Review: The Better to See You by Kate SeRine

Happy Friday, everyone! Today we have a review of urban fantasy/paranormal romance author Kate SeRine's novel, THE BETTER TO SEE YOU, book two of the Transplanted Tales series! If you haven't already seen my review of the first novel in the series, RED, you can do so by clicking here: Review of Red by Kate SeRine. Enjoy both reviews!

Synopsis: Once upon a time, a spell went awry and Make Believe characters were cast into the ordinary world. And the results aren’t always happily ever after…
Everyone thinks fairy godmothers can do no wrong. But if not for a certain spell mis-cast by Lavender Seelie, Cinderella’s former fairy godmother, the Tales would not be stuck in the Here and Now. Fortunately for Lavender, she’s about to get a second chance at a happy ending…

The Refuge, a sanctuary for wayward Tales, seems like the perfect place for Lavender to start a new life—especially when she discovers an unexpected ally in Seth, the brooding werewolf who’s been typecast as a villain ever since his run in with Little Red Riding Hood. But when humans from nearby towns start turning up dead, their bodies mutilated with archaic Tale symbols, Lavender wonders if Seth’s deep sensuality has blinded her to the truth. And that distraction could put innocent lives in danger. Including her own…

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance

First Sentences: "Magic's a funny thing. It's seductive, addictive. There's no bigger rush than harnessing the elements and bending them to your will, experiencing that orgasmic release of energy as a spell bursts forth and alters time, space, reality..." A fabulous opening! This short excerpt from the prologue hooks you into the story and pulls you right in. I fell in love with Lavender's character from the start. Despite being the reason the Tales currently find themselves in the Here and Now, I felt sympathetic toward Lavender from the get-go and once Lavender gets back on her feet and reclaims her magic, she's a force to reckoned with!

 

Brownie Points: As with RED, my favorite thing about Kate SeRine's novels is the voice. It hooks me in every time and I can't get enough of it. I couldn't stop flipping the pages of THE BETTER TO SEE YOU--even when I was in Europe on vacation!!! Yes, you read that right. When I was in Europe, I was staying up late to read Kate's book knowing very well that I was potentially sacrificing European daylight hours. That's really saying something. Aside from the amazing voice, Kate's novels are always wrought with tension and in the case of THE BETTER TO SEE YOU, that tension is both action-related and sexual. The heat between Lavender and Seth is smoking! Their chemistry radiates off the page. And Seth? *low whistle* From being hunted nearly all his life and a love life that's left him lonely and heartbroken (until now), Seth is brooding, tortured, and oh so delicious--and who doesn't love a man who can cook? ;-) THE BETTER TO SEE YOU has everything that readers will love about urban fantasy--action and mystery--and everything readers love about paranormal romance--sexy tension and a whole lot of hot and heavy love scenes ;-)

Beefs: I have no beefs with THE BETTER TO SEE YOU. Just like it's predecessor, RED, THE BETTER TO SEE YOU is an amazing, page-turning read! I guarantee it won't disappoint.

Ending: The ending of THE BETTER TO SEE YOU didn't disappoint and the plot/mystery held my interest all the way through. When murdered Tales start showing up in the Refuge, where Lavender and Seth have taken shelter as wayward tales, things only get progressively worse as Seth and Lavender become the killer's main target. Lavender has to summon up some serious magic faerie mojo to get them out of this one--but did I mention her magic has been on the fritz since the Tales landed in the Here and Now? Non-stop conflict makes THE BETTER TO SEE YOU captivating all the way through the last page.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I can't say enough great things about The Transplanted Tales series. Both RED and THE BETTER TO SEE YOU are a fantastic beginning to what I hope will be a long, continuously capitvating and enchanting series. The third installment in the series, ALONG CAME A SPIDER, cannot come soon enough! I have been waiting for Nicky "Little Boy" Blue's story and I'm so excited it's finally here in the next book! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little while for that one =( But I bet it will be well worth the wait! Filled with kickass heroines, yummy men, tension that doesn't stop, and sexual sizzle that will leave you breathless, I give THE BETTER TO SEE YOU a rating of a full moon, the highest rating here at Nocturnal Readings.

