A Book Obsession..

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

, by KT

Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks #1

I’m Jaz Parks. My boss is Vayl, born in Romania in 1744. Died there too, at the hand of his vampire wife, Liliana. But that’s ancient history. For the moment Vayl works for the C.I.A. doing what he does best– assassination. And I help. You could say I’m an Assistant Assassin. But then I’d have to kick your ass.

Our current assignment seemed easy. Get close to a Miami plastic surgeon named Assan, a charmer with ties to terrorism that run deeper than a buried body. Find out what he’s meeting with that can help him and his comrades bring America to her knees. And then close his beady little eyes forever. Why is it that nothing’s ever as easy as it seems?

Meet Jaz Parks, a kick butt covert operations assassin that has been partnered with the agency's top assassin, who just happens to be a vampire. She's not sure why she's partnered with him as he really doesn't need the help, but like all good mysteries, there is a reason behind it all. Their latest assignment is a plastic surgeon, and it was supposed to be a simple job. Drag out all the intel they can from him, and then silence him forever. However, nothing is as it seems with this case, and they find themselves in the middle of a nefarious plot to destroy the world as they know it.

For a lot of this book, the reader is kept in the dark, both from the outside sources and from Jaz, the narrator, hiding thing as well. We know from the start that Jaz went through some kind of horrific trauma that has left her scarred, and that she is hiding things from her boss/partner. Yet we have no idea what those things are for most of the book. I'm used to books that keep both the narrator and the reader in the dark, but this one was a little excessive. This lack of information made me feel like I was a step behind and scrambling to keep up. I wish things on Jaz's end would have become a little more clear sooner, as that would have really let me relax a little and pay more attention to what was going on at the time rather then trying to figure out the past.

I absolutely love the dynamic between Jaz and Vayl. While they both seem to be trying to maintain a professional relationship between them, it quickly became clear there was so much more going on beneath the surface. Although I'm not entirely sure what exactly that is, I have a feeling in the future things just might start to heat up between them. However, one thing did bother me about the book. The introduction showed Jaz getting the assignment to be partnered with Vayl, and then it fast forwarded six months, skipping all the awkwardness of figuring out how they will fit together, and then the progression into how they are today. I just wish we could have gotten to see a little bit of that foundation to help solidify things. I'm hoping in the next book things will continue to progress as they just seem to mesh well, making for a really great potential.

All in all this was a pretty good book, that definitely held my interest despite some annoyances. I'm looking forward to reading the next book to see where things are heading; both in Jaz and Vayl's relationship as well as Jaz's developing powers. The ending events of this book are sure to have some fallout and repercussions that must be dealt with. I would recommend this book to fans of the Urban Fantasy genre, and perhaps the Paranormal Romance ones as well. Just keep in mind that there isn't any real romance in this book, just a huge potential for the future.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Jaz Parks)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy
New Author
Vampire

Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer

, by KT

Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer

by Maureen McGowan

In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!

Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun.

You can forget everything you think you know about Sleeping Beauty. Her name is Lucette and she isn't some fragile princess waiting for a prince to rescue her. No, she is a brave girl willing to do anything and everything she can to protect her family and kingdom. Of course her curse does get in the way of things as a single finger prick will threaten to keep her in solitude for the rest of her life, as well as leave her people extremely vulnerable at night. As big decisions come along it is up to the reader to decide what path to choose.

There was a love triangle between the three main characters, and at one point you even get to choose which boy to send away. I really liked this option, however it became a little disappointing in the end as regardless of your initial choice she still ended up with same guy in the end. I just wish that the choice made by the reader would have stuck throughout and been a different ending, yet still a happy one. I do understand why the circumstances would not allow for this choice, I just felt a little cheated when I realized the guy I chose wasn't going to win out anyway.

Lucette's parents have a complete inability to act sensibly, but I don't think this will be a problem as it will help them become even more sympathetic to her plight. I was just a little frustrated with them as I just wanted to knock them upside the head at times. Both of them seemed to think their own method of protecting Lucette was the right way to do things. They never once took a step back to realize that in the end all they were doing was putting her between them, causing Lucette to feel as if everything was her fault. Not an easy way for a girl to grow up.

