Monday, 9 July 2012

Vamp Yourself for War (Vamp Chronicles #2) by Christin Lovell

Title; Vamp Yourself for War


Author; Christin Lovell


Series; Vamp Chronicles Book Two

Can it stand alone? Nope


Publisher; Still pretty sure it is self published through Smashwords, but not certain


Publication Date; June 12th 2011


Description; Love will be tested and loved ones will be lost as Lexi’s journey carries her directly into battle. She quickly finds that all isn’t fair in love and war, especially when you are dealing with the most powerful and skilled vamps in the world. War brings out the best and worst in Lexi. She will be forced to question not only herself and her relationship with Kellan, but her safety and security in all she’s known until now.

Stars; Four and a half


Would I recommend it? More so than the first.


Review; Hooray! This book was a lot better than the last. The writing seemed to flow easier, the storyline was better, the character's personalities seemed a lot better. There are a lot more positive point about this book than the last!
It's not as if the writing changed overnight, and I'm suddenly a huge fan. Bits and bobs still reminded me of Twilight, but less so. It seemed to take off in it's own direction. Some things I predicted, though I wasn't really given any clues. It seems I'm more engulfed in the story. I'm now actually intrigued to find out rather than feel obliged to as no matter how bad a series I just can't discard it!
Lexi was less "I'm fat boo hoo, now I'm gorgeous yay!" and more "Don't mess with me bitch or I'll rip your head off!" Okay, so both of those are over exaggerated, but she was a more likeable character in this book. Even with the hardships she has to deal with (which still felt a little bit down played to me!)
The story seems to move pretty fast, and that's with both the first and second book. I don't mind a fast paced story now and again, though I understand not all of you are into that, so that is another warning about this series.
This story seems to be getting better, I guess we'll find out after Hit The Road Jack, the third book! Happy Reading!

Diary of a Vampeen (Vamp Chronicles #1) by Christin Lovell

Title; Diary of a Vampeen

Author; Christin Lovell

Series; Vamp Chronicles Book One

Publisher; Smashwords (I think)


Publication Date; May 9th 2011


Description; Imagine living a human charade for fifteen years and never knowing it. Imagine being provided less than a week to learn and accept your family’s true heritage before it overtook you. Alexa Jackson, Lexi, is abruptly thrown onto this roller coaster and quickly learns that she can’t change fate, regardless of how many lifetimes she is given. She will be transformed into a vampeen on her sixteenth birthday, she will be called upon to fulfill a greater destiny within the dangerous world of vampires, and she will have to risk heartbreak and rejection if she ever wants a chance at love with Kellan, whether she likes it or not.

Stars; Three and a half stars


Would I recommend it? Now this is a difficult choice, would I recommend it? Or not? It is a different take on vampires for me, but I wasn't so sure about the writing in itself. Maybe for fans of books like Twilight, though saying that I enjoyed this book slightly more than the Twilight Series.


Review; My feelings with this book are rather mixed. The story line was different, (rare when it comes to vampires!) but the style of writing didn't draw me in. It's more of a book to try out when you have nothing else to read rather than a must read, but that's only my opinion. A few people loved and a few disliked it on Goodreads. Mixed feelings all around it seems. I'm sure I'd love this story if the writing was different.
The concept of a Vampeen is different in the novel world of vampires. I liked that it was something new, which is why I am going to carry on with the series, see where it goes. Whilst I didn't love this story, there were still things I liked about it. I'm not a fan of the Twilight Series, which this book reminded me of slightly, but there was something better about this first book in the series. If you dislike the Twilight series with a passion, it is probably best that you avoid this series even though it is better, it's not better by much. If you are a fan of Twilight you will most likely enjoy this series. It is a bit of a slow start though which is why I gave it three and a half stars rather than four.
Alexa complains far too much about her weight in my opinion, but I did like her friendship with Mel. I didn't like Mike from the beginning, I don't know why. Kellan is definitely the one to choose in my eyes! I hope if you pick up this book, you enjoy it more than I did. On to book two; Vamp Yourself For War!

Saturday, 7 July 2012

Bewitching The Werewolf by Caroline Hanson

Title; Bewitching The Werewolf

Author; Caroline Hanson

Publisher; Self published

Publication Date; September 25th 2011

This is a free ebook, you cannot get it in paperback form. You can read it on an Amazon Kindle, or Smashwords!


