Grave Memory by Kalayna Price

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Right, the third book in the Alex Craft series. Where to start?

Well, I have to admit I was a little underwhelmed by most of this book.

Alex seems to move pretty fast with her life, which I find interesting but not sure if I really find believable. In this one everyone seems to be having something happen to them. For Alex it's that she's be (unknowingly) taken off the call list for the local police after everything that went dwn in the last two books; the Winter Queen is also making her life hell, Falin (is that even how you spell his name? I honestly dislike him s much I don't care about looking it up) isn't talking to her (but she understands, it's the Queen Bitches fault) and Death hasn't been around since he told her he loved her.

Now, Alex get's a case that is going t shake up everything.

So, now that the background is down I'll jump right into it.

I will fully admit I've been reading this entire series for Death (kinda like how I read the Kitty Norevil for Cormac) and I was excited to see what happens with them in this book.

The first couple chapters of this book were good. tHey drew me in of course, like they should! And I was excited. I actually got really interested in the case they were working. PC didn't play a huge part of this book, but Rory sure had a few moments which was great!

I love that this authors sheads light on the world in every single one of these books and this book had a lot explained in it.

The middle half was honestly boring. I'm not even going to lie, but but right around the end is where it got interesting. I'd say the last 100 pages… Oh let me tell you, anyone shipping Alex and Death; you will be pleased because sme awesome sit happens.

I won't spoil all the details but I couldn't put the book down for quite a while! Then, it ends. And oh again; everyone shipping Alex and Death let me tell you- you will be thrilled.

Again I'm not going to spoil any details but when I finished the book I looked at my husband and said "Death's going t kill Falin. I can't fucking wait for Death to kill Falin."

So, yes I have a hate on for Falin- really who doesn't? Like really. In this book he's worse than the other two (except he has the benefit of not really being in it in this one) and even goes as far as to pull knives on Alex, whether he was justified or not.

Alex, as a main character I actually normally like her. She does some stupid shit but rarley does she do anything too stupid and I like tat in my main characters. I also really like the grave witch element she has to her. I'm not huge into the fae element but I am excited to see where it goes- although I have my ideas I won't spoil them! And lastly let's talk about Death, not that there is really anything to say- he's great!

As for all the side characters… well, I've always wondered if there were a few too many but I'm beginning to admit I'm getting attached to most of them. Of course the soul collectors are fun and we meet one person(?) in this book who actually interests me a lot. The mender as Alex calls him, he mends the soul collectors if they are hurt.

We also meet another character in this book- I won't gvie away too much about her, but I was digging her too and really look forward to seeing her around more (or even egtting her own series)

None the less, this book was a good read, despite it being boring at some points, I can't complain too much because of how it ended! And I will eagerly be waiting to read the next one!

Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

This is the second book in the Baba Yaga series. For anyone who remembers my review of the first book you will know how much I loved it! I coudln't wait to get my hands on this one but sadly it took me a lot longer than I wanted it to!

First I want to start off by saying that this cover is amazing. I absolutely love the first one as well. The fact that there are dogs in it make it even better!

This story focuses around Beka, one of the only three Baba Yagas in the US and her wonderful dragon disguised as a dog; Chewie.
Beka isn't quite like the Baba Yaga of the first one. She's much more bubbly in my opinion and a lot younger at that.
Part of what I love about this book is that it centers around Russian mythology. Now that being said I'm not Russian and have no attachment to it but I still adore it.
The plot of this book was simple. Help some Merpeople who were dying from someting unknown to them (though  as a reader it was easy to guess) all the while Beka was stuck with the sexy fisherman who seemed to butt heads with her at ever crossing.
Of course it does go without saying that Chewie is the best character. Because really what can beat a talking dragon disguised as a dragon who seems to have an obsession with s'mores!?
I actually think my biggest complaint about this book was that the dog wasn't in it enough! I'm sorry, I'm a dog person. I wanted more of him!
Other than that the book sadly didn't draw me in as much as the last one did. I'm not sure what it was, maybe I didn't connect with Beka as much as I did Baba, but I did really enjoy the book and couldn't put it down. I also loved the amount of conflict that was in this book. Everyone had conflict and that was great. You got to see each character grow by the end!
Speaking of the end... I can't say I was a huge fan of it. It seemed rushed; but this is coming from someone who isn't a fan of HFE endings which this kinda seemed to be.