 

 

I highly recommend this book to readers who love urban fantasy, and those who enjoy paranormal romance as well.  A reasonably priced awesome read. So get your asses in gear and purchase your e-book, folks!

Review: Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today we have a review of debut urban fantasy author Cecy Robson's novel, Sealed with a Curse, the start of the Weird Girls series! If you haven't already seen my review of her self-titled prequel novella, you can do so by clicking: here. Enjoy both reviews! Also, don't forget to check out the giveaway at the end of the post!

Synopsis: Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls—with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy—or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

Genre: Urban Fantasy 

First Sentences: "The courthouse doors crashed open as I led my three sisters into the large foyer. I didn't mean to push so hard, but hell, I was mad and worried about being eaten. The cool spring breeze slapped at my back as I stepped inside, yet it did little to cool my temper or my nerves. My nose scented the vampires before my eyes caught them emerging from the shadows. There were six of them, wearing dark suits, Ray-Bans, and obnoxious little grins. Two bolted the doors tight behind us, while the others frisked us for weapons. I can't believe we're in vampire court." How can you not love an opening like that? Within the first few paragraphs, Robson has already drawn me into her fictional world. Vampire court? Pretty cool idea, not to mention the tension is already palpable. Celia is in a fierce mood and a pinched situation, surrounded by enemies. That equals badass action!

 

Brownie Points: As I said in my review of the Weird Girls' novella, Robson has an outstanding and superb voice filled with all the right stuff--humor, sass, emotion and a relatable narrative character--and Sealed with a Curse doesn't disappoint. The Wird girls continue to be fun, sympathetic characters, you can't help but love. No matter their perils or mistakes, Celia and her sisters are easy to champion as they battle with werewolves, vampires, and a viscous supernatural vampire virus throughout the course of the novel. What really stood out as a unique trait to me (as a romance writer and reader) was the stronger than usual romantic elements within this urban fantasy. In the UF genre I often find myself craving more romance than I'm given. This wasn't the case in Sealed with a Curse. It walks the perfect line between sexy romance and action packed urban fantasy, so romance readers and urban fantasy lovers alike will enjoy this novel. Besides, who doesn't love a rivalry between two sexy supernatural men? Aric the werewolf and Misha the vampire? I vote both, please! It's clear who is the winner of Celia's heart, but I won't spill the beans ;-)

Beefs: No major beefs. Sealed with a Curse hits the ground running with action and tension, and it kept me hooked and longing for more up to the very last page.

Ending: As with any great novel, I didn't find the plot predictable in any way. I continued to be surprised by it's twists and turns in the best of ways.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I can't say enough great things about The Weird Girls series. Both the self-titled prequel novella and Sealed with a Curse are a fantastic jump-start to what I'm certain is going to be a continuously capitvating and enchanting series. The second novel in the series, A Curse Embraced, cannot come soon enough! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until July 2013 for that one =( But I bet it will be well worth the wait! 

I give Sealed with a Curse a rating of a full moon, the highest rating here at Nocturnal Readings.

 

 

I highly recommend this book to readers who love urban fantasy, and those who enjoy paranormal romance as well. The novel will be available in both paperback and e-book formats starting December 31st! A reasonably priced awesome read. So get your asses in gear and pre-order, folks! 

 

CHECK OUT THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!! Cecy has graciously gifted me with a signed copy to give away to one lucky winner! This giveaway is open to both U.S and international entries!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Review: Red by Kate SeRine

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today we have a review of urban fantasy romance author Kate SeRine's debut novel (which releases tomorrow!), Red, the first novel in her Transplanted Tales series. Congratulations on your debut, Kate! If you didn't get a chance to check out the Monday interview with Kate, you should definitely do so by clicking the following link: Author Interview with Kate SeRine Also, don't forget to check down at the bottom of the post for a chance to enter to win loads od Red themed swag!!! Enjoy!