This story is geared more towards a younger audience rather then older teens. I remember reading a lot of these choose your adventure books way back when I was a teen. However, none of them were quite like this one since most choices in those books didn't leave a very happy outcome. In this book, however, there is no need to worry. No matter what path you choose, you can be sure that you will have a happy outcome in the end. I would recommend this to any of the tweens in your life that like a story with a good amount of danger, a little romance and a sweet fairy tale ending.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer (Twisted Tales)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
New Author
Vampire

Cinderella Ninja Warrior

, by KT

Cinderella Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan

Twisted Tales #1

In this fast-paced story full of adventure and romance, Cinderella is more than just a servant girl waiting for her prince—she's a tough, fearless girl who is capable of taking charge of a dangerous situation. Seeking to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, Cinderella perfects her ninja skills and magic talents in secret, waiting for the day when she can break free and live happily ever after. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Cinderella and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!

I've always wondered why Cinderella never ran away from home as her life couldn't have really gotten any worse if she did. Well, this book finally answered that question for me. She never escaped because her stepmother was a very powerful wizard who used black magic to entrap her. Cinderella also isn't as meek and mild as she has seemed in the past fairy tales. She is actually very strong willed and tries to make the best of an impossible situation. Her determination and strength are nothing short of admirable as most would have crumbled under the horrific treatment she was subjected to. I also really liked how she didn't swoon over the idea of a prince, but fell for a messenger instead. Even when he kept pushing the idea of winning the prince over, she would just smile and tell him he was all she wanted, making her even more worthy of her happy ending.

This book follows a set of twists and turns that will allow you to chose Cinderella's path. However, there is no wrong choice as you are guaranteed a very happy ending. While this book is more geared towards a younger audience, it was still pretty entertaining to me. There is enough action to more than keep the reader's interest as well as just the right amount of romance to ensnare the reader into hoping Cinderella survives her plight and gets the guy in the end. Tweens and younger teens should enjoy this book and the message of inner strength and beauty is sure to please the adults in their family.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Cinderella: Ninja Warrior (Twisted Tales)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA

It's Monday! What are you reading (42)

, by KT

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Here's what I read this past week:

Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, Book 4)

The Vampire Narcise (Books of the Regency Draculia)

Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep (Review)
Matched by Allie Condie (Review)
The Vampire Dimitri by Colleen Gleason (Early Review)
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly (Early Review)

Tangled Threads, the latest installment in the Elemental Assassin series was everything I have come to expect and then some. I really love Gin, the former assassin with a moral code. The rest of the characters are really great, and make the books what they are. I love the sense of loyalty and family between them, even when that loyalty comes at a great risk to themselves. If you haven't checked this series out yet, what are you waiting for?

Matched by Ally Condie was enjoyable, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations of a book in the dystopian genre. The "threat" just didn't feel real enough as the people were pretty happy and well taken care of. I mean of course they had no free choice, but they didn't seem to mind it. I do have a feeling thing will escalate in the next book as Cassia's eyes have now been opened. The love triangle frustrated me a lot in this book as well since she seemed to only want Ky since he was forbidden. She almost instantly forgets about her life long friend and match, Xander, just because of a glimpse on a screen. Seems a little ridiculous to me.

The Vampire Narcise definitely wasn't what I was expecting. However, that is a good thing as what actually happened was MUCH better than what I had pictured. I really like how the books in this series all intertwine into each other with each one only moving forward the timeline just a little bit. Definitely makes for an interesting read.

Finally I read Angel Burn by LA Weatherly. I absolutely loved this book as it kept me enthralled from start to finish. Think Vampires meet the Fae and you'll get an idea of what the Angels are like in these books. If you like Paranormal YA Romance, then you will definitely want to check this one out. There is one thing to note however, the rotating first person perspectives can be jarring at times as there isn't a clear transition. It just hops from character to character. Otherwise, Angel Burn is an excellent book.

My Upcoming List:

I'm coming up on a two week period of reviews of the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin. The final book, The Deadliest Bite, comes out in June. I wish I had found this series sooner as I greatly enjoyed reading the books. It is so sad that there will not be any more books due to the author passing away last year. My heart goes out to the family.

Cinderella Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan
Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer by Maureen McGowan
Giveaway of both books ^^
Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin
Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
Biting the Bullet by Jennifer Rardin
Bitten to Death by Jennifer Rardin

Angel Burn (Early Review)

, by KT

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

Angel Trilogy #1

Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he's one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill ride of a road trip — and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.

Willow has always been an outcast due to her eccentric tastes and her psychic gifts. She just never knew why she had that gift or that it came from dark beings. Alex has hunted the Angels all his life, and his is the best at what he does. When he is sent to eliminate Willow, he almost does just that before he realizes that she is something special. Despite knowing he shouldn't, he winds up falling for her, despite her heritage. In the process they both learn truths about themselves that they never thought possible as they wind up on the run from the entire world.