I loved that characters from the last book popped up- quite a bit actually- and it really made me feel like I was in the same world. I loved seeing the Riders again and was thrilled to know that they were the same ones as the last book! I also love the fact that each book ends with another letter to another Baba Yaga, the one the next book will be about.
I hate that I have to wait until February for the next one!

Sift Happens by J.C. McKenzie

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Alright.... where to start on this one? I guess with the super exciting part for me, this is a Canadian author! Which I love, but even better they are from Sk! The book is set in Canada as well!

So, this wasn't actually given to me in turn for an honest review but I'm going to jump right in and give one anyways.!
First a little back ground. This story is about a shifter who has a special talent; she can sift into three forms, as she screws up a job, gets captured by a gang of werewolves working for a vampire. She gets forced to help this vampire out, all the while falling for the alpha wolf, having a creepy mutant-human wanting her as a plaything and overcoming some issues she faced the last time she was in a pack. That should be enough background... I think.
The plot was good actually. I was kinda surprised because when I read the blurb I thought it was going to suck! Hey, not all plots work for all readers, I get that. But I actually really enjoyed the world that J.C Mckenzie created. I loved the way she weaved in all the information about the world and the way she crafted shifters, werewolves and even the vampires.
I also loved the fact that it was set in Canada. Like really, that one of the best things about this book to me! In reality this book probably got at least half a star for being Canadian- I won't lie.

When it came to characters is where I had a few issues. Our main character was okay. I didn't have anything against her and I was rooting for her to win... but I can't say I was attached to her. There was one character, Allen, I was really rooting for actually.
I wasn't sure if the author made him a likable bad guy, or if it was just me but honestly wanted to see his relationship (a nonsexual one!) with out main character grow. Like I want to read an entire book about them, screw the love interest.
Annnd yea, the love interest... what can I say about him? He was honestly... okay... yea. I know "okay" isn't how you want a love interest to be described but that's what he was to me. I think my issue is that he kinda fell flat. I didn't really see any development in him.
The rest of the characters did what they were supposed I guess. They were mostly background characters and the one thing I didn't like about this story is that it was about a pack of werewolves and come the middle to almost the end of it the rest of the pack really wasn't there. I understand this was a romance at its core but it felt like they vanished.

When it comes to the writing I actually think the author did a wonderful job. She managed to add lots of humor, and made this a fast paced book. That's what I look for in a book.
I will be buying the series for sure and reading the rest of it! Overall this was the perfect book to read in a weekend, and quite frankly I couldn't put it down when I picked it up.

Princess Guide to Life By Rosie Blythe

When the author contacted me about reviewing a book that was aimed at helping the modern day woman live like a true princess! 

I don't normally review self help books on the blog; but truth be told I am a huge self help junkie! I'm not sure what it is about the genre but I just really, really love it- so when someone contacted me about reviewing their "life improvement" book aimed at the ladies- how could I say no to that?!

So, this book covers everything, from clothing to work, friends and social media to everything in between.

So, the thing I did like about this book was the idea; I love booked aimed at women, for some reason I'm not really sure why. Does anyone know; do they actually do well?

I sort of enjoyed the actual content. I tended to agree with the author on a lot of wat she was saying, but there was something about it… something that was just lacking. I couldn't pin point it but I think it was just that the author talked a little bit too much. I was hoping for a "quick and dirty tips" style of book, like I always do when reading these kinds of books; and at some points I felt myself growing board.

The thing I did like about this book was there was a lot I agreed with in the book; which was nice to read overall!

I didn't pick up many tips from this ], but I did think it was a great book for people who haven't read lots of these kinds of books (You know, the ones that mix beauty, fasion, work, boys, and everything women "care" about) and it was lacking in a couple areas. I would have loved to see DIYs, but the author 

Grave Dance by Kalayna Price

Grace Dance is the second book in the Alex Craft series and I have to admit I was thrilled to read it!

I'm such a lucky reader because it seems like there are so many series that I'm finding these days that I just love.