Synopsis: ""My name is Tess Little. But everyone calls me Red." Once upon a time, a spell went awry, stranding Make Believe characters in the ordinary world. Since then, Tess "Red" Little--a/k/a Little Red Riding Hood--has worked as an Enforcer for the Chicago branch of the Fairytale Management Authority. But, consider yourself warned--she's not just some waif with a basket of goodies. All grown up and with nothing to lose, a gun and combat boots is more her style. And Red's new assignment threatens to be short on happily ever afters…Someone is murdering transplanted Tales in gruesome fashion. The list of fictional characters capable of such grisly acts is short and includes more than one of Red's old flames. And if that wasn't bad enough, there's another complication, in the form of sexy, enigmatic Nate Grimm, the FMA's lead detective and part-time Reaper. Used to following her own rules and living life on the edge, Red has managed to avoid taking on a partner until now. But Nate's dark side makes him perfect for a case like this. That is, if she can trust him. Because if there's one thing Red knows for sure, it's that believing in the wrong person can have big, bad consequences…"

Genre: Urban fantasy

First Sentences: "What do you get when you cross an egomaniacal fairy godmother, an arrogant genie, and a couple of wandering plagiarists whose idea of cultural preservation is stealing the stories of unsuspecting villagers and passing them off as their own?" What an opening to a novel! If there is one thing that will keep people reading, it's a strong, likeable narrative voice, and as you can see, Kate SeRine does not lack that in any way--and she carries that throughout the novel with no falters. This opening was great because not only was it intriguing but within the next few sentences, SeRine flawlessly establishes the world from the very beginning.

Brownie Points: As I mentioned in my above comments, what really drew me into this series and what hooked me as a future reader for the rest of the novels was the voice. SO strong and SO much fun to read. The voice of main character, Tess, aka Little Red Riding Hood, kept my attention from start to finish. She was an overall great character; smart, funny, head-strong, everything I like in an urban fantasy heroine.  I also immediately fell in love with the idea of a world inhabited by real life fairytales--it's unique and it's fun. I never thought Little Red Riding hood would be such a badass! Red is not just some silly spin on traditional fairytales, it's wholly unique and fresh in it's references to the tales. Further, as a lover of romance, I liked that the romance in this was a bit heavier than many  urban fantasy novels without overpowering anything. The sweet chemistry between Tess and Nate Grimm was very well done. Red is definitely urban fantasy, but it's urban fantasy that will also appeal to paranormal romance readers alike.

Beefs: I honestly don't have many criticisms. This novel real does have it all: intriguing voice, likable characters, strong plot, and a sweet dash of romance. I did figure out who the villain was early on in the story, but that didn't detract from the read at all. I enjoyed the whole novel regardless.

Ending: The best compliment I can give a writer is to say that I reached the last page and was sad there wasn't more. I raced through this book--it was a quick read--and I can't wait for book two, The Better to See You (Feb 2013).

Recommendation and General Comments: This is an excellent start to what's sure to be an exciting series! Fans of Kelley Armstrong will love this book, as it appeals to both urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers alike. It's so refreshing to read such a great debut novel like Red. It's for this reason, that I give Kate SeRine's Red, book one of the Transplanted Tales, a rating of full moon!

I highly recommend Red. This novel is a great read if you want something captivating from start to finish that will keep you flipping the pages! I definitely recommend it. If you can appreciate strong, kickass female heroines, solid and interesting world-building, and subtly sweet romance then this series is for you.

I hope you enjoyed the review! Don't forget to check out the giveaway below and get your hands on lots of Red themed swag! All you have to do is comment!

Author Bio

Kate SeRine holds a BA in English from Hanover College and an MA in English from Butler University. A former editor, Kate has an on-going love affair with language and frequently volunteers as a writer and editor for various non-profit and professional organizations. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and of Indiana RWA and has been a finalist in the Fire and Ice Contest (2010), the Finally a Bride Contest (2010), and The Emily (2012). Kate never tires of creating new worlds to share and is always working on her next project.