A link to the free book on Smashwords; http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91665




Description; When witch for hire, Megan Stephens, is assigned to help the local werewolf pack leader find a mate, she thinks the job will be easy. Get in, get it up and get gone. But when she meets Zack Connor, she realizes her future might have a lot more dog jokes in it than she ever imagined.

Stars; Four and a half

Would I recommend this book? If you're looking for a short, quick read, then yes. Warning; this book involves sex.


Review; My main, and probably only issue with this book is that it is too short. You get enough information about everything. There are no plot holes. Still, for me, it ended to abruptly! As self published books go, I haven't read many. I'd been wanting to read Bewitching The Werewolf for a while, but I just hand't got around to it. The book did not disappoint me. I laughed out loud a few times, which is always good. The characters - though we don't get to see their whole personality as it is a short read - were good, funny, and almost realistic. If you like ebooks, and free things, then you should download, or read this book on smashwords, you won't regret it. This review - like the book - is short and sweet simply because you can't really go into the depth of such a short story.

Friday, 6 July 2012

Need (Finding Anna #2) by Sherri Hayes

Title; Need

Author; Sherri Hayes

Series #; Book Two

Publisher; The Writer's Coffee House Publishing House


Publication Date; July 26th 2012

Description; As Brianna comes to terms with the realization that she is no longer a slave, she must figure out what she wants for her life. Forgetting her past isn’t an option. It is an integral part of who she is now, and it will forever shape her view of life. The one thing she knows is that she cannot imagine her life without the man who saved her, but can she be what he needs? 

Stephan never imagined falling in love with the woman he rescued, but the thought of her no longer being part of his life is physically painful. The scars from her past continue to haunt her, and he is helpless to stop them. All he can do is try to help her work through the traumas of her past. Can he be everything she needs and help her move on?

The two must figure out how to navigate not only their relationship with each other, but also the outside world. A friend from Brianna’s past shows up where she least expects them, and Uncle Richard continues to enforce his well-meaning agenda to get Brianna more traditional help. As forces, both friend and foe, threaten to tear them apart, Stephan and Brianna have to navigate the turbulent waters and find what they need in each other.

Stars; Four out of five


Would I recommend it? If you are over 18, and enjoyed the first book in the series, then yes.

Review; I really want to know what happens next, and not only because of the cliffhanger. I find myself taking a liking to the character in this series. Especially Lily. I always like the over enthusiastic best friends better than the main characters. It's a weird thing of mine.
In my review of Slave, the first book in the Finding Anna series, I referred to Brianna as Vulnerable. Now I'm thinking that wasn't quite the word I was looking for. Innocent. That is the word I want to use. A once brave, independent woman who has become like a child in her need to ask permission to do anything.
In Need we see Brianna open up a little bit more. Though she is still very reluctant to do so. It makes me see her as brave, but in a heartbreaking way. It is a shame the damage this character had to go through, and just reading about gave me a heavy heart.
Emotionally, I connected more with this book than the first. Which made me enjoy it just that little bit more, but still not enough for five stars I'm afraid. That doesn't stop me wanting the third book though, as this is still a worthy series.
This instalment is slightly more sexual, but still the book does not off road from the plot. The plot, focusing on Brianna's past, and how she feels about all of these new situations, is a constant. The author didn't lose sight of that, which is sometimes the case with sequels.
Overall if you enjoyed the first instalment, then pre order this book now. If you haven't read the first book (Slave) you should pick up a copy of that first! An enjoyable book, and as far as sequels go, this one was great.

Slave (Finding Anna #1) by Sherri Hayes


Title; Slave

Author; Sherri Hayes

Number in series; Book One

Publisher; The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House


Publication Date; July 28th 2011

Description; Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.

As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Darren, leads him to buying a slave.

Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how.

Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.

Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave?

Stars; Four out of five

Would I recommend it? If you are over 18, and enjoy a story for adults that isn't purely about the sex then this book is for you.