The characters are what really drive this book. Even the bad guy's characters add to the book as they really make your skin crawl, making for a very believable danger. The main character, Willow despite her differences and how people treat her, still has always wanted to help others. She's had a rough life, but she's never let that stop her or hold her back. This is why it was so hard for her to accept the knowledge of her heritage as it was so horrifying to believe she had such "evil" in her. What Alex realized that she didn't was that just because she may be half angel, doesn't mean she is evil at all. In fact she proves to be very selfless and caring, everything a full angel is. Speaking of Alex, he is a very tortured character. He didn't have a real childhood, and spend practically his entire life hunting down the angels. He's lost almost more than he can bear, and that has really hardened him. Yet, even he couldn't resist all that Willow is and quickly found himself falling.

I've read books where angels are good, and some where they definitely were not the celestial beings we think of them to be. However, the angels in this book were completely unique to me in the fact that they seemed to be downright evil. If you take a vampire's need to feed off others as well as their enthrallment and combine it with some of the nastier parts you can expect from the fae, that's what the angels are like in this series. Pretty horrific huh? The future that is inevitable unless Willow can somehow stop them is one that will involve the complete and utter enslavement of the human race, with none the wiser. To think that the people would actually be happy while this is happening is absolutely sickening and only makes you root for Willow and Alex to succeed even more.

Angel Burn is an utterly enthralling read. I was hooked from the start, but the more I read, the more engrossed in the story and the characters I got. This book was told in rotating perspectives, with Willow's being in first person, and the rest in third. At times, the shifts from first to third did get a little confusing and that is the only reason I'm giving this a less than perfect rating. I just wish the transition would have been a little smoother so it wasn't so jarring and I didn't have to take a moment to figure out who was talking. Otherwise, this really was a fantastic read, and I am very eager to read the next book to see what happens. I'm a little nervous at how things will play out based on the ending of Angel Burn, but I guess only time will tell. Make sure you check this book out as it is truly one you won't want to miss in the paranormal YA genre.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Pre-order at Amazon:
Angel Burn

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
New Author

The Vampire Narcise (Early Review)

, by KT

The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

The Regency Draculia #3

Regency England stands defiant against Napoleon.

But battles among men mean little to those who live forever – especially when the Dracule are waging their own war.

Skilled in the seduction of men, both mortal and immortal, Narcise Moldavi is the greatest weapon in her twisted brother's war among the Dracule. Until she falls for Giordan Cale.

Her first searing encounter with Giordan brands them with a passionate love. But Giordan's vow to help Narcise escape her brother's rule is followed by a betrayal more agonizing than sunlight.

Wounded but determined, Narcise ensnares vampire hunter Chas Woodmore in her quest for revenge and to reclaim her life. He wants her, worships her, will kill for her. And the Dracule never forget a wrong – nor do they forgive.

Narcise has been captive since her brother tricked her into turning Dracule. She's been subjected to horrors and constantly has to win sword battles for the right to sleep free of the men who force themselves on her. She's kept her heart in an impenetrable fortress, but all that changes when Giordan Cale wins her over. He vows to save her from her fate, but complications ensue causing a heart breaking betrayal that leaves Narcise in shambles. When Chas Woodmore falls into her lap, she knows she must convince him to help as he is her only hope at escape. He falls quickly for Narcise, but her heart has turned black and she'll never be able to let anyone in again. Or so she thinks.

I'll be honest that I wasn't sure about how I felt about Narcise in the last books. From the outside perspective, she just seemed to be using Chas rather than actually caring for him. However, even if that were the case, I couldn't really fault her for it when I took her past into account. I probably would have used anyone I could in that situation just to escape. Her inner strength is amazing, simply due to the fact that she kept her sanity all those years. The things she lived through were nothing short of horrific and it just proved how twisted her brother actually was. I couldn't wait for that slime ball to finally get his, even if I knew that may just never happen.

Like The Vampire Dimitri, this book is also set back in past events, with this one starting back well before Chas first went "missing." However, The Vampire Narcise was a completely different perspective, so there was a lot of things going on that we didn't know about. I was completely surprised to learn what the horrible betrayal was that Giordan had committed. The whole thing was one giant misunderstanding that caused things to go wrong. This instantly changed my opinion of Giordan, taking him from a man I thought was uncaring to someone willing to sacrifice a whole lot, yet still ended up with the short end of the stick.