 

 

 For more information on Kate and her work, or where you can purchase a copy of her novel, you can find her at the following places:

Website: www.kateserine.com

Twitter: @KateSeRine

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Red-ebook/dp/B0083JCF26/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337449916&sr=1-1

Barnes and Nobel: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/kate-serine

Publisher Website: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=21275

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

The RED Giveaway opened (7/30/12) and closes August 6th, 2012 at 8AM EST!!!

U.S entrants only please!

Simply leave a comment on the interview or review of Red in order to enter.

Tweet about the RED Giveaway and it's link for an extra entry! Only one extra entry per person!

LIST OF GOODIES TO WIN:

A basket of RED-themed goodies, which includes:
A tote bag
Bath & Body Works lotion and shower gel
Coffee samplers and a $5 Starbucks gift card
A copy of one of the books that inspired characters in RED
An eKensington sampler booklet signed by Kate SeRine
...and other fun goodies to enjoy!

Review: Forbidden by Fate--by Kristin Miller

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend! Today we're participating in the blog tour for paranormal romance author Kristin Miller's novella, Forbidden by Fate, the second in her Isle of Feralon novella series. Woo Hoo!!! If you didn't get a chance to check out the Saturday review of the first novella, Claimed by Desire, you should definitely do so by clicking this link: Claimed by Desire Review! Also, don't forget to check down at the bottom of the post for a chance to enter to win a copy of Forbidden by Fate or Claimed by Desire!!! This is a hot read meant for adults only. Enjoy!

Synopsis: " A forbidden love……A second chance……A night of passion neither will forget.

Sasha, a love-thirsty werewolf and rightful heir to the Were throne, is ready to take control over her pack. But when her first love, dragon shifter Damon Frost, lands on her doorstep, demanding their races negotiate ownership over Feralon’’s hot springs, he makes her question more than the fight for the enchanted neutral ground. No matter the emotions bubbling inside her, Sasha can't become involved with Damon. Not now. Not ever again.

Forbidden to step foot onto Were land after a romp with the Alpha’’s daughter as a teenager, Damon has bided his time, waiting for the day when he’’d be accepted back onto Were land. Using the hot spring negotiation as a way to get closer to Sasha, Damon plans to use every minute alone to remind her of the passion they shared–—a passion they could ignite again.

One night of ecstasy stands between them and the fight for the springs. One night of revealing glances, skin searing chemistry, and erotic desires they’’d long buried.

Will one taste of forbidden love be enough to satiate their desires? Or will the need to explore the depths of their love unleash a Were-Draco war?”

Genre: Paranormal Romance--novella

First Sentences: "He was coming for her. No matter the years spent apart or the order from the Alpha of her werewolf pack forbidding them to be together." I really loved the way this novella kicks off. The very first line had me thinking action-packed opening scene, but needless to say the very next line turns that idea on it's head. It's not an action scene, it's a sexy scene! The break in my expectations definitely got my attention and made me want to continue reading. There is yet another small, unexpected twist at the end of the scene as well, which I really loved, but I won't give it away.

Brownie Points: Like the first novella in the Isle of Feralon series, Claimed by Desire, Forbidden by Fate did not disappoint on bringing the heat! The story was hot hot hot! The first sexy scene features Sasha and Damon dancing the two-man-tango beneath the moonlight in a warm, steaming hot spring. The scene was steamy in more ways than one (okay, couldn't resist the joke)! Damon and Sasha's time together was both sweetly romantic and wildly sexy! It was a fantastic way to open on their relationship. The perfect combination for a lover of the romance genre. Damon is delicious and I loved his character from the start. He is sexy, playful, and strong. Hard as he tries to resist the temptation to be with Sasha again, after being banished years before from Were land by Sasha's Alpha father, after coming back to Were territory on official Draco business, Damon's heart quickly becomes putty in Sasha's small but capable hands. Despite orders from Queen Elixa, the Draco queen, he can't resist the temptation to touch her just one last time before he leaves Were land for good.