So, anyone who is reading this review has probably either read my review of the first book in the series or has at least read the first book; so you know a couple details and I'll try not to spoil the rest.

For anyone who doesn't know: Alex helps the local police by raising the dead for them, in the last book she also hooked up with a guy (I was not a fan of) and I spent the entire time shipping her and Death (other words a soul collector). They have a special relationship, one that I've been having a lot fun watching.

The second book had a lot more of Death; though not enough! I'm not sure how anyone rooted for her to be with Falian (sp, I don’t have the book in the same province with me!)

In this book we get to learn more about Alex's past as well as her family line. And of course the love tringle!

The thing about this book is that it is a <I>romance</i>. Yes there are urban fantasy themes to it but the main theme of this book is the romance. I see a lot of people complain about it, but you have to understand it that way in order to enjoy it (I feel).

We also got to see some characters I loved seeing in this- like the loyal dog! Anyone who read my review of Wickedly Dangerous knows how much I love seeing dogs in my writing!

And we got to meet some really cool new characters as well.

There wasn't a lot I didn't like about this book; other than the annoying love interest, which I find cringe worthy, annoying and just confusing why she wants him so bad when she can have a nice guy like Death. 

[Excerpt] Charming the Succubus by Lorien Lyn

Book Description: 

Being a Succubus has its perks…until the hunter becomes the hunted.

For half-breed succubus Ava Hawley, hunting supernatural foes is worth all the risks and rewards. But when a wolf shifter is responsible for kidnapping her sister, the mission becomes personal. Ava is ordered to track down the bad boy and turn him over to her boss. That is, until she meets the dangerously sexy shifter and realizes her charm—the kiss of death—is no match for the charms of her opponent.

Alpha werewolf Killian Reid is on the run from a demon mistress, but someone else is on his tail—a stunning seductress with more sex appeal than any woman ought to have. And Killian can't resist her. Proving his innocence will be a challenge, but with every moment that he spends with her, Ava’s self-control weakens. And as their attraction grows, she knows she’ll have to rely on the shifter she'd been sent to capture, or they’ll both become victims to another predator…

Excerpt:

Ava reached out for Killian's hand and pulled him to the side. The movement to touch him was 

 instinctual. “I can't let you risk it alone. This is my battle too.”

“We don't have time, love.” He took hold of her chin, running his thumb over her bottom lip. Not giving it too much thought—and because she wanted to—she thrust her tongue out and licked him. The taste of mornings in spring and mint burst into her mouth. She gasped softly and his eyes darkened. “Save it,” he growled low. “I know what you're trying to do.”

Her gaze lowered. Defeated.

“We'll talk later when this is all over.” He leaned forward, leveling his eyes with hers. “The part about us.”

“Won't happen if we go with your plan.”

“It's the only way to gain access into the estate.”

“What if it doesn't work?” Concern spiraled in her gut.

“We won't know if we don't try.”

She couldn't help but wonder if he was referring to them again. The thought of them together had crossed her mind a couple of times, but she couldn't envision being with the wolf. A possessive shifter was dangerous all around. The man's aura radiated nothing but danger and violence. The telltale hint of darkness and dominance gave it away. Besides, wolf shifters mated for life and Ava didn't know if she was ready for that.

Bio:

Lorien Lyn writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense with dangerously sexy heroes and equally strong heroines. Romance novels are her favorite as they push beyond traditional boundaries. When she’s not busy brainstorming up new stories, she enjoys action-packed movies and Fantasy Football with her husband and son in beautiful Southern California. 

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[Excerpt] Beautiful Monster (The Exchange - Book One) by Jeanne Bannon

There is a high road to Heaven which few people travel; Hell hath no door, but many manage to burrow their way in.

Chinese proverb

Lev moved swiftly through the hallways, darting in and out and around what, to him, were slowly moving nurses and orderlies—those unfortunates working the midnight shift. Faster than any human eye was capable of detecting, he made it to Carly’s room in a flash. In fact, he made it there just in time, nostrils plucking the acrid scents from the air better than any dog’s.

He sat on the bed beside her in the dimly lit room and noticed, thankfully, she had no roommate. The bed beside Carly was recently vacated. The scent of death still lingered heavily.

