The Urban Paranormal Book Blog

Fire Baptized by Kenya Wright

2012-02-02T00:35:00.001-06:00

Habitat, Book 1

Lanore Vesta is a college aged fire mixie (mixed breed supernatural) who stumbles upon a murder. She then becomes overcome with curiosity and begins to investigate on her own.

I've been holding onto this review since I finished the book. But today, I started reading it for a second time and realized I couldn't hold it to myself anymore. The author, Kenya Wright gave me an ARC and I finished it in a day. It was a page turner, the characters are great. Gosh I really don't have a whole lot to say other than it was great and I can't wait for the rest of the series to be written!

1. MeShack is probably my favorite character over all. He's an African/Iranian mix were-cheetah. Lord is he fine. His anger issues are actually dead sexy to me too, lol. 2. Zulu is not to be overlooked either. It seems as though he could be your standard blonde/blue white guy, except he has long blonde dreadlocks and ... well ... his name is Zulu. Plus, the fact that he's crazy fine doesn't hurt either. 3. In the next book, I'm sure we'll see more of Dante, a 250 year old vampire who had mixie 'slaves' working for him that Zulu got released. Sort of. 4. OMG what happened to the merfolk? I wanted to cry. 5. Kenya, could we get some merfolk in the next book please? :-) 6. THe living situation at the end of the book actually tickles me and I can't wait to see how this will work out. 7. I believe theirs a reason why Ray calls Lenora 'Princess' but that's total speculation on my part. 8. I'm really hoping Lanore's powers grow so she can become a total bad ass. Being able to control fire is one of my favorite supernatural abilities. 9. "I turn into a big black guy." HA! I totally laughed. 10. I happen to think those pixies always playing around MeShack are so dang cute. 11. Theirs a piece of me that feels like MeShack got the short end of the stick. Well not necessarily that, but he should have gotten what he wanted.

Overall. I loved it. The men make me happy, Lanore didn't annoy me, but the segregation is unsettling. It's absolutely necessary for the book and won't at all deter you from reading it, but it's so easy to compare it to things in history along with immigration and things of that nature. Nonetheless, I'm really excited for this series. I want to see it all the way through to the end.

4 Stars
IR: Lanore (AA) Zulu (W) MeShack (African/Iranian) Ben (Asian?)
Casting: Zulu - Kellan Lutz (I can completely see him with no shirt and some dreads. Lord ...) Lanore - Tiffany Hines (she's on Nikita) MeShack - Sendhil Ramamurthy (if he were darker, he'd be perfect)

Chosen by Denise Grover Swank

2012-02-02T00:04:00.003-06:00

The Chosen Series, Book 1

This is probably one of the best .99c buys like EVER. Anyway ... In Chosen, as soon as you begin reading, you're on the run. Emma and her son Jake are hightailing it out of a diner that Emma works at because some Bad Men are coming. A little after that, she meets Will, who Jake deems as safe. Jake apparently has some kind of telepathy and a lot more that is revealed later in the book. It takes about half way through before you get any kind of information on what's going on but oddly, even though I complained to myself about it, I didn't mind. Jake is apparently a wanted child by some unknown people and we can only get that he's wanted because he's special, but later, the script is flipped and you find Emma is who they're after. But then again ... Their are 2 groups. One is after Emma and one is after Jake. That's where things get hairy. You don't know who works for who, you just know that someone is wanted and they're running like hell to keep from getting caught. As far as Will goes, he's into some 'stuff' but ultimately has a change of heart when he realizes that he's falling for Emma and decides (around the time Jake throws something in his face) that he can't (no, really, he can't) go without her.

1.) Now you guys know how much I hate having to read about sex (unless it's an LA Banks book). Swank apparently knew I was coming for this because the sex in the book was more of a 'hand on breast, pants gone, a joining' and then I'm happy because the D and P words are not thrown around willy nilly. 2.) I really liked the connection Jake had with Will until ...... 3.) It was a non-stop rollercoaster ride. Really, it was. You never stop moving. And just as you get comfortable, you're on the run again! Non-stop action, blood and death via bullet (I'm more of a rip the neck out kind of girl but this will do). 4.) It wasn't paranormal enough for me (along the lines of Tornado Siren and Disillusionist Trilogy). If I'm reading something that's out there, I want it to be really far out. 5.) Oh, thank goodness. No this isn't IR or AA but our heroine wasn't a blonde either. Thank goodness!

Overall, their isn't much to say about this book other than the fact that it's good. Their aren't many bad points at all. I will definitely recommend this and am thinking of purchasing book 2 but I'm not quite sure if I'm up for another book of chase. It took me about a week to get through this one simply because I was tired, lol.

3 1/2 Stars

Fire Baptized GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-30T10:02:00.008-06:00

GIVEAWAY!

A new book hit the market by Kenya Wright entitled Fire Baptized. I was given an advanced reading copy and will be posting my review up after the giveaway has ended.

Contest Rules!

1. Follow this blog.
2. Reply to his post with ...a.) Your name: b.) Goodreads Profile link or Email address:
3. Also in your reply tell me if you are a member of the Goodreads.com group African American and Interracial Paranormal?
4. Answer the question 'will you be joining in the reading challenge at AA & IR PN?'
5. Check back for a new blog posting featuring an interview by the author, Kenya Wright, and leave your comments or questions for her.
6. 1 entry per person. Worldwide winners! 5 people will win an e-book!
7. Contest ends February 28, 2011.
8. Tell your friends about this contest! (optional)

Richelle Speaks on Shadow Heir

2012-01-22T01:38:00.004-06:00

So yea, I was one of those people who was incredibly pissed about the ending of the Dark Swan series. Mainly because their were too many things left unanswered and I wouldn't have minded had it not been the end of the series. So I think she got tired of people yelling about it and decided to post this. Theirs more on her blog but this is what's important.

------------------------------------------------

Anyway, if you've read SH, you probably know that the ending resolves some things...but not others. Obviously, this troubles some people since there's a big, big question left open there. I had a couple of reasons for ending it it in that OMG way. One is that I kind of like leaving a little mystery at the end, kind of like in the 1980s Flash Gordon movie when Ming's ring starts glowing. (IS HE REALLY DEAD? IS HE COMING BACK?). I don't always want to have every single detail neat and tidy at the end of a series. It can feel a little too perfect. I like to think about things afterward and leave a few open doors. Many have asked if I have plans, on some far off day, to wrap up some of the remaining mysteries.

My answer? You never know. :)

------------------------------------------------

I, personally, can't understand why you would end a series (maybe) on that note but I'm not her. If she's happy, good for her, but since I'm one of the many who invested time (and money) into this series, I think my opinion is warranted. So let's hope that she reopens this case, but then again, I'm still so ticked about this that I may not be following this author by the time she decides to clear it all up.

Urban Fantasy Survey

2012-01-20T10:06:00.006-06:00

Survey!
Author Kenya Wright linked me to an UF survey. It's only 8 questions and the results will be posted in Feb. So click the big Survey! above and git to answerin ya'll! I'll link you to those results when they come in.

Tornado Siren by Patrick Gabridge

2012-01-10T21:16:00.002-06:00

I'd been holding off on putting my review up since there was a giveaway and such going on. Patrick Gabridge was nice enough to send me 3 autographed copies of his book for the giveaway. I trust they all made it to their destinations safely. I've only heard from 1 winner so far that they'd received it. Aside from the book, there was a Q&A and that is also posted on this blog as well.

Anywho ... One of the things I loved most about this book is the fact that I didn't know anything about our heroine's job. Victoria is like a tornado expert with a PHD. So while reading this book, you've got to pick up on her way of thinking in order to really relate. While out checking a tornado's path, she comes upon a set of footprints that would have been dead center of a tornado. The footprints gave way to no signs of struggle from this person like he was being lifted from the ground. Instead, they were firmly planted in the ground during. Now, Victoria is a scientist so she's nosey as hell. Trying to find out who made the footprints pained me because I felt like it wasn't important, but then again, I'm not a scientist. Later, we meet Ben Fulgar and his dog Kimet. Ben turns out to be the man with the footprints in the tornado's path. He also claims to be centuries old, a wanderer and knows nothing of modern society. Not to mention he claims that he can sense a storm and draws power from it. Victoria, like me, is like 'uh uh.' To make a long story short, she treks across Kansas for a week, roughing it and having to deal with a ton of racial BS before ultimately falling in love with this man and trying to decide on how to have a life with him.

1.) Walter and Martha are Victoria's parents. Her mother is black while her father is white. They seem to be polar opposites in style and grace but were my favorite characters of the book despite them only really being seen towards the end. 2.) I love that Ben has no race. He's described as having brown skin but not the same kind of brown that a black person would be and Victoria goes on to list why he doesn't fit in any other race on the planet. He's literally just a human being. Love that. 3.) The book starts out slow but once we find Ben, you can't put it down. 4.) The book is well written and you can tell that the author knows his sh!t. 5.) Maybe I need to re-read the book but I couldn't place when the story was supposed to have taken place. The racially charged scenes that involved Victoria, and the constant reminders of being black, were too big of an issue and it had me wondering when this was to take place. It felt like the 50s with some doppler radar and cell phones. 6.) Aside from the last point, the only other thing that bothered me is that we don't find out how their relationship will work. If Ben has been around centuries already, it stands to reason that he will be around centuries more. And if that's the case, how does he plan on building a life with a woman he lives who will be gone in the proverbial blink of an eye? Theirs no closure there for me and none in regards to Kimet.

Overall, though this is not the type of paranormal I usually like or read on a regular basis, this is something I recommend because it's just a great story.

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Victoria (B/W)
Casting: Jessica Lucas, Ben - ?

The Mortal Bone by Marjorie Liu

2012-01-09T09:37:00.004-06:00

Hunter Kiss, Book 4

I think that out of all Liu's books, and this series of course, this is my favorite. I'd complained in the past that all of her characters were the same, no matter what the sex, background, race, whatever. This one showed me different.

The Boys, Raw, Aaz, Zee, Mal and Dek were always the most well rounded in the series IMO. They each have their own personalities and in this one, you definitely can see the difference. Before I get into the actual review, I must warn of spoilers. To read a spoiler, make sure you highlight the blank line so you can see it.

MAJOR SPOILER -> Crisis strikes when the boys are literally ripped from Maxine's body. <- END SPOILER. Because of this, we now get even MORE information on the boys, what they meant to the past demon wars and how they were handled. With that, their heart for Maxine is now worn on their sleeve and by the end of the book, they have to make a choice that will make you melt. I felt Maxine's grief, loss and heartache, not to mention Grant's internal conflicts on how to help fix things. Finally, we get to find out about that darkness that's hiding inside Maxine and how she chooses to deal with it. No longer is she running from it, she's embracing it but trying to be as practical as possible. MAJOR SPOILERS -> The reason behind Maxine being chosen for the darkness is simply because she would be the Hunter who could handle it. Not only that, but she and Grant make a conscious decision to protect their unborn child no matter what the cost. <- END SPOILER. Grant is showing an increasing amount of power and we don't yet know if that's a good or bad thing, especially when dealing with what he's gotten himself tethered to by the end of this book.

1.) I love that with each ending chapter, theirs a cliffhanger. Something gets said or something happens and you're like, 'OH SH!T' and then you hurry and flip the page to a new chapter so you can dig into it. 2.) I think because of the cliffhanger chapter endings, the resolute ending works even though you know another book will be written. It's a calm after/before the storm and when you put the book away, you're completely satisfied. 3.) Our Reaper Kings (the Boys) get to be the kings they were once before ... Or do they? 4.) Their decision at the end pleases me and the reason behind the decision will melt you heart. 5.) Jack reappears with information on something that pops up, but as usual, you're kind of like 'why didn't you say this sooner?' 6.) Blood Mama will surprise you, then again, after being dealt with by Grant, you kind of have no choice. I've always liked her. I know she's the bad guy but at the same time, she's nonchalant with her intentions, as bad as they are. 7.) The action was kind of MEH. Well, it was better than MEH when dealing with the boys but only MEH when dealing with Maxine. I still feel that even with all the power she supposedly has, she's not kicking ass the way she should be.

4 Stars
Casting: Maxine - Katrina Law, Grant - Simon Baker

Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter

2012-01-05T00:28:00.003-06:00

Jane Yellowrock, Book 4

I'm a little torn. After having read some duds, I was hoping this book would blow me away much like Book 3 did. I liked it but I didn't just LOVE it. Raven Cursed is about a ton of secrets that Evil Evie (Evangeline Everhart) is carrying, that her sisters don't know about. Jane is only tipped off by Mollys son, Little Evan, who basically says 'please help,' then she realizes something isn't right. On top of dealing with Evil Evie's odd transformation, Ricky Bo has never looked better. He's gone from handsome to dead sexy ... Like Ryan Gosling sexy ... That type of sexy where you just fall and spread your legs then hope he falls between them. Yea, like that. Beast claims Ricky but that doesn't stop Bruiser (George Dumas) from holding onto the hope that Jane will let him 'court' her. Aside from the romantical interests thrown her way, she's supposed to be protecting a vamp during parlay, tracking down werewolves who are trying to turn people, figuring out what the hell Evie has to do with all of this AND what that thing in Evie's basement is (Raven).