Beefs: I don't have anything really critical to say about this novella. My only thought was that, even though I really liked Sasha's character, I wanted her to appear stronger in the very beginning of the novella. I like my female Weres to be total badasses and while Sasha definitely had the attitude in her thoughts, her outward actions didn't reflect her true fiery personality until slightly further into the novella. But when her claws (I mean claws metaphorically, by the way lol) came out, she had no trouble winning my respect and taming her dragon-shifter man ;-)

Ending: A satisfying wrap-up. There were no lose threads to this story; everything was nicely taken care of in the end and I enjoyed the ending--though I wished the novella wasn't over!

Recommendation and General Comments: This novella follows suit of it's predecessor in the series--it's a quick, fun, enjoyable read. I didn't want this novella to end and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next in the series! I'm definitely rooting for a future full-length Isle of Feralon novel. It's for this reason, that I give Kristin Miller's Forbidden by Fate a rating of full moon!

I highly recommend Forbidden by Fate. This novella is a great read if you want a quick, fast-paced story to satiate your romance craving! Forbidden by Fate is both fiery and sweet! I definitely recommend it, and the Isle of Feralon novella series, to all fans of the paranormal romance and fantasy genres. If you can appreciate a sexy dragon, or a yummy werewolf, this series is for you!

I hope you enjoyed the review! Don't forget to check out the giveaway below and get your hands on your own copy of Claimed by Desire or Forbidden by Fate.

Where to find Forbidden by Fate:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Author Bio

Kristin Miller has had a passion for language and literature her whole life. Born and raised in Small Town USA, she often made up stories about faraway places and edge-of-your-seat adventures.

After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in psychology, Kristin realized there is no scarier place than the warped human psyche. Wanting to combine her love of writing with her desire to paint twisted villains, Kristin wound up in the unlikeliest of places—the classroom. She taught high school and middle school English before giving in to the desire to create her own world, where villains can be sympathetic and heroes can be devilishly good.

She is represented by Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill Associates Ltd. and writes dark paranormal romances and toe curling romantic suspense.

Find Kristin At:

Her Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

 

Giveaway Details:

•        Two random commenters from the tour will win their choice of either a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Forbidden by Fate OR a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Claimed by Desire, the first novella in the Isle of Feralon series.

•        The tour host with the most comments will receive a Kindle or Nook format eBook of both Forbidden by Fate and Claimed by Desire.

•        Please leave a comment along with your broken up email addy.

•        Contest is open the duration of the tour (July 2 - 20) and Internationally.

•        Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email.

Tour Stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/forbidden-by-fate-by-kristin-miller

Remember, the more tour stops you comment on, the greater your chances of winning!

Review: Claimed by Desire by Kristin Miller

Happy Saturday, everyone! It's the weekend! Today we have a review of paranormal romance author Kristin Miller's novella, Claimed by Desire, the first in her Isle of Feralon novella series. This is a hot read meant for adults only. Enjoy!

Synopsis: "Empath Misty Burke only ever wanted one man: dragon shifter Rafe Landon. Their attraction was irresistible, but he was forbidden to love a member of another race and banished her from their island, breaking Misty's heart.

Misty believes she's gotten over him since that day—until she's called home for a mission to help Rafe's clan. The primal draw between them is as strong as ever, but despite their searing passion, Rafe still refuses to put Misty at risk by claiming her as his rider and mate. Even if it costs him his life…..”

Genre: Paranormal Romance--novella

First Sentences: " 'How long she been out?' Misty Burke teetered on the edge of consciousness, struggling to separate the syllables of the gravelly voice. Who was that? Where was she? And why couldn't she open her eyes?"A great opening! Though I'm usually one for heavy action openings, I enjoyed these first lines. They drew me in without jarring me out of my seat. And when the heroine, Misty, was asking questions, so was I. I was able to relate easily to her, and the hero, Rafe, was immediately appealing.

Brownie Points: The sexual tension in this novella was hot hot hot! The heat level hits the ground running and it was interlaced perfectly with the conflict, which was established in the first few pages. I loved the set up of Misty and Rafe's previous relationship--young love. The history between them served perfectly for a novella. Misty's character is strong-willed and I liked that when she returned to the Isle of Feralon she wasn't willing to take any b.s from Rafe. Although Rafe is bull-headed (in a sexy way, of course), I loved that not only is Misty his soft spot, but he is willing to put aside his pride and humble himself in order to re-express his love for her. The world-building in this novella was also fantastic! The world was extremely well-developed and very detailed. I can't wait to revisit the Isle of Feralon in the next novella!