Review; Firstly I'd like to say that I though Brianna was portrayed brilliantly. She is very damaged and though you never see the word vulnerable in the book, I feel that's the word that comes to mind for me. Though she has had to be strong because of her past, not only as a slave, but before she became a slave, I feel she relies on others. She is strong, but not independent. Her vulnerability is mainly through her POV, Stephan seems to notice her damage, but not the vulnerability.
Stephan loves to help people. I liked that, because it made him softer and more understanding with Brianna which is what she needed. It also made me like his character more. Sometimes in erotica books the male character is a douche, but the female character falls head over tit anyway, that is not the case with Slave.
I feel like I could ring Ian Pierces neck. He may be a fictional character, but he still gave me the creeps. I hope I never meet a man like him, ever.
Upon reading the description some of you may think "another fifty shades." If you are thinking that you are beyond wrong. This novel has the depth that fifty shades lacked. The main focus is the story line, not just sex, sex, and more sex. Which made this book a lot more enjoyable than some other books I have read in the erotica category. The lust is there, but it is not the sole focus, making this book an enjoyable read rather than just book porn.
The only reason this book gets four stars instead of five is because while I enjoyed this in depth eye opening novel, I didn't love it. I'm not sure why that is to be honest. Maybe it's because whilst I felt some of the pain and emotion in this novel, I didn't feel it all. I feel it should have been more raw. Maybe I will find what I am looking for in the next book.
Whist I didn't love the book, I did really enjoy and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.If you are 18+ and looking for an emotional, in depth story line with your erotica books, then get out and buy Slave by Sherri Hayes now! Happy Reading!

Thursday, 5 July 2012

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide To Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling

Book Title; Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide To Getting Girls

Author; Tellulah Darling

Publication Date; October 17th 2012


Publisher; Te Da Media

Description; Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?

That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz. Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole. But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off. No risk of heartbreak that way. It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend. Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she would and before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself. Too bad it’s driving him nuts. Told from Sam’s and Ally's alternating POVs, Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is a fast-paced romantic comedy that follows these teens as they navigate the minefield of sex, love, and friendship.

Stars; Five out of five.

Would I recommend it? Definitely!

Review;  This book is amazing. I really enjoyed it and I think you should just pre-order it already! There were moments where I laughed out loud, which can be rare with me and books and I'm sure the ridiculous smile hardly ever left my face. Honestly, I can't wait to see what else Tellulah brings out, and that's not exaggeration. The book was quirky and fun.
All of the characters were believable. I loved Ally's personality. Sam was portrayed in the right way for me. I loved the Ally and Sam moments best in the book, they are brilliant as best friends. The supporting characters were fun as well.
Usually when there are alternating POVs it can get annoying. That is not the case with Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide To Getting Girls, I actually preferred it that way. Another rare thing for me.
Another thing I loved is that it was un-put-down-able. There's no way I could have put this book down for even a second. It really is a fast-paced romantic comedy. You know, I think this is going to have to go on my favourites shelf. If you're looking for something fast-paced, funny and just plain brilliant, then this is the book for you! Don't forget to pre-order your copy now!

Monday, 2 July 2012

Dusk by Susan Gates

Title; Dusk

Author; Susan Gates

Published; 19th May 2005

Blurb; Dusk knows where she fits in.
             Day is Wolf's time.
             Night belongs to the rats.
             And she is Dusk.

She's earned her place as one of the top predators. She's human enough to feel proud of that. But then Jay, the boy, stumbles into the deserted town. He's food for the predators. If the dogs don't get him, the rats will.
Is Dusk human enough to help him? 
And can he help save her?


Stars; Three and a half.


Would I recommend it? Yes and no. If you are an avid reader looking for something different, I would recommend this book. It is not something I would recommend to my friends though, or to someone who doesn't read a lot.


Review; The book was short at only 172 pages. It felt as if it was only half a book. There could have been a lot more information, especially with the side characters.
During the beginning of this book my heart ached for Dusk. During most of the book in fact. She was so confused when it came to human affection, my heart really went out to her.  She was so scared. 
Jay however wasn't a very good character in my eyes. He was whiny and pathetic. Or at least he was in my eyes. It was only near the ending when he started to be a bit more mature, that I  began to like his character a little bit. 
One of the main things I didn't like was the age of the main characters. Both were thirteen and I felt they should have been older. There reactions weren't as panicked as they should have been either, well Jay's reactions. 
There are a few things I didn't like about this book, which is why it only got three and a half stars, but it was an original story. You don't come across those often these days, it is usually the same story told in a different way, but it needed to be longer. A lot of others have enjoyed this book, but while I enjoyed it I see room for improvement. Or a sequel. 
If you are looking for something new, pick this book up. I'd say the age range was 13+ there is a lot of swearing and some terrible scenes that even made me cringe! I didn't know what to expect from this book, but what I got was better than I thought it would be. I'm not sure if you would be able find it in your local book store, but you can find it on-line. Try Amazon!
Happy Reading!