Taking her delicate hand in his, Lev noticed a monitor clipped on an index finger. It seemed it measured her pulse and heartbeat. He noticed too that her heart was beating slowly, though he didn’t need a monitor for that. He heard its throb, and it made him think of a dying battery.

However, relief settled on him as he realized he was the first to arrive after the accident that had left her comatose. Carly’s family was nowhere near yet. It would take hours for them to get here from the other coast. He had time, plenty of it. Stealthily, Lev glanced into the hallway from his perch in the darkened hospital room. The occasional nurse strode past, but it was late, or perhaps the better term was early. In the wee hours of the morning, there would be fewer staff than during the day.

With a sigh, he took Carly in. Her blonde hair was matted and dirty, even though it looked as if someone had tried to clean her up, perhaps finger combing her thick mane and tucking it behind her head. Her face was still perfect. Not a single scratch had sullied her beauty.

A knot twisted in his belly. Why hadn’t he known? He could have saved her if only he’d known. But even Lev couldn’t know everything. It was his brother, Alexei, who’d given him the news moments ago.

“Brother,” he’d said, “there’s been an accident. Go now to the hospital or you’ll never see your precious Carly again.”

He hadn’t asked the how, the why, the when. Alexei had dropped his mental barriers. Lev felt them fall like a drawbridge. His brother had let him in. It was easier than speaking—Lev was able to glean whatever information he needed in an instant. But with the simple facts of Carly’s accident came the realization his brother was happy for the turmoil. A hint of a smile had curled Alexei’s full lips, and his eyes were bright. Lev was not surprised.

He pulled his thoughts from Alexei and looked down at his beloved’s hand in his. The pallor of it matched his own. He listened to the slow rush of blood through her veins, willing it to grow stronger.

Moving close, he whispered, “I can save you.” He brought her dainty wrist to his lips. She smelled like death already—like the musk of freshly turned earth. It was now or never. His fangs pricked at her delicate skin, drawing a bead of crimson. It tasted of iron and copper and of her. Carly’s very essence was in that droplet.

He stopped himself, knowing she wouldn’t want him to go through with it. They’d talked about it many times, about the possibility of him turning her, so they could be together, not for just the blink of an eye that was a human lifetime but for eternity. She would be furious if he turned her, and he wouldn’t blame her. Lev knew the pain and sorrow of being changed into a monster against one’s will. 

But at least she would still exist. We could still be together. He shook off that small, but oh so inviting thought. No, he would not make a monster of her.

With a flick of his tongue, he licked the droplet away. A shudder of pleasure shot through him, and as he pushed her wrist to his mouth, like a child ready to bite into a ripe peach, the monitor blared a warning. He dropped her arm. Panic filled him. Carly’s pulse rose and fell suddenly. The stagnant tone of a heart that was no longer beating blared from the machine, stabbing sharply in his ears, but the growing silence of blood no longer pulsing through veins and arteries seemed louder. Hesitation had cost him. His compassion, as his brother would say, was his one true downfall.

Two nurses and a doctor were in the room now, buzzing frantically around Carly. Lev had disappeared through the pane of the window unseen and watched from outside where the moonless sky hid him. His jacket flapped in a breeze that also tousled his long black hair. It whipped and slapped against his cheeks.

It was said creatures like him could feel no pain. That they existed only as predators—takers of life—but Lev’s world had just crumbled. If he had a beating heart, it would be broken in two. Tears welled in his eyes, and he longed to let them fall. No, more than that, he wanted to scream, wanted to rip his cold dead heart from his chest and stomp on it.

Lev gathered himself as best he could, pinching the tears from his eyes and staring up to the heavens, but there would be no help for him there. For Lev Baranovsky, there was no God, only this perpetual hell he lived in. Love may come for him again in time, though he wasn’t sure he wanted it to. Would he ever get over losing his precious Carly? The vicious cycle of love and heartbreak was enough to drive him mad.

He should go now. Carly was gone. There was nothing he could do. Even though his brother would be at home, he needed the comfort of his own space to grieve.

He looked down at the ground two stories below, and when he peered back up for one last glimpse of his beloved, his brows lifted and his dark eyes grew to the size of poker chips.

Carly was dead, but she wasn’t gone.