Beefs: I didn't have many beefs with the story. Though the novella was immediately hot, I wanted more time before Misty and Rafe did the sideways-tango, though when they did, it was smokin' lol! Their connection happened very soon after they were reunited and I would've liked some more time. Granted, the constraint of a novella lends for the sexy times being a bit early, so I suppose you could say I wanted this to be a novel, not a novella--which shows how much I liked it! I also wanted to see the transformation of Misty's feelings more before she decides to trust Rafe again, even though she reassures herself that it's purely physical.

Ending: I won't give the ending away, but I was thoroughly satisfied, though I wish it hadn't ended. I'm very much looking forward to Forbidden by Fate, the second novella in the series.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. It was a quick and enjoyable read, and I was sucked into a very magical world that still felt very real. There was no shortage of romance and the story was definitely hot to match. It's for this reason, that I give Kristin Miller's Claimed by Desire a rating of full moon!

This novella is a great read, and the story is perfect if you want something fast-paced and intriguing. This would be the perfect read whilst traveling or even just at home one lazy afternoon--if you want to escape somewhere magical, Claimed by Desire is for you. I enjoy Kristin Miller's work and I think these novellas show even more growth in her already talented abilities. I'm a big fan of the Isle of Feralon!

I hope you enjoyed the review. Don't forget to check in on Monday for my follow-up review of the second novella in the series, Forbidden by Fate! Author Kristin Miller will be here on her blog tour to answer questions! Don't miss out! See you then ;-)

Review: Deadlocked (SVS #12) by Charlainne Harris

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I’ve posted a review of Charlainne Harris' urban fantasy novel, Deadlocked, the twelfth novel in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Series. Enjoy!

Synopsis: "It’s vampire politics as usual around the town of Bon Temps, but never before have they hit so close to Sookie’s heart…

Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on there were things she’d rather not know. And now that she’s an adult, she also realizes that some things she knows about, she’d rather not see—like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one.

There’s a thing or two she’d like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet—Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town. It’s the worst possible time for a human body to show up in Eric’s front yard—especially the body of the woman whose blood he just drank.


Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s set out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.”

Genre: Urban Fantasy

First Sentences: "It was hot as the six shades of Hell even this late in the evening, and I'd had a busy day at work. The last thing I wanted to do was sit in a crowded bar to watch my cousin get naked." LOVE these opening lines! Talk about grabbing you right away. They're funny, intriguing and filled with loads of voice. Everything I love about Charlainne Harris' writing all wrapped into one.

Brownie Points: As usual, what makes me unable to put these books down is the strong narrative voice, the unforgettable characters, and the humor. I love Sookie and her world--so much so that I even named my dog Sookie! And I also love the atmosphere and quirks of Bon Temps, Louisiana.

Beefs: As I've mentioned in my reviews of the last several books, the plot of the series has been lacking. I can't help but love these books because of how much I adore the characters and the author's voice, but I have to face the facts and say that I wish the plot were amped up a bit. I was not a fan of the bumps occurring in Sookie and Eric's relationship within this novel, nor did I like the unexpected twist with Claude's loyalties. All in all I thought the book needed more concrete action and conflict, more plot line. And I thought both Eric and Sookie's stubbornness in regard to their relationship was unrealistic of two people who love or even once-loved one another.

Ending: I was not a fan of the ending. Though I sobbed like a baby at the near loss of Sam, the situation with Eric left a bitter taste in my mouth. I found him to be acting out of character and since he is one of my favorite characters EVER, that did not sit well with me.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I enjoyed Deadlocked because I love Harris' writing and I am invested in the characters' story. It's for that reason, that I must always award it a rating of full moon. Nevertheless, I really hope the plot lines of the series improve.

The series, as a whole, is phenomenal. I'll always lend my recommendation to it, as it's one of my favorites. But the plots have been lacking since around book nine and I'm really hoping that will change in book thirteen.