1. It started slow for me but of course picked up. However, there was too much detective work going on in this one for me. I like Jane to be kicking ass and taking names. 2. Angie Baby ... I don't think I can ever get enough of her. Just a child but a scary strong witch and immense love for Jane. I love her. 3. I'm glad that Big Evan finally came around ... Sort of. 4. I'm SO happy Evie was dealt with. I couldn't stand that tramp. 5. Rick's decision is leaving me pissed. I spent this whole book feeling warm and fuzzy inside because Rick and Jane were getting it on, Beast was claiming him and things looked peachy. 6. What will Jane do next? 7. Little Evan ... I can't help but wonder what he'll be like as he gets older.

Overall, the book was good. Highly recommended but not my favorite of the series.

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Jane (NA) Ricky Bo (A lot of ish, lol)
Casting: I have no idea. Their are no NA female actresses to pull from. And I'm not talking about a heavily diluted one like Charisma Carpenter or Megan Fox. I want the real deal for Jane.

Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead

2012-01-02T03:55:00.004-06:00

Dark Swan, Book 4

I am so ... Fucking ... Disappointed. Normally I try to censor myself but yall ... I am so pissed right now.

Be prepared for a load of major spoilers. I'm too distraught to conceal them, I don't give a f*ck right now I'm serious.

I just can't ... I can't ... I just ... No.

I am pissed to the ultimate level.

I have waited so long for this book only to find out that this is the LAST book in the Dark Swan series, and that NOTHING gets resolved. I am so fucking angry right now. I need to calm down.

Hold on.

I'm so mad right now to where I feel like Richelle just said 'F*ck all of you, my VA series is where it's at, put this down and read that one.' It's like she stopped caring about the devoted fans she had for Eugenie. I understand that her other series has a larger fan base because it's YA but this right here is completely unacceptable. I paid money for this. A friend gave me the book as a late Christmas/Early birthday present but I was so anxious to read it that I purchased the damn Kindle version. I am pissed!

Ok. Spoilers!

Eugenie decides to leave the Otherworld in order to have her twin babies. Roland hooks her up with a lovely couple of shamans who can't have kids of their own and are happy to take her and the children in. *I'm so pissed write now writing this, you have no idea* Pagiel is the son of Ysabel who can wield some powerful air. He has befriended Eugenie because he and Jasmine have a thing going plus he supports the whole Storm King Heir prophecy. Alright, Eugenie has her children. They are born early and later she finds out that all the kingdoms are basically stuck in a perpetual blizzard. The queen of the Yew Land, Varia (who Volusian has a bone to pick with), is basically blackmailing and forcing support of other kings and Monarchs so that if they don't support her or do as she asks, their kingdom will be kept in winter. When Eugenie finds out about it, she goes over there, she, Dorian, Rurik, Jasmine, Pagiel and a few others put a stop it and all is well. While all this is going on, we get some back story on Volusian before Varia banishes him to the underworld. Blah blah blah, we come to find out that Pagiel is actually the first grandson of the Storm King because Ysabel is the Storm Kings daughter also. Apparently he really got around. So since the lands are barren, Pagiel has taken it upon himself to go to the human world to steal food and raid and blah blah blah thus bringing the prophecy to the forefront. Low and behold, Maiwenn's punk ass shows up and kills him after Kiyo's failed attempt so now everybody is pissed and trying to figure out how to deal with her. After all this, Eugenie goes back to the human world to get ready to see her kids and Kiyo shows up to tell her that Maiwenn thinks the son may still be able to fulfill the prophecy because it could roll to the next oldest grandson. *rolls eyes* Next, Kiyo tell her that he had a vasectomy so there is no way he could father her children. So now she knows why her twins don't look like him at all, because they're Dorians. Eugenie now makes the decision to keep the secret from Dorian, leave the twins in the human world until their teenage years, but go back to Dorian, be his woman, and split her time between there and the human world.

Pissed the f*ck off. What kind of bullsh!t!?!?!?

Ok ... Calm down ...

1) We finally find out the origins of Volusian and why the current mission is so important to him. It's all to do with a woman, as usual. But Volusian was my favorite character out of everyone. 2) Eugenie is an idiot. 3) Maiwenn is a bitch. 4) Richelle Mead ... I'm so pissed at you for this mess. 5) Who else wanted Kiyo dead? I know I did. 6) Who else wanted Maiwenn dead? I did. 7) Was there closure for this book? NO. 8) I just found out this was the last of the series ... I'm not happy about this. Not happy at all. So pissed right now.

2 Stars
PISSED!!!!!
Casting: Eugenie - Amanda Righetti, Dorian - Henry Cavill, Kiyo - Paolo Montalban, Maiwenn - Katy Perry

Tornado Siren Contest Winners!

2012-01-01T14:25:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to ...
Tawn, Kara and Chinyere

Names literally pulled from a hat for this so congratulations to our winners. Send me a message through goodreads with your mailing address and I'll get the book in the mail to you this week. Link to my Goodreads profile.
Hope this isn't the last I see of you guys, especially for future giveaways. I'll be clearing off my shelf soon so keep following. Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

Diabolical Doctor Masters by Michelle Marquis

2011-12-29T00:43:00.002-06:00

It took me an entire month to get through this book even at it's super short length. This was ... SO hard to get through, Lord. Ok ... You've seen every zombie movie ever made right? I have. That's what instantly drew me to this book. A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE! Who wouldn't want to read about that?

I hate to say this but this book was more than bad. So check this out ... Theirs a point where our hero talks his way into our heroines bed and she accepts only because he's so dangerous. What the hell? This entire book was a pile of WTF.

Ok let me calm down. Doctor Masters has developed something that turns people into typical zombies. It got out on accident, well not really an accident, and now if you're bitten, you're turned. Gloria, the heroine, is a tough as nails nurse who Doctor Masters immediately falls for, head over heels in love.

I can't explain the horribleness ... Yes, I said horribleness. Their are no words. It was ... No. I can't ... Just no.

0 Stars
IR: Gloria (AA) Doctor Masters (W)

Patrick Gabridge: The Interview

2011-12-14T07:05:00.006-06:00

Patrick was gracious enough to provide 3 copies of his book for this giveaway and also do this small interview. Thanks so much to him!

------------------------------------

1. The brief bio on the back of the book says you're an MIT graduate so aside from being incredibly intelligent :-), tell us a little about yourself.

Well, in addition to writing books, I also write plays, radio plays, and screenplays. I've been highly involved in the theatre wherever I've lived--here in Boston I've probably worked with 18 different companies and hundreds of actors. In addition to writing, I was a stay-at-home dad for our two kids, I ran a theatre company, published a marketing newsletter for playwrights, fixed up houses, a bunch of other things. I've been a gardener for years, and this spring I'm getting involved with a farm training program, where I'll be farming a 1/4 acre plot. I have broad interests in life and my writing--so I've written about tornadoes, the history of the Bible, 16th century astronomers, the American culture of fear, political satires, romantic comedies. I get interested in a million different subjects, and writing lets me explore them as deeply as I like.

2. Living in Tornado Country obviously influenced your decision to write about them, what about them intrigues you?

They're so incredibly powerful and eerily beautiful and unpredictable. And they're comprehensible within the human frame of reference--you can't actually see a hurricane, it's too big. The same thing for a flood. But a tornado is something we can witness and yet still not be able to fully comprehend its power. People will see a tornado and just stop, transfixed. There's something so visceral about the shape and sound and power of it. And I like phenomena that are hard to scientifically explain. Scientists have a pretty good idea how tornadoes work, but they're still very hard to predict. I feel very much about tornadoes the way Victoria does.

3. What was the inspiration for the characters Victoria and Ben?

There's a lot of historical precedent for a character like Ben in literature and mythology, a man beyond time, part of nature. And the love story that goes with it, is part of so much mythology. Love and nature. He provided an interesting explanation and challenge for Victoria, and it was awfully fun to try to imagine what life would be like for him. For Victoria, I wanted to create a character who lived in a very consciously rational world who is confronted with something that just can't jibe with her version of reality. I grew up around science and scientists (my dad is a microbiologist), so I had a good idea of how she would think.

4. To me, this is a very non-traditional paranormal. Realistic Fiction I think we could call it. The romance even felt better for me. Why go the route of realistic and not full-out paranormal?''

Well, I think it's non-traditional paranormal, in that it's non-stereotypical paranormal, in that it doesn't have the expected "types" of paranormal creatures--vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc. The more realistic framework keeps Tornado Siren from being completely fantastical in its setting. But to me, what makes a paranormal story most interesting is changing one key element of reality, and then seeing how characters and the rest of the world react. I've often played with that in my writing for theater--telling stories that are twisted just a little bit. These are the kinds of stories that most fully engage me, the ones that make me look at the world a little differently when I walk down the street, or watch the news. One of the most gratifying aspects of having Tornado Siren published is when readers tell me that they don't see the weather reports of tornado touchdowns the same anymore.

5. Aside from it being a scientifically well written novel, it's interracial. Why interracial?

When I started writing this book, my wife and I had just adopted our daughter. My daughter is black (we're white), and I wanted to write a strong female black character (bi-racial in the case of Victoria) that she might find interesting and inspiring someday. There just weren't many black women scientists in novels that I could find at that time. (I wouldn't say that's changed a lot since.) I also wanted Victoria to have a sense of being an outsider--she's biracial, which can either mean that she fits in well with many different communities, or that she feels just a little bit outside. She's an outsider at her workplace because she's a woman of color. This experience of feeling like an outsider provides a great sense of connection between her and Ben, who is an outsider to the entire human race.

6. Who is your favorite character?

I couldn't pick a favorite. I like Victoria for being so intense and curious and determined--someone willing to walk across Kansas just to see the truth for herself. It's easy to love someone like that. But Ben is so appealing to me for his purity and integrity--he's not trying to impress anyone, he just wants to be himself.

7. What was your favorite part of the novel?

The section in Smith Center always really gets to me--the power of the storm, the devastation, the horrible images, the power of the truth hitting Victoria so hard (and Ben, too). I spent some time there when I was writing, doing research, and so it felt weird to write a scene so destructive to a real place. But it felt clear to me, in a way that brings together essential questions faced by the characters.

8. Even though it's published and well-received, is there anything about it that nags at you? That you maybe thought you could have changed?

I think it's easy to go back and say, oh, well, I'm a better writer now, maybe it'd be better if I wrote it now. But books are a frozen slice of time for a writer, a reflection of characters and story, but also who I was when I was writing it. If I wrote it now (or even re-opened it and started re-working it), it'd be an entirely different story, because I'm different now. The funny thing about writing plays versus writing novels, is that plays stay fluid for a lot longer. You make changes in workshops leading up to production, during rehearsal, and maybe even between or during subsequent productions. For a novel, you make a lot of revisions, but eventually (if you're lucky), it's published and that's it. There are pluses to that, though, because you can move forward a lot easier.

9. What other novels have you written?

My agent is currently shopping two novels for me. One is middle-grade fiction, for kids ages 9-12, about a young adopted black girl forced to spend the summer with her irascible white grandfather. While she's there, she discovers that he disappears into the wood every night, with shovels and picks, digging for something. She ends up getting pulled into his intense search for buried treasure. It's a fun treasure hunt story, but also about a relationship that grows between granddaughter and grandfather.

The second is an adult novel about a married couple who are compulsive movers. They meet on a moving day, get engaged on a moving day, they move 18 times in 18 years. And then the wife decides she doesn't want to move anymore. Her decision causes a huge rift in their marriage. It's a book very much about marriage, about a couple trying to figure out how to stay married if they're no longer the same people they once were. Race plays a part in this one, too. It's a very American story, looking at the heart of the wanderlust that makes up our American identity.

10. What is to come in the future?

I'm hard at work on a new historical novel (my first) about Robert Smalls, a black hero from the Civil War. I have some short plays in a festival in Boston in January, and a reading a new full-length play coming up in New York in February. And a short film is being made of one of my one-act plays, Measuring Matthew. It should be hitting the festival circuit next spring and the internet. We had a blast shooting it, and I'm excited to see how it turns out.

-----------------------

Thanks again, Patrick!
For more information on Patrick, visit his website http://www.gabridge.com/, purchase Tornado Siren for your Kindle or the paperback if you don't win a copy during the challenge.

Punishment by a.c. Mason

2011-12-13T22:42:00.003-06:00

Aequitas, Book 2

Good thing is I'm not very confused this time around. Except I'm disappointed. There was too much sex going on here. I mean, sure I knew it was coming but this book is just drenched (no pun intended) with it. I hate Auria, I hate her, I hate her, I hate her with a passion. I can't stand her, she makes me sick, I want her to die! LOL.

Alright. In this part of Aequitas, Grant has Auria and is dead set on getting her to love him and help him with the war against Heaven. I must say that I love the twist on religion and the Bible that a.c. uses. It's pretty damn magnificent. It makes you want to go read some stuff so things can piece together a little quicker. That's my favorite thing about this series and why I'm sticking with it. The battle in Heaven actually went the way that I thought it would so I was pleased with that. The only thing about this series that disappoints me is Auria. She would be a bad ass b!tch if she wasn't always trying to f*ck every man that makes her hot. That seriously annoys the dog sh!t out of me. I mean ... She could be my number 4 kick ass b!tch, but this is completely stopping her from achieving that goal.