The Vampire Narcise really wasn't what I was expecting. I had thought it would be mostly about Narcise and Chas and how they fell in love as well as their happy ever after. Instead, it was just as much about her history (and present) with Giordan as it was her relationship with Chas. It wasn't a love triangle in the strictest sense, but there definitely was some tension between the three. This book was also much steamier than the first two books, but in no way was it overdone. I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending. There was a happy ever after, but it was much different than the ones that Dimitri and Voss had. I guess I'm just a little confused as to what the "change" means, as it wasn't really clear cut what the future would hold. Regardless of that fact, it did leave me satisfied with a smile on my face. The Vampire Narcise was another impressive installment in The Regency Draculia series that is sure not to disappoint.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Pre-order at Amazon:
The Vampire Narcise (Book of the Regency Draculia)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Paranormal Romance
Vampire

The Restorer Giveaway Winner

, by KT

I just realized that I hadn't picked the winner of The Restorer by Amanda Stevens giveaway. Bad Kt.. No Cookie ;) I'm hip deep in finals, so I'm a little scatterbrained. So, without further ado, the winner is:

Book Addictions by Christina

Thanks again everyone for entering!

Matched

, by KT

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched #1

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Cassia like most others, never questioned the Society and felt that it was a good thing they were making all her life choices for her. This idea is confirmed when her best friend Xander turns up to be her match, and she couldn't be happier. However that all changes when another boy's face appears on the screen, Ky. She's told it was a mistake and that she shouldn't worry about it, but to stay away from Ky all the same. Of course, she finds herself drawn to him and realizes she will have to make an impossible choice. Not only will she have to choose between her two loves, but also between the life she's always known and a far less traveled path that could lead to certain heartache.

This book is set up with a love triangle, and surprisingly enough I'm having a hard time deciding who would be better for Cassia. Xander has been her life long best friend and she cares for him deeply. He demonstrated throughout the book that he would always put her first, even if that meant sacrifice or potential danger to himself. Ky on the other hand is the complete opposite of safe. He isn't an accepted member of society and is forbidden to her. While she may love Xander, Ky ignites a fiery passion in her that she can't ignore. I'm torn between the two as she would have a happy life with Xander, but possibly without passion. However, she may have all the passion in the world with Ky but more than likely have a life full of heartache if she tries to choose him. Typically I am all for rebellion, but I just don't think her life would be any less if she chooses Xander in the end.

This book didn't quite live up to my expectations. I guess I just didn't feel the character oppression was really strong enough to consider it a full fledged dystopian novel. I realize the lack of choices given to the people is pretty stifling, but for the most part they are kept safe and happy. Of course that little bit of information is all hush hush. In fact, Cassia is completely happy with her life and the match choice she is given. She only starts to question things because Ky's face showed on her screen for a brief moment. I'm hoping the next book has more of the oppressive and rebellion themes you would expect from this type of book. I did find the age cap to be rather disturbing, especially since some may not even make it to that age depending on their "usefulness."

In the end I did enjoy the book, but as I said before I just wish the dystopian aspects would have been a little more fully realized. On a side note I absolutely love the cover. It is very unique and really sets it apart. Based on the ending events, I do think things will pick up in the next book. I am very eager to see the repercussions for some of Cassia's actions. I believe this is the first installment in a planned trilogy, so there is definite potential for this story and I can't wait to see where things end up.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Matched

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
New Author

Waiting on Wednesday (41)

, by KT

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Something Deadly This Way Comes - Madison Avery #3

by Kim Harrison

Publication Date: May 24th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Something Deadly This Way Comes

Seventeen, dead, and in charge of Heaven's dark angels—all itching to kill someone.

Madison Avery's dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Not exactly in-crowd material. It's amazing that her crush, Josh, doesn't think she's totally nuts.

Now Madison has learned that she's the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it's time for a major change to the system. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers who definitely don't adhere to the rules of the heavens.

But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead—unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.

It's Monday! What are you reading (41)

, by KT

A Rush of Wings: Book One of The Maker's Song

In the Blood: Book Two of the Maker's Song

Beneath the Skin: Book Three of The Maker's Song

Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix (Review)
In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix (Review)
Beneath the Skin by Adrian Phoenix (Review)
Etched in Bone by Adrian Phoenix (Review)

This week I read the Maker's Song series by Adrian Phoenix. I really have mixed feelings about these books. The characters are phenomenal, but the almost constant switching of perspectives to outsiders got to be very overwhelming and rather confusing. I couldn't keep track of who was who and what each person's agenda was. In fact at times I'm not entirely sure they knew themselves. As I said, the main characters are really great, and that was what kept me reading despite my frustrations. However, I'm not sure I'll be able to continue if the next book doesn't get any better.

My Upcoming List:

Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep
Matched by Allie Condie
The Vampire Dimitri by Colleen Gleason (Early Review)
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly (Early Review)