I hope you enjoyed the review. Don't forget to check in on Friday for our regular blog hop! See you then ;-)

Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I’ve posted a review of Ally Condie’s young adult dystopian novel, Crossed, the second novel in the Matched Trilogy. Enjoy!

 

Synopsis: "Rules are different outside the society.

 

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the outer provinces in search of Ky--taken by the Society to his certain death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

 

Narrated from both Cassia and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of the Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever.”

Genre: Young Adult--dystopian

First Sentences: "I'm standing in a river. It's blue. Dark blue. Reflecting the color of the evening sky. I don't move. The river does. It pushes against me and hisses through the grass at the water's edge. 'Get out of there,' the officer says. He shines a flashlight on us from his position on the bank." Crossed begins in Ky's point-of-view. Since the first novel was from Cassia's point-of-view entirely, this was an intriguing opening. Nevertheless, I wasn't hooked as well as I was in the first novel.

Brownie Points: I don't have much to say for brownie points on this novel. I found myself rather disappointed in it. I didn't find any parts particularly compelling. I did think the new information revealed about Xander was interesting and I felt like Cassia's relationship with him took a turn for the better. That aside, I don't have many praises.

Beefs: My main problem with this novel is that it felt like a lot of filler, like I was getting the set up for what is going to be an interesting third novel rather than getting both that AND an enjoyable sequel. Nothing was compelling me to continue reading forward, other than my hope that the story was going to improve. I was particularly disappointed in the romantic aspects of the story. Having Ky's point-of-view was interesting at first, but ultimately it made me dislike his character and revealed a lot of flaws that I simply couldn't look past. Also, Cassia seemed like less of a complex character in this novel. Her obsession with Ky goes to new heights and reminded me too much of Bella's mindless obsession with Edward in the Twilight series. At least for Cassia, unlike Bella, she still has a bit of back bone to her. But personally, I believe the ignorant 'society-girl' angle was played up too much.

Ending: I don't have too much to say about it. I was hoping the novel would improve at the end, but found it to be mediocre.

Recommendation and General Comments: Though I thoroughly enjoyed Matched, I was not a fan of Crossed. While I still remain interested enough to want to read the third novel, ultimately, I'm not as enthusiastic about moving forward in the series as I was before.

For this reason, I give Crossed by Ally Condie a rating of first-quarter moon.

 

 

This book was okay and I neither recommend it nor do I not recommend it. I will read the final novel in the trilogy when it is released with the hopes that Reached will be better than Crossed.

Don't forget to check in on Wednesday! I have another giveaway to announce! See you then ;-)

Review: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I’ve posted a review of Rebecca Stead’s young adult novel, When You Reach Me. Enjoy!

 
Synopsis: "Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.”

Genre: Young Adult—contemporary, light sci-fi, time-travel

First Sentences: "So Mom got the postcard today. It says Congratulations in big curly letters, and at the very top is the address of the Studio TV-15 on West 58^th Street. After three years of trying, she has actually made it. She’s going to be a contestant on The $20,000 Pyramid, which is hosted by Dick Clark." I must admit, this book didn’t grab me from the very opening. Once I kept reading for a little while, I slowly got into the book more and more. The voice is what kept me going, even when in the beginning the plot didn’t keep me intrigued. For those who plan to read it, I suggest that you don’t give up and set it down too quickly.

Brownie Points: I love Rebecca Stead’s voice—it was strong from the very beginning and by the end of the book I really felt like I knew the heroine, Miranda. She and her friends were compelling and interesting. Also, despite that the story takes place in 1978, I never once felt as if the time period of the novel was being thrown in my face, which I find can sometimes happen with historical novels. In When You Reach Me, the setting and time period comes second, as it should, to the characters, plot, and overall story. Because of this, the setting only added to the novel; it did not detract.

Beefs: Directly after I finished When You Reach Me, I was so pleased with the ending that I didn’t have any beefs with the book. However, looking back now, I wish the plot in the beginning had been slightly more compelling. This is just a matter of personal taste—though I ultimately adore character driven novels, I like action packed plots, and at the beginning of this novel there wasn’t quite enough action for me.