1. Jane Yellowrock, 2. Damali Richards, 3. Eugenie Markham, 4. TBA

Anyway. I'm looking forward to the 3rd part. I'm interested in how things will go considering what happened at the very end of this part. Bring on book 3!

2 1/2 Stars
IR: (Auria - AA or Half)

Head Rush by Carolyn Crane

2011-12-09T23:29:00.005-06:00

The Disillusionist Trilogy, Book 3

What do I say? I'm at a loss for words. I really don't know how to start this. Ok wait, let me think ......................

Ok. What I loved about this trilogy, as a whole, is that it was light hearted. I thought each character was very well crafted and each book showed you a different piece of each person.

What do I say? Ok ... See ... A bad ending can kill a great book for me. This ending was not bad by any means but it was kind of anticlimactic. Ok, the big stuff that goes down at the end is great, but what comes after is what is leaving me stumped. It's like, you don't put me through all this stuff and then do this ... I mean sure, everyone loves a happy ending and I don't mind them, but I don't want them to be SO happy that you're like ... WHAT ABOUT ALL THE BAD CRAP THAT JUST HAPPENED? That's what I'm feeling right now.

1. I love what was done as far as revisions go and how they are worked through. 2. I love the rollerblading, it's a passion of mine. Well, not a passion, but I love it. 3. I want an entire book or series dedicated to Simon, he just makes my day so much brighter. 4. I was right with Justine in feeling bad for Otto. I see where she was coming from in just about every situation. However, Justine was a little naive ... She reminded me of an independent teenager who was confused about which boy to take to the prom. But its part of her appeal. 5. The way the prophecy plays out ... Yea I dig it, sort of. It's just the part that deals with Otto is part of that WHAT ABOUT ALL THE BAD STUFF ending that I can't quite elaborate on.

Yea, this review is dirt crap but I am honestly in a loss for words. I don't know how I'm feeling at all about this. A bad ending always ruins an amazing book for me. And even though it's not ruined, it just leaves me feeling like ... Ok well on to the next book. The ending was also predictable but I was really hoping Crane would throw us for a loop ... Alas, what we thought would happen, happened. Still, I love it, the trilogy is a fun read and I will tell anyone I know to get into it.

3 1/2 Stars
Casting: Justine - Sophia Bush. Shelby - Jessie J. Packard - Simon Woods (Pride and Prejudice). Simon - I don't know. Any suggestions?

Betrayal by AC Mason

2011-12-05T08:57:00.004-06:00

Aequitas, Book 1

I'm a little confused. How can I start this? I'm confused. Ok ... This was a short but very good read. I can't help but wonder what a full novel would have been like. I also feel that a full length novel would give the reader more time to digest the characters as a whole. The book was good. The use of the word 'cock' was kept to a minimum and the sex scenes weren't bad so I have no cause to complain much. But ... I'm just a little confused.

I really don't know how to write this review.

I think things moved a little too fast for me. There's so much back story on both General and Etienne and we only get the bare minimum. That's why I feel like I need more room. Not only that, Gabriel, Deimos and others need more explanation in reference to our main characters.

I'm confused! Lol.

Ok let me just ... Ok ... 1)I felt as though General was a really well written heroine but can't help but feel like the brain in her pants overrules the brain in her head. Yes, that's usually said of a man but this is a female and therefore all the more interesting. There is reason for it but I felt like a woman this strong should not have to deal with that as a weakness. 2) Etienne bored the shit out of me. It wasn't that he was completely boring, he was just such a good guy that you would easily over look him ... In the beginning. 3) Deimos really intrigued me and I am really interested in finding out more about him overall. 4) The transformation of both our hero and heroine are like ... I swear it was like 2 different people. Sure, for Etienne ... But I didn't expect that for General. 5) The ending left me saying 'where the hell is the rest of it?' It was a hell of a cliffhanger.

Recommended? Yes. Will I get book 2? Yes.
Casting: General - Ada De La Cruz, Etienne - Christian Bale

3 1/2 Stars.
IR: General (AA? Half AA? Just light skinned maybe)

Killing Rites by M.L.N. Hanover

2011-12-01T00:58:00.004-06:00

Black Suns Daughters, Book 4

Well ... Jayne kicked some ass in this book. I was so excited to get this when it came out on the 29th and finished this book in 1 day. Jayne and Ex are now in New Mexico as Ex is taking her to meet with some people who could further answer the question of if Jayne is being ridden. You get a hand full of religious zealots that do nothing that perform exorcisms, give them Jayne in full on kick-ass mode and then you get one big pile of everything going wrong. But it all went wrong in the best way possible.

Jayne volunteers herself to be exorcised and you know what the great part about this is? HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILERS, Her rider speaks to her in this book and begs her not to. SO FREAKIN AWESOME. The conversations, well, mini conversations were great because now we know what's going on, what's being thought and how things are being carried out in reference to that. SPOILER, their are even moments where the rider takes over Jayne's voice so it can speak on situations and not just to Jayne and that really made the book for me.

1) Midian! Midian, although brief, gives Jayne some advice that kicks her into gear. I've always felt like Jayne needed to be more proactive and stop being a victim. This is exactly what Midian tells her to do and when she realizes he's right, things go the way they should. 2) Aubrey is mentioned but that's all. *pumps fist* 3) I don't know why I have a thing for Chogyi Jake but I do. 4) The group of priests who are performing these exorcisms have a very nice sense of humor. It stood out for me, personally, because when I read about a priest, he's usually very stoic with no personality at all so this is a welcomed change. 5) FINALLY we find out what's up with the Black Suns Daughter. 6) This book makes me want to read the entire series all over again in anticipation for the next book.

Recommended? Hell yes!

Casting: Jayne Heller = Nina Dobrev, Chogyi Jake = Ralph Fiennes, Ex = Joaquin Phoenix

5 Stars

Black Magic Woman by Christine Warren

2011-11-30T08:01:00.005-06:00

A Novel Of The Others, Book 4

Somewhere in New York, a newlywed is enjoying her wedding reception. At that same reception, her older sister is convincing an Imp to take her to a club frequented by Others. Not only does this prove to be stupid, but proves to be annoying. Well, it wasn't the club that annoyed me, it was our heroine, Daphanie. From what I can tell, Daphanie is a light skinned black woman (could be half white) with an attitude problem that rivals that of a hoodrat. She in no way talks like a hoodrat but the attitude is there.

This is a hard review to write. I finished the book last night but haven't decided if I liked it. Well, I must have if I finished the book in 2 days time, but liked it? Meh ... I love Warren's writing style and character distinctions, I even loved the dialogue but there was something missing. I don't know what but it just wasn't there for me. My favorite thing about this was Asher's voice. Asher was just another hothead like in other books I've read but his voice is magnificent. His voice, I believe, comes with the territory that is his job and when he speaks a certain way, you damn well better do what he said. A 'powerful' whisper was enough to make a woman pass out. I giggle. His look is that of a statue of a roman God, IMO, but with a buzz cut. Damn I liked that too. How often do we see heroes with buzz cuts? Like never!

1) I kind of felt like the author was afraid to include a black person of a brown skin tone and darker. Any black person mentioned was light. Daphanie was described as having dusty skin, coffee and creme. Sure, there's nothing wrong with that at all ... Black is Black ... But I kinda like my Black to have some variety. 2) Some character descriptions were missing for me while others were painfully clear. 3) The story itself was good although I'm not a fan of voodoo. No reason why, it just isn't my thing. 4) Thankfully, we get to see some shape shifter and vamps. 5) But I just fail to understand why they're jumping through hoops to help a woman they didn't know existed the day before. Well, she was under Guard by Asher, but still, the accommodations made for her were ridiculous. They treated her like family from second 1. 6) No closure. We don't know what happened with Asher and Daphanie's new found relationship seeing as how he can't die and she's human. HIGHLIGHT FOR A SPOILER We also don't know how they dispose of the voodoo doll that was controlling Daphanie.

Overall the book was good. I liked it but I think not having any closure (plus a lack luster ending) left me at a sour note. Recommended? Absolutely. Will I continue the series? Not sure. If I find out that I get some closure for the above, then yes.

If you need a visual ... I could see Melanie Fiona as Daphanie. For Asher, Carey Hart (P!nk's husband).

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Daphanie (AA), Asher

Imagining Things by Aaron Victor Vaughn

2011-11-19T23:46:00.005-06:00

On goodreads.com, a man joined my group in hopes of adding his African American paranormal novel to our list there. Of course it had to happen! After we got to talking, he was so gracious enough to gift me the Kindle version of his novel, Imagining Things.

SPOILERS!!! (highlight to read)

Let's get down to it. In the very beginning we meet Whisper Wells, her brother Christian, a friend named Oliver (Katherine) Sede and her brother Marcus. But just as we get down to something, we flashback an entire generation to meet Sephra, Whisper and Christian's mother, and we are taken on a journey through her life leading up to her death. Right after that, we're transported to visit the lives of Oliver and Marcus (more Marcus than Oliver).

Sephra is a black artist who goes to school and meets Duvall, a white boy with money who basically ends up helping her become the successful woman she grew to be. Despite his love for her, her married a white woman while Sephra jumped at the chance to marry a man named Chas-Drew, who was splitting from his girlfriend ... That was the first red flag for me (as far as Sephra's life goes). Years down the line, we see her two children who are named Whisper and Christian. They are 4 years apart but born on the same day so they share birthdays.

Chas-Drew decides he wants to divorce Sephra and get back with the woman he'd separated from when he met Sephra. But as soon as he announces this divorce, Sephra is diagnosed with a life threatening disease. When the children find out all of this, Christian shuts himself off from his father which was justified in my opinion.

Just a time jump away, we now get to find out about Marcus and Oliver. Apparently they are a family with money whos father owns a company. Aside from Oliver seeming quite normal, Marcus loathes his father and there is no clear reason why. Continuing on, we find that Marcus is gay and very good looking. Unfortunately, his good looks got him attacked and raped, which led him to being a high class prostitute at the age of 14? 15? 16? I'm not clear on the age he began because the time would change in a blink without warning. He continues with the prostitution until he's saved enough money to move out of his fathers house.

There's so much that happens after that, before that and during that that I can't possible tell you everything so I'll cut to my comments ...

END SPOILERS!!!

1) The time transitions are super confusing. Theirs actually nothing that tells us how much time has gone by until we're deep into another part of the story and then you go 'what the hell? months?' or 'what in the world? how many years did I just read through?' We're sitting with Whisper, then we're learning about Sephra, then we're dealing with Marcus as a young boy, then we're back to present day. It made it super hard to keep up with, plus everyone has an odd name so I kept getting people mixed up. 2) I'm not really sure what anyone looked like. Someone has light eyes, someone is white, someone is a rich brown ... I'm just not sure. Their are no full descriptions of anyone given and that's another reason why I got everyone mixed up because I didn't know what they 'looked like.' 3) The paranormal aspect came in the form of a very vague sense of telepathy. What they do is basically answer a question before it's asked or say 'you were wondering ...' or 'you were about to ask ...' and they go on and complete it. Whisper and Marcus can pull chunks of history from peoples minds, mainly just big events. But aside from that, you would never know this was a paranormal book at all. 4) Marcus is gay while Christian is bisexual. The majority of the relations in this book are MM. 5) Did I read that correctly? Is Cinderella (Rella) in here? 6) The MF relationships seemed very forced. It always seemed like the female was always jumping the gun to get the man and then things would go downhill. 7) SPOILER, highlight to read it. I never liked Marcus and am happy he was killed off. 8) Whisper annoyed me. I want more Thunder. I want a book with some more Thunder!

Overall, it wasn't paranormal enough for me and there was just too much put into one book and it was rushed through. Would I recommend this? Absolutely, and I plan to because I feel like lots of people would really enjoy this. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it, but I was looking for more of the paranormal and less of the drama (unless it was related to the paranormal). Still, the stories in themselves were decent but needed more room to play.

3 Stars

Conquer The Dark WINNER ANNOUNCED

2011-11-01T16:06:00.002-05:00

Congratulations, CHINYERE, for winning a copy of LA Banks' "Conquer The Dark."

Look for a goodreads message from me!

Contest #2: Tornado Siren by Patrick Gabridge

2011-11-01T15:59:00.004-05:00

A new contest is beginning and I am excited. This contest features the book Tornado Siren by Patrick Gabridge.

Contest Rules!

1. Follow this blog.
2. Reply to this post and answer the following:
a. Have you heard of Tornado Siren?
b. Are you interested in winning an autographed copy?
c. Will you be joining in the reading challenge at AA & IR PN?
3. Check back for a new blog posting featuring an interview by the author, Patrick Gabridge, and leave your comments or questions for him.
4. 1 entry per person. US & Canada only. 3 people will win!
5. Contest ends December 31, 2011.
6. Tell your friends about this contest! (optional)

Winner will be picked at random from entries, emailed and asked for mailing address.

Black Gold by Vivian Arend

2011-10-14T22:22:00.004-05:00

Takhini Wolves, Book 1

I'll keep this brief. I really just kind of thought it was 'meh.' Why? Because I could tell a woman wrote this book. Shaun seemed basically like a female with a few male tendencies and a penis to go with it. Yea, it's like that. I've met lesbians more manly than Shaun. Gem was ok, typical spoiled brat but she took things in stride and that was nice. I will say that the Shaun/Gem match was good since Gem was spoiled and Shaun was pretty soft. I actually hated Caroline/Evan because I felt like Caroline was just extra and not really needed at all. So yea, meh ...

