand alone book.  I was a little lost for about half the book.  The ending ended rather abrubtly as well.  I really liked the authors take on everything.  It was well written, and the characters were wonderful.  I liked the suspense and the love you could feel from both characters when they are together. 
Overall not a bad read, especially if you have followed the series and can stand to read this sort of writing.  Not as steamy as I thought it was going to be, but it worked with the plot of the book.
MY RATING:


 
Perfect For Rainy Days From the Library!

COMING UNDONE by Laura Dane

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COMING UNDONE
Author: Laura Dane
Source: Library
  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (January 5, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0425232700
  • ISBN-13: 978-0425232705
SYNOPSIS:
After his parents’ death, Brody gave up a promising career to care for his family. Now, with his siblings grown, Brody owns his own business, and for the first time in years he’s alone. Elise has come to Seattle with her daughter to find peace. After years as a world-famous ballerina-and trapped in a marriage gone bad-she’s looking for neither love nor attention. But she finds both in the handsome, honest man who befriends her with no strings attached.

Brody and Elise discover in each other the wild, physical passion they need. But it’ll take a shadow from Elise’s past to make them look beyond what they need-to what they truly desire.

MY THOUGHTS:
This was my first book by this author.  I had read many reviews for her book, and I thought I would give it a go since I am always looking for new authors to read.
The book opens with Brody, who is a tattoo artist, Harley riding, looking good in jeans bad boy of the neighborhood.  He loves how his life has turned out and is ready to enjoy it.  Elise, who was once a ballerina, moves in across the street with her daughter, after leaving an abusive relationship. She comes looking for a fresh start and raising her daughter on her own.  The two become friends and more.  This book showed that not only can the author write hot and steamy sex romance, she can also keep it focused on family.  Brody is the man that is protective and yet caring, and Elise is independent yet feminine.  A perfect balance in a wonderful book.  
I am happy to have found a new author to keep an eye on.  The story flowed at the right pace and kept my interest the whole ride.  I will definitely be checking out her previous books and her future books.
MY RATING:


Very Good! Worth Spending Your Money on!

THE BOYFRIEND GAME by Stephie Davis

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THE BOYFRIEND GAME
Source: Library
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 176 pages
  • Publisher: HarperTeen (March 3, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061143103
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061143106
SYNOPSIS:

I rested the ball on my hip and walked back toward the equipment shed. In the dark.
Alone. With a boy.

I would be completely freaking out over varsity soccer tryouts if it weren’t for the new student, Graham, who’s helping me practice. He has the most amazing green eyes, curly brown hair, and perfect legs. Plus, we have lots in common, since all we both care about is soccer! Well, that’s all he cares about. But my heart beats so fast when we’re on the field together . . . and I don’t think it’s just from all the running around. 
MY THOUGHTS:

This book starts off with Trisha playing soccer with her friends.  The coach makes an announcement that he is moving some of the students to the varsity team.  Trisha is very excited because she eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer.  She decides to put extra time into practicing soccer while her friends focus on teen life off the field.  She meets Graham on the soccer field after practice and he agrees to practice with her.  Slowly, Trisha realizes her feelings grow for Graham and she needs to decide if she should tell him or not. 

This was a typical teen romance book.  High school, friends, girl meets boy, finds friend in boy, falls for boy. It was a sweet read that leaves you several times with the Awww feeling.  It is a quick read that you could sit down and easily finish it within a day or less.  

Overall a cute book.  Would make a great book for a young adult or an adult looking for a quick read.

MY RATING:

 
Perfect For Rainy Days From the Library!

PSYCHIC SELF DEFENSE AND PROTECTION by John Culbertson

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PSYCHIC SELF DEFENSE AND PROTECTION
Source: Author Submission
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 164 pages
  • Publisher: Outskirts Press (March 22, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1432756192
  • ISBN-13: 978-1432756192
SYNOPSIS:

Do you feel protected against attacks from negative psychic energy?

We live in an energy sensitive world and, like it or not, psychic stress is part of that world. This book gives you tools and tips on how to protect yourself from daily negativity.

In this beginners guide you’ll learn:

  • How John has combined elements of Christianity with Paganism and New Age Philosophy
  • About the aura and how it’s connected to energy attacks
  • Practical ways to tell when and if the aura has holes in it
  • How psychic & energy attacks occur and some terminology for different types of attack
  • The importance of meditation and chakra work in psychic & energy protection
  • A core protection idea that anyone can use anytime
  • The importance of the right frame of mind in psychic self defense
  • How to set and work toward goals
  • Physical actions that themselves provide protection from psychic based attacks
  • How to maintain or restore the integrity of the aura from attacks
  • The importance of aromatherapy as a defense technique
  • Visualization processes that defend against attacks
  • The power prayer has on psychic self defense
  • Three basic, but very effective magick methods of protection including easy candle magick
  • How to protect other people and locations from negativity and energy draining attacks
  • The practice of smudging
  • Commonly asked questions dealing with psychic & energy defense
This book will help you to raise your energy awareness and to link your energy to positive energy vibrations so you can more easily accomplish what you want in life without being drained by all the negative energy in the world.
MY THOUGHTS:
I have always been interested in the psychic and magical aspect of the world and life. I have been one of those curious people who have wanted to figure out tarot cards, prychic abilities, and learning more about people and their aura’s.  So when I came across this book for review, my curiousity peaked again and I was instantly intrigued to see what this book was about.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book. The only thing is, that if you have studied energies and psychic things before, it repeats alot of what you already know.  It gives you hints on dealing with negative energy that leads to stress and turning it into postive energy. It also touches on subjects about diet, chakras, oils and incenses, cleansings and deep breathing techniques.  Near the end of the book it even has a frequently asked questions section. 

MY RATING:
 
Perfect For Rainy Days From the Library!

THE DARK DIVINE by Bree Despain

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THE DARK DIVINE
Author: Bree Despain
Source: Library
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: EgmontUSA (December 22, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1606840576
  • ISBN-13: 978-1606840573
SYNOPSIS:

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared–the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood–but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude’s high school. Despite promising Jude she’ll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel’s shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy’s dark secret…and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it–her soul.

MY THOUGHTS:
OH..MY..GOD!  This book definitely lives up to all the great reviews I have read on other blogs.  First of all, look at the cover! It is so simplistic, yet as you read the book, it makes perfect sense.  Of course, purple is my favorite color as well! 
Then when you start to read the book, after drooling at the wonderful cover, you find the writing and the story to be just as beautiful as well.  Grace was strong, Jude was caring yet confusing and Daniel was just….Daniel.  The suspense just about killed me throughout this book.  Just when you think you figure it all out, the author throws you for a loop and leaves you questioning yourself. You start thinking along a different path, and then the author throws you right back to where you started!  The romance is wonderfully written without a lot of sappy teen talk, but it also stays on path without getting steamy.  
Overall, I loved this book!  It was hard to put down and I wanted to read it again as soon as I finished it!  The author has taken a bit bite out of the competition and left her mark on the young adult scene with this book.  All I can hope for is that she will follow up this book with another great sequel! Well done Ms. Despain and keep it coming!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!