Ending: The ending of this book was PHENOMENAL!—by far its best part. All the mysteries of the novel became clear in the end in a way that was totally unexpected to me. I could not have predicted the ending, but I also couldn’t have been any more pleased with it. One of the testaments to Rebecca Stead’s abilities is that she’ll keep you guessing throughout your whole reading experience. Though I was sad for the story to end, the ending was my favorite section of the book.

Recommendation and General Comments: This novel is truly like a puzzle. At the beginning, you see all the scattered pieces and you might not be very interested in working to get to the finish line. But if you keep going, the picture starts to slowly come together, and you become more and more intrigued until at the very end you’re on the edge of your seat, waiting to see the whole picture. When You Reach Me may start out on the slower side, but the strong voice of the novel hooks you and will keep you reading until the grand finale.

I loved this novel and I recommend it to all who enjoy the young adult genre, especially those interested in light sci-fi and time-travel. Despite that the novel pays homage to Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, even if you didn’t enjoy L’Engle’s work, you’re sure to love this one.For this reason, I give When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead a rating of full moon.

 

This is the mother of all ratings! Full moon means you HAVE to read this book. I have a feeling you won't regret it =)

Thank you to all of you who entered the FB Fan Page giveaway! Don't forget to check in when I announce the winner of Laura Kaye's paranormal romance novella, In the Service of the King at 11AM today!  See you on Wednesday for our regular post! =D

Review: In the Service of the King by Laura Kaye

Hey, everyone! It's Monday, which means today is book review day! Today I have a review of Laura Kaye's paranormal romance novella, In the Service of the King. Enjoy!
 

Synopsis: "Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn't enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn't want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla's beauty and poise...and the submission she offers. She is eager to give him anything he wishes, including her innocence, to please him. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire -- even if it means risking Shayla's life?"

Genre: Novella--paranormal romance

First Sentences: "Kael paced the length of his private sleeping chamber, avoiding the plush emerald carpet and keeping to the uncovered stone floor at the edge of the room. After an hour of ceaseless movement, the cold of the polished slabs bit into the flesh of his bare feet and gave him something to focus on besides the Proffering, which he loathed but required." From the beginning sentences, we already know that the hero of the novella, Kael, is in some sort of emotional distress. Distress is conflict and tension, and tension is what keeps us reading. This novella kept me reading!

Brownie Points: After several more lines like the ones above, I was quickly hooked into the world of this novella. I'm a slow reader, but I stayed up half the night and read it all in one sitting. I couldn't stop turning the pages. What amazes me most is how much story Laura Kaye was able to pack into such a small novella. I've read full length novels which weren't nearly as strong without nearly as well-characterized heroes/heroines as in this little novella. I was also impressed by how well the fictional world was established without loads of backstory to slow the pacing down. Kudos to Laura Kaye!

Beefs: I had no beefs with this. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. And let me add, this novella was HOT HOT HOT!

Ending: As with any romance, the ending was a wonderful HEA. In the end, I felt that all the conflicts were resolved and the character's story had made it's complete arc. Great wrap up!

Recommendation and General Comments: This novella is EXTREMELY well-written and is a great read even for those who aren't normally interested in short fiction. Paranormal readers will drool over Kael, the sexy vampire king, and as usual, Laura's books never lack for extreme passion and heat. With each book I've read by Laura, I've been more and more impressed. In each story I can see her growth as an author and I know she will only continue to get better and better. I can't wait for the next installment in the novella series, Seduced by the Vampire King, which releases June 1st, 2012. 


For all the above reasons, I give In the Service of the King by Laura Kaye a rating of full moon.

Here at Nocturnal Readings, this is the mother of all ratings!!! I loved this novella! If you are a fan of paranormal romance, you MUST go to Amazon or B&N.com immediately and get this novella. It's a great price and a great read. Enjoy!

Don't forget to stop back in on Wednesday! Til then ;-) 

 

If you're interested in learning more about Laura Kaye and her novels, visit her at laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com or hit her up on Twitter @laurakayeauthor