It felt like the book didn't really go anywhere. Yes, she was there for research purposes but what happened when she got there had me shaking my head. Where was the action? There was none except some silly fights with bears that was just ... *sigh* ... The book was just ok, but I won't be continuing the series.

2 Stars
IR: Gemmita (Black)

Stunning A** Cover!

2011-10-08T23:57:00.003-05:00

House of Saints by a.c. Mason

Chaos Tryst by Shirin Dubbin

2011-10-06T22:58:00.004-05:00

This novella is a retelling of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears. I know ... I know ... You're probably thinking 'what the hell?' but it's so worth the read. This Goldilocks comes in the form of a Japanese/West African woman with gold dreadlocks ... Nice huh? And our 3 bears come in the form of ... Well ... 3 bears. Well, they're brothers, the Medved brothers, who can change into bears. Coincidentally Ariana Golde takes to the baby brother, Maksim.

When you think of fairy tale, you think of ogres and goblins and talking trees and people randomly breaking out into song. I kid you not, this novella has that stuff. I totally swear it does.

Ok, I'm really not trying to scare you off but those are my favorite things about this. It's just ... I wish it were a movie ... I wish this were a full length novel, a part of a series where Shirin could go into retellings of all of our favorite fairy tales. Cinderella and the Frog Prince are even mentioned briefly.

On to what this book is about. First of all, Ariana is the daughter of the West African Demi-God, Anansi, who is nicknamed the Spider because of his trickery. Her mother is Inari, whom I don't know anything about. Googling brought me information on her being worshiped in Japan because she watches over rice. Anywho ... Ariana is a returner ... Basically, she's hired to retrieve things that have been stolen and take them to their rightful owner. Ariana waltzes into the home of the 3 bears, steals a statue but is followed by the baby bear brother, Maksim. During the time it takes for Ariana to return the statue, their mingling Chaos magic blows up a building, incites an orgy (don't worry, this novella is not Erotica) and then gets an ogre married to a goblin woman. Fun time I assure you. But overall, I thought it was so much fun to read, specifically when trying to piece together what person belongs to what fairytale. When 'historical' figures are re-written in books, thats a plus for me, I love that stuff.

Only 1 gripe for the entire book ... I honest to goodness could not see Maksim singing a Prince song and dancing. The tango, yes, but nothing else. I just felt like ... Maksim was SO well written and then that small piece was just a little out of place. Who knows ... I don't care, I still love it.

Oh oh oh, another bonus ... yea ... Anansi goes FULL ON SPIDER ON YOUR ASS! I swear if I ever saw something like that in real life, I'd pee on myself and die. My arachnophobia is that severe.

4 Stars
IR: Ariana (African/Japanese), Maksim (Russian)

Mistress To The Beast by Eve Vaughn

2011-10-03T22:40:00.002-05:00

Every now and then I branch out and read a little something different. I'm still not quite sure what made me read this book other than the fact that it was Interracial but during my time reading it, I found it wasn't so bad.

Lila is a nurse who is taking care of her sick father. Immediately we get that Lila is stunning and will do anything to care for her father, which she does. Hunter Jamison is nicknamed The Beast and is basically looking for a live-in f*ck buddy. He had an accident that left his more than scarred on one side of his face so he's having a hard time keeping women even just for sex. Lila, however, offers herself to him in exchange for Hunter to leave her fathers store alone.

Honestly, I don't know what I was expecting and don't know what I thought about it. If you've seen Beauty and the Beast, this reminds you a lot of it but of course with some X rated things going on. It wasn't badly done and I actually like the fact that Lila didn't just fall for the guy simply because it was the cliche thing to do. There was a friendship built first and a trust that lead to things going more smoothly.

Scarred or not, Hunter is a douche but a damn fine one and should be allowed to do anything he wants in this world or the next, lol.

3 Stars
IR: Lila (AA)

Contest! Contest! Contest!

2011-10-03T21:58:00.006-05:00

Hey there all ... The Urban Paranormal Book Blog is giving away a copy of LA Banks' last work before her untimely passing. Conquer the Dark is book 2 in her Angels series and unfortunately the last.

Contest Rules!

1. Follow this blog.
2. Join the Vampire Huntress Movie discussion at IR & AA Paranormal on Goodreads and comment.
3. After doing so, come back to this post and reply with 'RIP LA Banks,' and tell us your goodreads name about your favorite LA Banks book.
4. 1 entry per person. US & Canada only.
5. Contest ends October 31, 2011.
6. Tell your friends about this contest! (optional)

Winner will be picked at random from entries, emailed and asked for mailing address.

Double Cross by Carolyn Crane

2011-09-30T03:15:00.002-05:00

The Disillusionists Trilogy, Book 2

I would just like to start off by saying that I had the time of my life with this book. I would also like to start off by saying that the ending is going to kick you in the ass one really good time and you will love it.

We meet Ez, short for Ezmerelda, who's being held by Otto for some sleepwalking murders. Ez has the ability to burrow into your head during your dreams and influence you even while awake. Because of this, we find out some more really interesting details about Packard and Otto ... This isn't just a tidbit of stuff here and there, this is good vital information about the Packard/Otto feud. Not only are we dealing with Ez, we are also dealing with a group of humans that have been nicknamed The Dorks. They wear thick glasses and are only killing highcaps. These Dorks are indeed connected to the information you get from a dream that Justine has about Packard and Otto.

I really REALLY want to say more but I just can't ... This book was absolutely wonderful. The ending was everything I wanted in a book just because sometimes I can be a real girl, lol. The third book is coming out in December and I'm going to continue biting my nails until I can find out how Justine fairs due to the ending of book 2.

5 Stars.

Crossroads by Jeanne C. Stein

2011-09-19T03:31:00.004-05:00

Anna Strong, Book 7

It seems like it's been too long since book 6 came out that by the time this one came out, I'd completely forgotten nearly everything that happened in book 6. I skimmed it over ... Awesome ... I get to this ... Pretty good.

It's starting to get predictable that when you're dealing with Native American people in a paranormal book, that there is a Skinwalker running around. I knew, automatically, that someone would be a Skinwalker just because of the word 'Navajo.' Yes, it was that easy to me. Blame my author goddess Faith Hunter, cause no one does a Skinwalker like her. Anywho ... Anna is given an offer she almost can't refuse. Because of this offer, she finds herself on a Navajo reservation with Daniel Frey ... Why, do you ask? What prompted this offer from an enemy? The one person in the world she wants to tell to f*** off ... Max.

A tragedy on the reservation changes the entire reason for the trip down there and thus causes Anna to evaluate her life as it is, life as it was, and life as it possibly could be. Sure, her answer was predictable but there was a lot of fun to be had before arriving at that conclusion.

1. There was no effective use of a Skinwalker. If you're gonna do a Skinwalker, do it!

2. Harris ...? Hmm ... That's all I'll say. Hopefully we'll go into depth in book 8.

3. Where will Anna and Stephen end up now that Anna has had this revelation?

4. What of Daniel Frey? What of his relationship with Anna?

5. Less throat ripping in this book and I was a bit disappointed but still it was decent.

Overall ... 3 1/2 Stars. I'm sticking with the series because I'm too invested in Anna, Frey and Max to turn away.

By the way ... I've always disliked the female representation of Anna on the cover. Why? Last I remember, Anna has short black hair ... See that on the covers? No? I don't either. But I feel the rest of it is accurate, outside of the weaponry ...

Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

2011-09-17T21:13:00.003-05:00

The Disillusionist Trilogy, Book 1

Justine is a hypochondriac.

Enough said.

No really ... I have a relative that I've always called a hypochondriac so hearing about this immediately had me purchasing it. She thinks she's about to die of Vein Star syndrome and uses up the majority of her life thinking it's about to happen. I'm talking about the crazy amounts of research, talking about it to loved ones ... Which she only has 1, Cubby ... and thinking about it day in and day out. She is literally consumed with thoughts of this.

One day, she goes into a place called Mongolian Delights and that starts her journey towards healing. Packard is the owner/boss of this restaurant and basically offers her something that she can't refuse.

I, for one, refuse to give you any details as you really need to read it yourself and the full understanding of the Disillusionists. Well, I'll just tell you this. Since Justine is a hypochondriac, she is paired with criminals who have some kind of underlying medical condition that may or may not be real. She goes in and amps it up about a hundred percent (in combination with things that other people do like amp up gambling or low self esteem), and basically watches them crumble the come back as a good person.

Along the way, we get to know the targets, why they're chosen as targets and what it all leads up to. I wasn't expecting for things to turn out the way they did. I'm surprised and happy with one thing but a little disappointed with the other. But still, overall, the book was awesome, I've already purchased book 2 and will start on it when I have more free time.

4 Stars

The Negotiator Trilogy - Revisted

2011-08-17T09:18:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows I have my issues with book covers not accurately (or closely) reflecting the main character of the book I'm reading. When I picked up book 1, I found out that Margrit was a well-off black woman ... The cover has a white woman. So of course if you read my blog regularly, you know I was pissed.

I've also become a little salty with the author, CE Murphy for ending a fantastic series so soon but that's besides the point.

CE Murphy got major MAJOR cool points from me. A reader, Mandalay, directed me to this. I hadn't seen it or found it on the net when I was searching for this subject matter with this series. Please CLICK HERE to read the full interview CE Murphy gave about having to fight to keep her main character black.

---

Main Points from CE Murphy:
1. When it became clear I wasn’t going to budge on Margrit’s parents both being black–and come on, we’re talking about America here: a huge percentage of black Americans have white blood, and it’s hardly a stretch for two people who self-identify as black to have a daughter who’s Halle-Berry-colored–when I wasn’t going to budge, they said to me, “Maybe you could write a “Dear Reader” letter that says one of the themes of these books is racism.”

2. The bit they focused on was “a Halle Berry type”, and when I turned the manuscript in with Margrit still defining herself as a black woman, they said, “I thought we agreed she would have one white parent.”

---

You can read more at bittenbybooks.com at the link provided above.

The more I read and the more I invest in an author or series ... I find that this is common and what a damn shame it is. It's one thing to have a black author fighting to keep their protagonist black and have people of cover on the art work, but it's something else to have a non-black author have to defend her vision because it's not what they think will sell. Bullshit ... I can't do anything about it except air it out as much as possible when it arises. Not sure how much good it will do, but at least these publishing companies will know that the readers are aware.

That link above also has a link to another author who had similar struggles with book covers. CLICK HERE for that blog.

Strange Little Band by Nancy Brauer and Vanessa Brooks

2011-08-16T22:57:00.004-05:00

Strange is definitely the word for this. The setting for this is somewhat futuristic, IMO. It's more on the side of sci-fi as we're dealing with people who can basically utilize science to do anything they want, even change themselves into another person.

Dr. Addison Harris has a strange relationship with Dr. Shane Myers. Dr. Addison Harris has a strange relationship with Daniel Gibson ... A mega corporation basically owns everyone who works for it and pull no punches in reminding them if they get out of line. Dr. Harris is a brilliant mind with a daughter and pregnant with a son. She finds out that her unborn son's sperm donation came from a man she despises, Dr. Myers. Once Dr. Myers finds out about this, they begin a whirlwind relationship that is anything other than a normal love story.

This relationship, once started, is so unhealthy and volatile that I questioned how in the world this book would go on. It's laced with deception and meddlesome people with a few 'WHAT THE HELLS' thrown in. I really disliked it at first but soon found that I couldn't put it down.

One thing that bothered me was how grown the children were written to be. I don't know about you, but when I was 4, if I said something like 'so you could f*** mommy,' then I would be in the ground. I guess the authors figured that these are children of super smart human-ish people so this was a normal thing ... Uh uh ... Even at the age of 12 and 16, they were too damn grown and that bothered me but it worked for the book I suppose.

The writing style was rather confusing, especially when we went through character changes or time progressions. It was easy to get lost. I often had to go back and re-read something so I could figure out who's minds-eye we're seeing through. Other than that, it was decent and pretty damn weird, but I definitely recommend it.

3 Stars
IR: Addison Harris (AA)

The Grunt by Latrivia Nelson

2011-08-11T22:10:00.003-05:00

Every now and then, I go off on a tangent and read something I wouldn't normally read. I went on amazon.com today just to see what else had come out that I'd been waiting on. This definitely wasn't on my list but I clicked on it just to check it out. Why? I liked the cover a lot. When I saw it, the first thing I said was 'he is really all up on that titty' and then I found out it was less than $3 so I bought it.

This isn't a paranormal. It's an interracial romance so there's really nothing out of the ordinary to keep me reading but it did. Even though the cover was great, I read the synopsis, thinking it would be shit, but I kind of dug it so I purchased.

First ... I love that Courtney is dark. I love that her parents are dark. I love that her brother is dark. Our author didn't kill me and throw in a light skinned heffa with curly hair.

Second ... Our Grunt, Brett, is as normal as they come. I felt like his character was very realistic. I know people who have served the country. We've spoken intimately on a number of occasions and this was so very real to me.

Third ... Cameron is an angel. I've always believed that a child has to be taught that their is a difference. Whether its apples to oranges or black people to white people, a child must be taught. However, this child didn't think anything of the racial difference in 'mommys' outside of the fact that he loved Courtney like she was his mother.

Fourth ... At times I felt like Courtney was too unrealistic but very real at the same time. The type of person she is definitely exists but I don't want to read about it. That's mainly because I'm used to reading about impossible things. No shade to the author about it, I'm just conditioned this way.

Fifth ... I am VERY pleased that Brett and David never went to blows. I kept thinking they would simply because the tension was so high and race was brought up within the family. But I'm really happy our author didn't reduce this book to a race riot. It was dealt with in a really good way.

I'm struggling as to what kind of rating to give it. I always give shorter books a lower rating just because I feel there should be more but this one didn't seem rushed to me at all. I wonder if the rest of her stuff is this good.

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Courtney (AA)

Fae Eye For The Golem Guy by Robert Roman

2011-08-11T17:48:00.002-05:00

Book 1

I have nothing actually against the writer or the story but I chose not to continue with this book.

Steampunk is something VERY new to me and thought I could really open myself up to a whole new type of urban fantasy/paranormal world that I never looked into before, but ... I just didn't really like it. Golems are unfamiliar territory for me. When I read Dreams' Dark Kiss by Shirin Dubbin, I also had the problem of not knowing what kind of world I was being thrown into. I know about vamps and all the other good stuff but I just couldn't get into golems and all the other things I was unfamiliar with. So because of that, I lost interest, tried to pick it up, but still couldn't finish.

Again ... Nothing against the story or writer ... I just don't really like Steampunk.

0 Stars

Shadow Fall by Seressia Glass

2011-08-10T23:27:00.003-05:00

Shadowchasers, Book 3

This review is going to be biased because I've found out recently that this series will no longer be continued. CLICK HERE to get info. The link is to an interview Seressia Glass did and she said that there would be no more of this series ... Leaving us hanging like hell.

Alright ... I'm just a tad bit disappointed with this book. I went back and re-read the 2nd book to prep myself for this one so i could make a clean transition. I loved the 2nd one and had very high hopes for this one. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but not as good as the 2nd one. Then again, I do believe I'm viewing it differently because I know this is the end of a series.

LOTS O SPOILERS!!!

In this book, we get some answers but we're also still left hanging with a lot.

Bernie had an artifact that proved to be SUPER important to Kira and thus inspired the chain of events that brought him to his death. Not only that, but we got a lot of good information about Kira's birth parents so she gets closure as far as that is concerned. Anansi leaves Kira and Khefar to visit his wife but basically doesn't return and doesn't answer calls from Khefar around the same time Balm goes silent. Although we reunite with Balm again, we never get to find out why Anansi never reappeared. Theirs conflict with Wynne and Zoo that doesn't get resolved. Section chief Sanchez is still a bit of a mystery to me. I don't trust her and neither does Kira. Hell, neither does Khefar. We meet up with some were-hyenas. One in particular asks to be a Shadowchaser. Kira brings it up to the section chief but since the series has ended, we won't know what happens with that, what went on with the shadow-touched were-hyena. Whats going on in Atlanta? Apparently an Illuminator being staffed in Gilead East was a big deal. We won't find out what's going on there.

And the big issue ... How the hell is a relationship going to work between Kira and Khefar since Khefar basically can't die. *crickets chirping*

This isn't a proper review ... Of course none of my reviews are proper reviews seeing as how I'm way too scatterbrained (I have ADD) to give one. So I really think my rambling is justified and I'm not quite sure if I liked it.

No ... yes ... I liked it ... The action was good, the twists and turns were good ... But knowing this is the last of a series and questions won't get answered ... I can't give it 5 stars. Dammit ... And I love me some Seressia ...

3 Stars (just because it's an unjustified end)

R.I.P LA Banks

2011-08-02T13:25:00.005-05:00

Just heard that LA Banks passed away today. Such sad news. Very sad news. I was honestly hoping she could pull through but God called her home. Rest in Peace.

Series' Being Cut Short

2011-07-31T01:45:00.002-05:00

I've had choice words about series' that ended way before they should have. One of my top favorite series', Darkyn, by Lynn Viehl left a ton of questions unanswered because the publisher was ready for her to move on with her spin off.

The Negotiator Trilogy was also cut off premature because Murphy wanted to continue with her other series' instead.

And now this ...

Just the other day, Shadow Fall by Seressia Glass came out. It's the 3rd book in the Shadowchaser series and I just found out it's the last book in the series.

An interview http://qwillery.blogspot.com/2011/07/interview-with-seressia-glass-and.html?spref=tw ... "TQ: How many books are planned for the Shadowchasers series?

Seressia: At the moment, the third book will be the last. I hope to continue it in the future."

I, for one, don't feel like this author would have put in so much time in research to let a series go to do other things. Maybe her publisher didn't want anymore of Kira goin on but I am super sonic pissed. I haven't even bought the book yet, was planning to this week, and now I just don't want to because there wont be anymore. *smh* I'm a fan and now I'm a little hurt, lol, sounds ridiculous I know, but I was really looking forward to this.

Join in the discussion at

Interracial and African American Paranormal on goodreads.com

Hands Of Flame by CE Murphy

2011-07-30T14:06:00.003-05:00

The Negotiator Trilogy, Book 3

This book, just like book 2, made me tired. Margrit wheeled and dealed until death knocked on her door again multiple times. Overall, the entire trilogy was phenomenal. I've said in the past that I hate when the writer does a cop out and we find out that our heroine has some kind of already paranormal ability. Margrit had none. She was so human that she got her ass kicked several times, yet still lived to tell about it. We also solve the mystery of Grace O Malley in this book. It was underwhelimg as I've always had an idea, but it was nice to have that clarity.

The ending pisses me off as I sit here and type this because there's just so much more. Why wouldn't Murphy give us more? Oh but wait ... She did! In the form of novellas. So far she's done 3 of 6 novellas. 1 was about Janx/Daisani/Sarah, one was about Malik and one about Biali. I need to go all the way through her site to find out what is what and what I need to buy. In the meantime, if I get my hands on them, I'll surely offer an update.

If, somehow, CE Murphy does do another book with an ethnic character as a hero/heroine ... I hope her publisher decides to put proper representation on the book and not a cop-out white whatever. That bothers me.

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD

I can't help but feel cheated. Although the book was wonderful, I felt like Murphy was deliberately setting all this information in a 3 book trilogy so she could be done with it and go back to her other, more successful, series'. So much more could have been written, explained and explored.

To tidy up some loose ends, Murphy gives us a very brief overview of everyone's new lives. Some that don't satisfy.

Chelsea Huo is still a bit of a mystery. We find out, just a bit, that she has something to do with a serpent who's basically the beginning of everything but we still don't find out what Chelsea is or how she lived through a Daisani beat down ... Then again, we don't really know if Daisani got to her first.

Janx and Kate have found a lovely father/daughter relationship in some deep cave set with liquid gold and tons of jewels.

It is insinuated that Ursula went looking for her vampire people that her father betrayed. She found them ... no telling what would happen if she could find a way to revive them.

Our man in Tokyo working for a small company ... Described as a little on the short side and not as handsome? Daisani ... Gotta be.

Some old lady in Brooklyn ... I'm guessing it was the old lady that Margrit spoke to at first when she was looking for the twins ... Isn't as old as she seemed. As a matter of fact, this British lovely apparently can make her old age fall away at will, and did so as she told someone on the phone to give love to her sister. Daisani and Janx fell for a mortal woman ... So if this is the woman they fell for, who is the twins' mother, what happened?

Of course, Margrit and Alban get to see eachother every night after dawn. But I can't help but wonder ... When Margrit gave Daisani some of her blood so he could live, did any of his (because of the fight) get into her mouth. I notice she licked her lips and tasted blood that was sweet. One sip for health and two sips for long life. We just won't ever know will we? *smh*

5 Stars
IR: Margrit (b/w)

House Of Cards by CE Murphy

2011-07-28T18:42:00.002-05:00

The Negotiator Trilogy, Book 2

First of all. That is clearly a long-haired white woman on the cover of this book and I do not like that at all. However, it doesn't change the fact that Margrit is not white and the author continues to remind you of that like you've never seen a black person in your life (or mixed with black and white in Margrit's case). I'm gonna let that go for now before I get mad at this book.

Straight up, the book was great. I enjoyed every word of it (except for being reminded that she's black) and can't wait to start book 3. The House of Cards is Janx's establishment and at the end of the book, that place basically comes crumbling. We meet a Hawaiian selkie with a good amount of power who brings Cara Delaney back into our minds eye if even just for a little while.

Margrit is an excellent negotiator. She's had to play 5 sides since book 1 and she gets better in book 2. However, I gotta tell you, things didn't go the way I thought they would and that was just fine with me. There's more mind spinning negotiating going on from every side of the fence in this book. You gotta stay on your toes and don't even blink while reading it because you'll miss something. So much went on in this book that I really can't tell you a thing. BUT I WILL SAY ... Grace is ... Yea I don't know. We'll probably find out about her in book 3.

Enjoy it as much as I did.

5 Stars
IR: Margrit (b/w)

Heart Of Stone by C.E. Murphy

2011-07-14T03:13:00.005-05:00

The Negotiator Trilogy, Book 1

It is painfully evident as to why this series is called The Negotiator Trilogy. Our heroine, Margrit Knight, is a world class negotiator. Her skills are ridiculously sick ... Superior even. She's a lawyer, which makes a lot of sense, and basically finds a way to BS her way into the lives of the people of the Old Races. Well, I can't say that she completely BS'd her way into their lives when somethings basically landed at her doorstep.

Heart Of Stone is a play on a gargoyle, Alban, who finds himself suspected of murder and actually has a thing for Margrit that he's been harboring for quite some time. Stone, of course, being he turns to stone in the day but really is a big softie and I dug him.

I'm not quite sure how to review this book. I loved it. Really loved it. I think because it took such a different turn that the way I viewed it became different. This wasn't a standard, run of the mill, one-dimensional paranormal like I thought it would be. We're sticking in a real murder mystery with a cop who's involved with the heroine while she's trying to figure out how to clear their number 1 suspect.

No romance in this book, which is a huge plus for me. There was a moment where something could have happened but things took a left turn and then someone was beat up, lol. But honestly, this book bordered Paranormal and ran right into Thriller/Murder Mystery. I loved it. It was such a page turner and can't wait to start on book 2.

Margrit has become one of my favorite heroines. She's human and real with all the vulnerabilities that come with it but has a sharp as hell mine, quick tongue and a drive that you would NEVER find in a real lawyer unless he were getting paid the big bucks.

4 Stars
IR: Margrit (AA)

Sins Of The Heart by Eve Silver

2011-06-19T20:15:00.003-05:00

Otherkin, Book 1

My opinion of this book is a little jaded. I started it months ago, was thrilled with how it began, then it bored me and caused me to put it down until now. The only reason I picked it up again is because my goodreads group is reading it as this months challenge. But still, even though I went through a rough period with it, I ended up liking it in the end.

First thing's first ... Dagan Krayl saves the life of an unknown woman named Roxy Tam more than 10 years ago. Since then, they've only dreamt of each other despite only knowing one another for a few minutes. Years later, Dagan is 'called' back to Roxy and their meeting wasn't what I thought it would be. Roxy got on my damn nerves. Sure, it's never bothered me before when a heroine (especially a black one) is outspoken, tough and independent, but Roxy was almost childish and very annoying. Dagan wasn't annoying at all and it made me wonder why in the world he would deal with a woman who I would want to choke on a regular basis. Anyway ... Once they finally do meet, the book picks up. The period of separation gives us insight as to who Dagan is, what he does and what's going on with the story at hand.

Dagan's brother, Loki, is missing and presumed dead, which is hard to believe since he was supposed to be immortal. Somehow Roxy is weaved into all this along with a child a Soul Reaper is looking for. Like I said, the story itself is great, but the separation period was really boring. But then again, it's the first book in a series and a lot of information must be thrown in. Then ... At the end ... There is a bit of a twist thrown in in regards to Roxy thanks to her beginning with Dagan.

The sex is kept to a minimum and it wasn't hard to get through except I just hate the word 'c*ck' with a passion. Will I read book 2? Absolutely ... Normally I feel this way about 1st In Series' so I think I might dig the 2nd.

3 Stars.
IR: Roxy (AA)

Author L.A. BANKS is gravely ill ...

2011-06-14T05:11:00.002-05:00

I was out all day yesterday and was doing most of my online checking from my phone. With my goodreads app, I saw this posted in my group ...

+++++++++++++++++++

From Tina Wise
It is with profound sadness that we have to inform you that our beloved sister and friend, Leslie Esdaile, (“L.A. Banks”) is most gravely ill. She is facing an uphill battle in her struggle with serious illness. Please know that as Leslie needs all of her energy in this fight, she is absolutely not able to receive visitors, answer emails, texts or phone calls, or receive flowers. What she is able to receive is your continued prayers.

Also, Leslie’s medical expenses are mounting at an astronomical rate. If you wish to assist Leslie, a fund has been established to help with these ever increasing expenses. If you wish to send donations (please note that donations are not tax-deductible) to help Leslie, please see the information listed below:

Leslie Esdaile Fund
Account #81538801
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
Operations Center
901 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2404
215-931-0300

If you live in Philadelphia, PA, you may take donations directly to any Police and Fire Federal Credit Union branch. Please be sure to note the account number. You may also send them to the P.O. Box listed below*.

Police and Fire Federal Credit Union Branch Locations:
Main Branch:
901 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Additional Branches:
Leo Mall, 11705 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116-2515
Davisville Shopping Center, Street Road, Philadelphia, PA
Andorra Shopping Center, Ridge and Henry Avenues, Philadelphia, PA
City Avenue Shopping Center, 7604 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19151-2007
Mayfair Branch on Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Northeast Branch, 7500 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Grant and Academy Shopping Center Branch, Philadelphia, PA

You may send good wishes and cards to*:
Leslie Esdaile
c/o Tina Ryan Wise
P.O. Box 37189
Philadelphia, PA 19148-9998
On behalf of Leslie, her daughter Helena, her sister Liza and all of her family and friends, we sincerely thank you for all of your continued prayers and support.
Tina Ryan Wise
Tinarwise@gmail.com

+++++++++++++++++++

A tremendous amount of prayer is needed, guys. Please keep her in your thoughts as well.

Vampire Huntress Series ... Revisited

2011-06-08T08:31:00.004-05:00

It's no secret that I've had my share of issues with LA Banks' Vampire Huntress series. After taking a look back at the series, that I bought and read in its entirety, I miss it dearly.

The Bitten was my favorite book of the whole series while every other book paled in comparison, but still, a main complaint I have about books I've recently read was a complaint I never had about the Vampire Huntress Series.

It seems like every book I've read recently (with the exception of 1) has had erotic writing in it that made me want to vomit and die but never once did this happen while reading VH series. When I first got back to reading heavily, I decided I wanted to live in a fantasy world where the heroines looked like and the heroes looked like a past, current or future boyfriend, lol so I went with IR paranormals and urban fantasy. Upon beginning to search for books, the first one I found (which is most likely on this blog) was a disgusting display of erotic writing. It was so appalling to me that I stopped reading only about 4 pages in ... And because of that, the tone was set for every book I've read after that. I immediately decided that I wouldn't read any IR paranormals that had even the faintest bit of sex in it. I got really lucky for a while with books that weren't IR but very good and set the standard there.

By the time I'd thought about getting into LA Banks, I was against it. It seemed like for every good review, their were 2 bad ones and I just didn't want to fool with it but I did anyway. And unknowingly, even though I complained, it was one of the best decisions I'd made as far as a long and finished series goes.

So now that I've finished a series that disgusted me, I miss Carlos and Damali's love making simply because it never made me feel as though I was reading porn.

Hatsept Heat by TJ Michaels

2011-06-08T00:51:00.003-05:00

Vampire Council of Ethics, Book 3

Well. I'm officially done with this author and this series (if their are more). I've never liked erotica and that is mainly because when I first got back to reading, I got myself an IR erotica novel by mistake and it basically grossed me out. This series was close to making me throw my Kindle out of the window. Why didnt I stop reading? Apparently I'm a glutton for punishment. I just had to know how it ended and I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series but if it is, it's definitely unfinished. Anywho ...

Lots of sex ... C*ck, p*ssy, c*ck in womb and porno lines ransacked this book and the first two as well.

I'm just rubbing my eyes right now, I can't get it together after reading this.

Shinju is a half black half japanese female who ends up being mated to Kenoe and she is a dumbass. She reminds me of a teenage girl who sneaks out of her room at night to hang out with a boy against her parents wishes. Kenoe is actually a pretty decent character who should have had a better woman. Tameth would have been a much better choice for him IMO but hey ... I don't write the books, I just waste money on them.

What made this even worse for me? They made Shinju a Seeker ... A SEEKER! I'm done ...

So disappointed ... But then again, I could have stopped reading at any time ... I just chose not to since I hadn't bought anything new. That will change tomorrow, trust me.

0 Stars
IR: Lots ...

Serati's Flame by TJ Michaels

2011-06-06T20:14:00.002-05:00

Vampire Council of Ethics, Book 2

With book 2, we're back on the inside of the VCOE as opposed to Book 1 which spent half of it's time outside of it. This book focuses on Alaan's infatuation with Tameth and her coming to grips with a dead woman, Sher, she feels he's still pining for. There's not a lot to report in this book. We see Bix, Carin and their 2 children, Alaina and Russian, as well as more of Kenoe ... Hatsept who left home at a young age and joined the academy to become a Seeker. He is also the best friend to Tameth and she uses him to make Alaan jealous, which was successful might I add.

I felt like a lot of Tameth's feelings about Sher were justified, but also in true woman fashion, she would bring it up to Alaan and there would be a problem. Even though their troubles didn't last long, I hated she went that route in the first place considering how badass she's supposed to be. Nonetheless, she was never a woman like Xhex from BDB so what went on here fit.

My attention, throughout the whole book, was on Kenoe. First of all, I love his name. It doesn't fit a man who's pale with light blue eyes and white hair, but it's as sexy as he is and he made me damn happy.

Again, same complaints as the first VCOE book. The sex scenes were too long ... And that reminds me. We get a threesome in this book ... Alaan, Tameth and Kenoe ... Weird. I still dont fully understand why Alaan allowed it. I mean I do understand but it doesn't fit with the THIS WOMAN IS MINE type of vibe the men give out over their mates ... That really didn't fit. Not that it wasn't welcomed. It just didn't fit IMO. Anywho ... Looking forward to book 3 as Kenoe is the center of attention.

2 Stars
IR: Lots going on not dealing with Tameth/Alaan

Stripped by Marcia Colette

2011-06-04T00:47:00.005-05:00

Book 1

Our story begins at a strip club called Trixie's Tricks which is home to a stripper/bouncer named Keisha Walker. The author, Marcia Colette, wastes no time in letting us know that Keisha is not happy with her life and somehow finds out this isn't her life at all. She 'wakes up' and finds that she doesn't know anyone, where she is, why they're calling her Keisha and wants to get away as fast as she can.

Giving you any more of the book will spoil it all so I'll keep this brief ... "Keisha" turns out to be pretty bad ass. As she gets her life together and winds up home, we meet Matthieu York who is a wolf and has a thing for "Keisha." During this book, as "Keisha" is trying to get her life back together, she learns of her half-wolf status, Matt's alpha wolf likeness (even though he's not actually an alpha) and more than 1 SOB who wants to take her down.

The great thing about the lead male, Matt, is that he was established as an alpha-beta. Although Matt wasn't the actual pack Alpha, he was "Keisha's" alpha but to me, he didn't seem very alpha at all. If anything, Matt is very much a beta given the title of alpha and he played it well.

I've fallen in love with this couple and the characters but for the second book, I really hope we can get to meet "Keisha's" parents and friends from her past life and also learn more about Dane who's a 90 year old extra sexy Native wolf. Near sex only, but no actual sex scenes so you guys know I was VERY pleased with that. I just loved it. I was glued to the book to the point where I was reading it in the movie theater when I took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda 2, lol. The action could have been better given the type of heroine we were dealing with, but still I enjoyed it.

3 Stars
IR: "Keisha" (aa/na) Matt (w)

In The Beginning by F.D. Davis

2011-05-27T21:24:00.002-05:00

A Vampire Series, Book 1

In the beginning, there was a mind f*ck ... No joke. It took me a long time to get into this book. At first I liked it, then I got bored only to like it again and then get sick of it. I finished reading the book earlier today and I'm actually pretty glad I wasn't able to write a review on it then because it would have been probably a 1 star review, but as I had to think of it, I realized how good the book was.

In my first statement, I referenced a mind f*ck that rivals, but doesn't overtake, the series finale of Fringe. Adam Omega is a thousands year old vampire who used to be a human priest. The love of his life, Eyanna, was about to be killed and Adam made a deal with the 'devil' to save her, but that required he turn into a vampire. After saving her, she kills herself because she can't bear to be with a vampire. In modern times, he comes across a woman named Eve, who he believes is the reincarnation of his deceased wife and that's where the sh*t hits the fan.

He'd been playing mind games with her for a while, but once he realized he could no longer keep himself from her, he decided to make his presence known. He begins to stalk her and eventually threaten her, her friends and her family if he does not get what he wants - Her. We come to find out that Eve, like Eyanna, has healing powers and believes she can find a way to heal Adam.

Without telling you what the rest of the book is about, Adam ends up talking his way into Eve's life and her undies in a way that will make you say 'WTF?' To be honest, I thought the dialogue and the actual characters were boring. The only characters that I had any interest in were Eric and Uriel. Aside from that, it was boring, but the story itself was actually really good. Had the dialogue and the characters been better, I would have loved it. I don't really feel like the characters, even Eve, were set in modern times ... Just judging by the way they spoke. I could understand Adam speaking the way he did, but not Eve. You basically couldn't tell one character from another. If you can look past that and really feed into the story, you might enjoy it. However, I don't think I'll be reading book 2. Maybe one day if I have money to burn and am bored, I may order the book, but I don't see that happening.

3 Stars

Carinian's Seeker by T.J. Michaels

2011-05-25T02:40:00.003-05:00

Vampire Council of Ethics, Book 1

When I started this book, I was rather excited as I really fell in love with Dr. Carinian Derrickson immediately. Smart as a whip and passionate about keeping herself healthy, she maintains a rather strong appearance because of all the working out she does. She enters a gym, begins her workout and finds a tall rugged looking dark haired man staring her down. Jon Bixler aka Bix. He's a Seeker which is basically a bad ass vampire killer, who's a vampire. He kills rogues vampires or brings them to justice at the VCOE.

I really appreciated the way Carinian handled herself in the beginning of the book when she didn't want to get fully involved with this man, who apparently found her to be his mate, but once they began getting physical and feelings began to surface, Carin got soft and lost her appeal to me.

It reminds me a lot of If Angels Burn by Lynn Viehl ... In the respect that Dr. Keller was a bad ass plastic surgeon who fought vampire Michael Cyprien tooth and nail when they first met, but at least Dr. Keller maintained herSELF even after she'd accepted that he wanted her and she agreed to be his. She never lost herself one bit.

Carinian did ... All of herself. The story was decent but VERY predictable. The sex went on way too long and it just seemed like some of it wasn't needed. I complain a lot about the Black Dagger Brotherhood books but at least the sex scenes were done in a way that I could stomach. They were short to average length and it wasn't overbearing. This was overbearing and too long.

By the end of it, I didn't find anyone in this book interesting and it's a pity too because I bought all 3 books for my Kindle and don't want to read the second. I may simply skip to the third because the Hatstep playboys seem to be fun.

2.5 Stars
IR: Carinian (aa) Bix (w)

No more shifters for me ... At least for a while

2011-05-23T01:52:00.005-05:00

I realized that while reading Bear Necessities, that I'm tired of reading about shifting.

Why?

The mating.

I realized that during my read, I got really tired of these men finding their mate, becoming super possessive and ready to have sex and deliver a mate mark in the matter of just a figurative hour. When I read about vampires ... I don't have to deal with that. In many cases, their courtship is a lot like a humans depending on what you read, but the vast majority don't do the 'MINE' and bite you so no one else can have you all over a nice dinner and movie. I mean sure, some vamps do it, but at least they're smooth with their ish.

So hopefully after this next book I finish reading, I can find something vampire ... fae ... Demon ... Angels ... WHATEVER, as long as it's not animal shifting, to read cause I'm tired of this right now.

I actually think I'm going to re-read If Angels Burn by Lynn Viehl ...

Bear Necessities by Dana Marie Bell

2011-05-23T01:34:00.003-05:00

Halle Shifters, Book 1

This is my first experience with Bear shifters. I actually had the idea to do my own book about bear shifters but didn't find bears interesting enough. Anywho. Dana Marie Bell is an author who's new to me and I actually really love how she writes. Her writing is descriptive without being overbearing. So many times I'll be reading a book and the writer will want to throw in 10 and 15 dollar words, which is fine, but its a lighter read if the wording is something I would readily say in conversation. So Bell is great about keeping her writing flowy in that respect.

Anyway ... We start off the book meeting Bunny and Ryan. Bunny is a biracial bear shifter who is traveling with his cousin, Ryan, to visit his other cousin, Chloe. Upon their entry to this town, they both find mates immediately ... Bunny finds his and the sex begins. Meanwhile, Ryan is having trouble with his mate who isn't accepting of it since she's human. Over the course of the book Chloe is badly beaten and we never find out who did it ... SPOILER COMING: In my opinion, it was Gabe. He said something in this book to the tune of 'I already kicked her ass once,' and no one picked up on it. Aside from that, I have a real thing for Julian. He's a native american man with super long black hair and shifts into Kermode bear. I generally have a thing for Native's anyhow ...

The book wasn't all that interesting to me. I felt like the WHODUNIT kept going for way too long. There's also a second question answered about Gary, a rogue wolf who had been harassing Tabby. We don't find out why he'd been harassing her. When we were going to find out, the conversation was changed so this and the whodunit are things for book 2 but I won't be reading it. Why? THESE WERE THE LONGEST SEX SCENES I'VE EVER ENCOUNTERED! EVER! I nearly gave up around 70% in because each sex scene was just unforgivably long. I won't be reading book 2 when it comes out as none of the characters were interesting enough for me to want to continue to invest time in.

I thought Bear shifting would be awesome, which, in theory, it is, but the fight scene when Bunny shifted to bear, sealed it for me. It was so slow and boring ... I'll pass on this series.

1.5 Stars.
IR: Bunny (biracial b/w)

Kyriakis Curse by Eve Vaughn

2011-05-22T00:12:00.002-05:00

What can I say? If you want to see the word 'cock' a record amount of times then this is for you. I started this book with high hopes as I was really intrigued as to why the main character's (Paris) mate (Zahara) ran off and where she ended up, but as the book progressed and Sarah appeared, Paris' son Constantine, bedded this girl and then the story was non existent ... It was just sex ... What ... I couldn't continue. It was just ridiculous. Forget it.

0 Stars
IR: Zahara (aa) Constantine (w)

Here Kitty Kitty by Shelly Laurenston

2011-05-17T22:32:00.002-05:00

Magnus Pack, Book 3

The final book in the Magnus Pack series (due to the fact that Laurenston isn't planning on working on it, just like The Gathering series) was kind of ... Boring. There was not much action in this book, I found our lead male, Nik, boring. Angelina was delightful because of how bipolar she was but other than that, it was just ... Boring. Miki, Conall, Zach and Sara make appearances of course but throughout the book, Miki seems really subdued from what we'd seen in book 2 but came back to her on during the last of the book.

The only thing good that comes out of this book is that theres a truce called but the action was severely lacking. There was maybe 1 or 2 scenes were there some blows, but other than that ... It was nothing.

2 Stars
IR: Angelina(mex), Nik(w)

Go Fetch by Shelly Laurenston

2011-05-16T00:17:00.002-05:00

Magnus Pack, Book 2

This was definitely better than book 1. This book focuses on Miki and Conall. Miki is one best friend of Sara, alpha female of the magnus pack. Conall is basically the second in command of the Magnus Pack.

Miki is a high-strung genius who leaves Texas to visit her friend Sara in Cali, before heading to Seattle to speak on her thesis at a college. She gets hooked up with Conall after she was attacked at a party by some androgynous male/female. We knew from book 1 that Miki had a little toughness about her but book 2 shows us how badass she is with a gun, some steel toed Doc Martins and a chemistry lab. Since Miki is a brain, she has brainy friends who clue her into a professor that was looking into her personal information, all while Conall began to wear her down about sex.

This book also introduces us to a large pack of hyena's who Miki disposes of by way of guns and chemically created fire in a pretty nice way. After all this, we find that the pack shows her just as much respect and love as one of their own which is a shoe in for what was to come with her and Conall.

Overall ... Better than book 1. I loved Miki because she was such a spaz at times and Conall because he turned into such a softie for her. Normally, I don't like that kind of thing but it was nice to see because he didn't turn completely sour puss like Wrath did in the Black Dagger Brotherhood book 1.

The only problem I had with this book was it seemed like there was no real reason why the hyena's were after Miki. It just seemed to me like they wanted to pick a fight ... Maybe I need to go read that part again? Who knows ...

OH OH OH one last thing ... Laurenston did something great for me. She didn't punk out and decide that Miki needed to be turned to wolf in order for her to have a relationship with one. We get a glimpse of how that kind of relationship works when we see Dr. Conridge and Van Holtz. So good on her for not punking out in that respect and still giving the pack a reason to want Miki as a part of their family.

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Miki(aa) Conall(w)

Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston

2011-05-15T13:35:00.002-05:00

Magnus Pack, Book 1

As you can see on the right, I was actually supposed to be reading Bear Necessities but the first few pages bored me so that I skipped out and decided to start on this short book instead. Pack Challenge is book 1 of the Magnus Pack series and features Sara, a shapeshifter who has no idea she IS a shapeshifter. She's flanked by two friends, a latina with high fashion sense - Angelina, and a literally brilliant black female named Miki.

Our story begins with the usual humdrum of friends out having a nice night out as Sara decides to get sloppy drunk and squeeze a mans balls at a bar. That man turns out to be our alpha male, Zach, who is next in line to be the actual alpha male of his Pack. Later in the book, we find that Sara has been protected for over 20 years by a series of real wolves and wolf shifters in the tiny Texas town they live in, all because her grandmother, who raised her, made sure that she didnt know she was a shifter at all.

The book is short. It may be the same length as Hunting Season but this one went a lot faster but with less action and fun stuff along the way. I didn't like Zach at all. I thought he was boring and seemed a lot like a big guy who wanted to be bad, not an actual big guy who was bad. The intimidation wasn't there at all. Marrec, on the other hand, it was all there for him ... I could feel his fatherly love for Sara but everything lacked for Zach except his wanting to have sex with her. BTW, the word 'pussy' is thrown around quite a bit during sex scenes. I guess I'm just used to it being called something else, or simply described.

Anywho ... Nothing at all interesting to report. I started the series because I'd been wanting to get to Go Fetch (Book 2) for a while and since the series is only 3 books long, I'd go for it. Also, I thought it was kind of cute how the book got named Go Fetch ... There's a part at the end of this book where Miki throws a tennis ball expecting some of the Pack members to go fetch it. They all look at her as if she were crazy but some time later, Conall comes up to her with the tennis ball in hand and tells her she dropped it. Now we enter book two, Go Fetch, lol.

2 Stars
IR Potential: Conall (w) wants Miki (b)

Surrender The Dark by LA Banks

2011-05-09T21:40:00.002-05:00

Book 1, Angels Series

Celeste Jackson is an alcoholic who's lived a hard life. She has mental problems and a boyfriend who does nothing but treat her like trash. After he's killed, Celeste runs and finds a fine physical specimen in her presence that claims to be an Angel. After much debate, only seeing proved to be believing for her.

I skipped a lot of this book. As I've stated before ... Neteru Academy Book 1 was my first experience with LA Banks and once I finished that, I went to read everything else she'd written in the paranormal genre. Once I read them, I find that LA Banks has a formula that works for her but doesn't work for me ... Her first books in a series are chucked full of information that's repeated in 10 different ways through out the book. Not much action in the first books either which is a downer for me. So like with her other books, it took a while for me to even get interested in continuing.

When I first started, I thought the concept was interesting but it was just so slow to keep moving. Aside from that ... I thought the 'romance' was actually pretty innocent despite one scene and is something that will pull me back to the series. This woman is dealing with angels, hers of course, Azreal aka the Angel Of Death, is new to the earth dimension and is trying to maintain his connection to The Light while leading Celeste there and not giving into human free will.

Along the way, the only other interesting character in the book was Aunt Niecy, who died at the end. Not even Nathaniel, the bad guy, was interesting to me. Everyone on the dark side was so lack luster that they didn't even seem remotely close to being a threat despite their reputation.

The second book comes out in October of this year and I'll definitely be picking that one up at Wal-mart (where this one was $5.99) when it hits the shelves. Despite wanting to get it, I'll still give it a low rating just because I was so bored I had to make myself get through it.

2.5 Stars

Vote for Shirin Dubbin aka Sherin Nicole

2011-04-20T12:24:00.006-05:00

Shirin's alter ego, Sherin, is trying to become an audio book narrator. She's entered a contest for a role in a 10th anniversary audio book edition of American Gods by Neil Gaiman ... And she needs votes. Why should you vote for her? Because she's an impressive Interracial Paranormal author and therefore is someone I would love to throw some support towards.

PLEASE PLEASE ... Once a day ... CLICK THIS LINK and visit the site to vote. To learn more about the contest, click here.

Please please please ...
VOTE!

Just me rambling ...

2011-04-19T18:39:00.003-05:00

No, this isn't a review, however I must share my excitement. The other night, I got a full 8 hours of sleep. If you know me, you know that NEVER happens. Not only was a full nights sleep amazing, but I had a breathtaking dream in the process.

Because of the details and dialogue in the dream, I have a real concept for a book and man am I so excited. Never before have I ever remembered a dream in such detail ... Remembered dialogue or even what anyone looked like to the T. Bad thing ... Because I lack any type of creative writing skill, I'm in the process of either looking for a workshop on creative writing here in Dallas, or I will take an actual class at the community college.

I really don't know where to start, but I have this amazing idea and I need to bring it forth. Pray for me!

The Diamond Heartstone by Leila Brown

2011-04-13T12:25:00.004-05:00

This wasn't just bad ... It was terrible. Well ... It wasn't that it was so terrible, but it was something I'd write, lol. I'm not great with words, which is why my own book is taking forever to get written, but this is on par with what I do, LOL.

Ok ... Alycia is a college student who buys a heart stone necklace from a woman at a flea market for ten bucks. Come to find out, the heart stone was taken from a cat/man who was looking for a mate. Alycia is it. Anywho, this short story takes us to another world where Barrick, the cat man, needs a mate and paid 600,000 credits to the beggar to get it. After some sex, Alycia flees and lands in a neighboring neutral zone where the nearby king takes her for his pet. Barrick shows up and they have a fight, then Alycia is free to go with Barrick. The end ... Not joking.

It was just ... It was short, yes, I knew that going in ... But I didn't think it would be so lacking. It actually reminds me of the fanfics I used to write years ago. There was no world building, there was no character development, I actually really disliked Alycia because she was so wishy washy and I thought Barrick was just a jackass.

1 Star
IR: Alycia (AA), Barrick (White/Cat)

Dreams' Dark Kiss by Shirin Dubbin

2011-04-08T22:04:00.004-05:00

I've had my issues with this book since I first bought it. Nothing bad, but I just couldn't get started. When I first began reading it, I found that it was pretty dark and a little hard to handle. Don't get me wrong, I love a dark story but it was a rough read, meaning it was a little hard to follow. When you start, you're immediately plunged into Ciaran's world. She's a psychopomp, a person who guides souls to the afterlife. We learn about what she does, how she does it but we never really get the why (until later down the line). Anywho ... Without giving anything away, she meets a hot Hawaiian named Keoni who comes to her rescue as she's being attacked in the wasteland. Soon after that meeting, we meet Man and Beast, who want to 'mate' with her for a reason we dont find out until later, lol.

The world building is basically sick ... Shirin gives us a detailed look into each and every scene change. My favorite was when Ciaran first met Keoni and he was manipulating the Dreamscape right after he'd saved her. I thought that was pretty darn good.

This book was longer than Keeper Of The Way so there's more to hold onto, the world building is flawless, the storytelling is pretty damn good, but overall ... I wasn't quite sure if I liked it completely. Despite the fact that it had so many elements that I loved, I didn't just overall love the book. No reason why ... Absolutely none. Maybe it was the terminology ... Could be. Shirin does an excellent job of creating something completely new and getting you pulled into it. I know about vamps and weres and demons and such but this was SO new that maybe I just didn't get it completely. Nonetheless, it's definitely something I'd recommend to anyone as the work is really good.

3 Stars.
IR: Ciaran (Caribbean/Brit) Keoni (Hawaiian)

Lover Unleashed by JR Ward

2011-04-04T02:01:00.002-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 9

ALL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!!!! Definitely the worst of the series. This book focuses on Payne and her hookup with Dr. Manuel Manello aka Manny. I'm going to give you the skinny on the whole thing since it was pretty bad. We get side stories on a guy named Xcor who is supposedly the son of Bloodletter (Payne and Vishous' dad), we also get a birds eye view into the marital problems between Jane and Vishous. What's going on with Jane and Vishous? V isn't being a good husband, point blank. So what does he do? He goes out and gets himself hurt in order to deal with his problems. He ends up having Butch be a Dom so he can be a Sub and whoop the crap out of him in his condo. It works and V rights himself. We get a peephole of a view of Quinn pining over Blaylock, which is what I would love to read about as I love those too, Saxton included. Other than that, it's all a game of cat and mouse as Manny wants to deflower the woman whose bigger and stronger than him, Payne, but trying to be a gentleman. At the end we find that Manny and Butch share the same father and that since Butch is related to Wrath, now so is Manny. Whoop-D-Doo.

The only positive in this book was that Manny opted out of doing the Ancestor Regression that would find out how he's related to a vamp (using the same technique they used on Butch to turn him) so ... Now we've got Payne and Manny ... A vamp and a full human. Wonder how that will work out in the next book. I always gripped about how things happened when the Brother's got their women so at least Ward didn't pull something stupid out of her hat (like she did with Jane) in order to give Manny to Payne. I don't know ... The book really sucked ... Just wow ... *sigh*

1 Star

The Forbidden by LA Banks

2011-03-26T05:01:00.004-05:00

Vampire Huntress, Book 5

Where do I begin with the disappointment? I'm not quite sure. Then again, I read this book in about a day and a half so it couldn't be that disappointing, right? Yes ... I skipped through a lot. This book was chucked full of historical facts, Bible facts and Banks' way of skewing the truth to make it into fact for The Forbidden. What she did was clever, I give her that, but a history lesson was not something I was looking forward to.

The end of days is coming and Armageddon is approaching. Carlos is a male Neteru and has virtually no time to come into his full range of powers, or as many as he can, while Damali has to come into more as well. This book litters our brains with more people to keep track of than you can imagine. Tara makes an appearance in this book (Rider's woman turned vamp) and is partnered with Yonnie so they can figure out why their are no more vampires left except them. Carlos is slowly gripping the fact that he works for The Light and has to learn not to miss what the dark side had once given him. Damali is still just as stubborn as ever, but the female Neteru council whips her ass down so good that I laughed a bit. More variables come into play such as Berkfield's family, Inez, a coven of witches, a cranky old man and a team member being killed at the end during the last battle of the book.

I thought the last battle was beautiful, it was basically the only good thing about the entire book. Sure, if you're a history buff and enjoy fact mixed with fiction, then by all means, enjoy ... But while weaving your way through it all, there is important information mixed in there that you may miss if too much is skipped. Again, the sex scenes are done beautifully (as opposed to vulgar rudeness that I've thrown away books because of) and don't make you cringe in the least. Although the book bored me to pieces, I kept pushing through it just because of the last battle and hint of 'WHAT WAS THAT?' thrown in with Carlos at the end of it.

BTW, Damali was a bad bitch again when she flew solo to go through the levels to get to the chairman. Proud of her again in that respect and is the only reason why this book gets 3 stars instead of 2 1/2.

3 Stars

The Bitten by LA Banks

2011-03-24T11:12:00.002-05:00

Vampire Huntress, Book 4

I know I said I wouldn't read any more of this series but I couldn't help myself. What I read in the Neteru Academy book kept the wheels turning so I had to pick up book 4 (thank God for half priced books). Let me tell you something ... I have never been so proud of a heroine in my life. When the book starts, we find out Damali has fangs ... *smh* ... And Carlos is clearly rattled, as well as the team, because they don't really know how it could have happened when she was not supposed to ever be turned. This new 'life' of hers puts her next to Carlos in the midst of a meeting of the 4 master vampires of the world, plus their wives.

The scene that makes me proud is when Damali punks the wives. It is GLORIOUS! I tell you ... I was so excited while reading this that I couldn't even breath (almost). There were so many wonderful things that happened in this book that I can't really say anything without giving it away. OMG ... So good ... Just so good ... Yall ... *smh* I'm going crazy right now. Love it, love it, love it.

5 Stars

The Hunted by LA Banks

2011-03-22T18:36:00.002-05:00

Vampire Huntress, Book 3

I think I'm going to take a break from the series for a while because now I'm getting all 3 books mixed up, lol. Anyhow ... I can't really say that this one is better than the rest, I think the information in this book was better although it was about the same repetative. The dialogue wasn't so bad but everything else was bugging me. *sigh* ... Ok let me really get to talking.

In this obok, the Warriors of Light have to head to Brazil to deal with some unmentionable bad where there was an open or partially open portal. Our Carlos is digging himself deeper and deeper and I kind of want to skip a few books ahead to see how it turns out (even though I already know because I read the Neteru Academy book 1). It shouldn't be a secret that he, indeed, lived through book 2 to make it to book 3 with another assignment and another card he's forced to play ... This book is full of drama. I actually like it because I can actually feel it. When Damali feels hurt, it really hits hard and the same with Carlos, it hits hard ... Just crushes you to see either one of them hurt in regards to the other.

In this book, we also meet a group of 'men' in Brazil and one has ties to Marlene that Shabazz is ready to beat the guy over. I thought that was pretty good ... Anything dealing with that part of Brazil was awesome. We got new info, met up with new things but didn't get to see the full extent of those guys, that was the only downside.

The final fight scene between Damali and were-'thing' was so lackluster that it almost made me angry. She got off too easy, the way they left the area was too easy ... Just ... Whatever.

At this point, I'm not sure if I plan to continue the series, but I really want to. If I could find a detailed summary of books 4-12, then I'd read that.

3 Stars
IR

The Awakening by LA Banks

2011-03-19T03:35:00.004-05:00

Vampire Huntress, Book 2

This book was somewhat of an emotional roller coaster for me. I still have my problems with it but overall, it was better than the first.

For one, I feel like there isn't enough action. There's also so much dialogue that you really get sick of it all and want to skip through a lot of it. Not to mention, some of it is repeated and you're ready to beat your face in. Two, I said the book was an emotional roller coaster and it was. There was a point in the book where Damali found out the Carlos was turned and it broke my heart. Shattered it. I even put the book down and decided to turn in early, but got back up and finished reading the entire thing.

I've loved a lot of heroes in books before, but this book makes Carlos my favorite by far. Even though he made so many bad choices, he was still a man ... A real man ... A smart man .... A man in love. And him being in love is the only reason things turned out the way they did. The ending, also, broke my heart because now I feel like I'm so invested in Carlos to a point where I don't care about Damali. I actually don't even care about the members of her team ... Except Dan. I kind of dig Dan and don't yet know why.

The amount of flat talking (borderline ghetto) vampires and demons annoyed me. The song lyrics were horrible and I'm actually ready for Marlene to bite it. When on stage, I don't believe it. She has to perform in a stadium and you've got one guy on a guitar and someone on a cowbell and someone on conga and I just don't believe it, at all. I cannot picture them playing instruments, at all. Then again ... I have a hard time picturing the characters as, for me, the descriptions were not clear.

Overall, better than the first, but I really hope the third one picks up.

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Carlos Rivera (Latin)

Minion by LA Banks

2011-03-18T04:33:00.003-05:00

Vampire Huntress Legend, Book 1

I hadn't really been too interested in reading anything by LA Banks until I came across the Neteru Academy book 1 so since this came up in my good reads group, I was more apt to give it a shot. Damali Richards is a Neteru-to-be and has a group of guardians around her who protect her like the baby sister. At 20 years old, and turning 21 in a few days, she has powers filling her body that she can't control and her 'mother' Marlene won't tell her about until nearly the end of the book. Carlos Rivera is a latino drug dealer who ends up being the vampire assigned to bring her in for a ritual ... To get her pregnant and create vampires that can walk during the day.

I think my only gripe, not only about this book, but I had the same gripe about the first Dark Swan book ... Why must the strong females always need to be impregnated? Whatever ... The book was actually pretty good although I felt like a lot of the conversations were so long and drawn out. They could have been cut down and simply told as part of the story instead of dialogue that I had no interest in reading, but had to in order to understand things.

This is the first book in the series so they tell you many things that you need to know in order to progress and usually that makes it not very fun to read. Yet and still, I finished it in about 2 days and am looking forward to book 2 which I will probably start tomorrow.

3 Stars
IR: Carlos Rivera (latin)

Shadow Walker by LA Banks

2011-03-09T00:07:00.003-06:00

Neteru Academy, Book 1

First of all, this is my first LA Banks read. A lot of people keep suggesting her books to me but for some reason, I couldn't get interested in her. The only reason I purchased this book (on Kindle) was because the cover was so damn flawless.

Now ... Anyone I've been talking to recently knows what a struggle it was for me to read this book. Literally, the entire first half of this book was so boring and frustrating that I wanted to delete it from my Kindle all together. I was never a fan of YA/High School based books, whatever, but like I said, I liked the cover.

Sarah is a child of basically lesser gods. Her parents stopped a literal Armageddon and she's struggling to find out what her talents are. Her twin brother, Alejandro, already knows what his talents are and is ready to claim his place at the Neteru Academy where they will be developing their skills.

The entire first half of the book was about our uninteresting heroine, Sarah, her best friend Tami, her brother Al and Tami's brother Valencio. Even though it was mostly about Sarah, it was still boring all the same. At times, you wanted to strangle Sarah for being a goodie two shoes, then you wanted to beat the crap out of Tami for being a jerk, you wanted to behead Al for being an a-hole and love Val for just being himself. As with any high school book, you encounter jealous girls, bullying and so-called boyfriend stealing. The only added pleasure was that at the midway point, you get some real action.

I had to talk myself into reading this book several times. If you're reading it and wanting to put it down, skip to the halfway point and read from there, that's when things kick into high gear, get interesting and get to a point where you actually want to see Sarah and her friends succeed in what's going on.

Will I read the second book when it comes out? Probably yes. Why? Because I'm apparently a glutton for punishment.

2 1/2 Stars
IR - Most of the kids are of multiple ethnicities.

Dark Lover (revisited) ... A Discussion

2011-03-02T23:25:00.002-06:00

I always had a problem with JR Ward and her depiction of The Brothers. Of course, the problem being that none of them are of any other race. Even Xhex, who is a train of a woman, is white. Anyway ... When I first started the series, I was always under the impression that Darius (the Brother who died in the beginning of book 1) was black but it seemed like everyone didn't think so. So I revisited the beginning of the book and read a few lines and decided to open it up for discussion.

If you have the physical book, on page 11 of Dark Lover (chapter two) it says "Darius was a blurry shape, his dark coloring and black clothes the only information Wrath's vision gave him."

Then on page 66, Wrath describes Beth has having "creamy swells" for breaths. Now that sounds like her boob area is creamy in color.

So if he saw Darius as dark color and Beth as creamy, wouldn't that constitute Darius as black?

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

2011-02-25T22:55:00.004-06:00

Dark Swan, Book 3

I've been waiting for this book for what seems forever. Richelle Mead is actually most popular for her Vampire Academy series and I imagine that's why the Dark Swan books get pushed to the back burner. Nonetheless, I haven't actually read any of her Vampire Academy or Georgina Kinkaid books. I was turned onto the Dark Swan series because I found that it was IR. Anywho ...

SPOILERS COMING!

The last book leaves off at Eugenie about to go into battle. This book picks up in the middle of the battle and the great thing about this book is that Eugenie keeps getting herself caught up in the Otherworld more and more. In this book, Eugenie is sent on a quest to find the Iron Crown. She was told that it would bring a more peaceful end to the war with Katrice, Queen of the Rowan Land, and mother of Lieth, the deceased prince who raped Eugenie in book 2. On this quest, she finds out how powerful she is and finds out exactly what that crown can do. Also in the book, she and Dorian are at odds, Jasmine is growing into more of a sister and now Eugenie is trying to keep from being killed by someone we know and love. Also, a ghost ... Yes a ghost, seeks her out for help with her murder in exchange to show her the place of the crown.

The ghost, Deanna, seems a little forced. I almost feel like there could have been a more relevant way to get Eugenie the information she needed, but then again, the same ghost warns her that someone wants her dead. I'm on the fence with it because the ghost was just SO out of place ... Meh ...

If I have to put this book up against her first two, I don't really feel like this book compares. It's good, but not as good. I'm not disappointed at all, but would have liked for it to be a bit more exciting. Still, this series is a favorite of mine and book 4 is going to be GREAT.

3.5 Stars
IR: Kiyo (NA/Mex)

Book Blogger Hop 1

2011-02-11T23:45:00.003-06:00

I found this on another site and thought I would enter. It looks as if I'm the only lover of Interracial Paranormal so I'm excited to get some hits and also check out others' links as well.

Also ... Anyone checking this out, my most recent review is below about Keeper Of The Way :-)

Vote on your favorite IR Paranormals

2011-01-14T12:14:00.003-06:00

Goodreads Best Interracial Paranormal List

I started a list on goodreads for IR paranormal books. Please give it a look and maybe add some books.

Keeper Of The Way by Shirin Dubbin

2011-01-14T12:09:00.002-06:00

I was actually excited to read this book. The imagery was pretty damn wonderful and the picture I got of the different species and the party was magnificent. There was one problem ... One major problem ... The book ended before I could blink.

It felt like just the beginning. Everything that happened ... Felt like it was just the beginning and their should have been more. I kind of feel sucker-punched, lol.

This book had massive potential to be amazing and I can find myself easily hooked on this author, but if more of her books are this short, I might stay away ... Only because I'll want more and know I can't get it.

How many stars do I give it? I don't know ... I feel like I don't have a whole book to rate. I'm lost! LOL ...

Sidebar:
I think I will buy the Dreams' Dark Kiss from amazon.com ... Seems to be longer than Keeper Of The Way and therefore I can really get lost in it the way that I like to.

Here's my plea to Shirin Dubbin ... GIVE US MORE KEEPER OF THE WAY! Lol.

3 Stars?
IR: Nia (biracial)

Upcoming Books

2011-01-11T16:19:00.003-06:00

I've read the entire Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Mostly, I bought the book from Half Priced Books, amazon.com or borrowed them from a friend, the last I bought for Kindle. I looked up the next book entitled Lover Unleased and I found that it's a hardcover and for $15!!! Is anyone else completely appalled by that price? I am ... I see nothing about a Kindle version and I refuse to buy that book if I don't get a $7.99 or less Kindle version. Release date is March 29, 2011.

Iron Crowned, for me, was more anticipated than Mercy Blade (until I read Mercy Blade and it blew everything out of the water), but when I saw the hideous cover, I backed off a bit, plus I hadn't been keeping up with Richelle Mead's blog as I had been. Anywho, Iron Crowned is book 3 of the Dark Swan series. It's a series that's overshadowed by the vampire bandwagon that people are on right now. When this book comes out, please give it a try. I know it will be amazing, as the other two books were. Release date is February 22, 2011.

Anticipating:
Dark Swan 3 - Richelle Mead
Black Dagger Brotherhood 9 - JR Ward
Shadowchasers 3 - Seressia Glass
Darkyn #? - Lynn Viehl (she told me that the publisher didn't want to continue the series but I'm holding out hope still).
Ashen Twilight 3 - Rae Lori
Hunter Kiss 4 - Marjorie Liu

BittenByBooks Chat with Faith Hunter

2011-01-11T12:26:00.005-06:00

Bittenbybooks.com had a chat session and contest going on with Faith Hunter and I got some questions answered. This is great. Normally I'm never home for a chat session with my favorite author and just happened to catch this one today. Although there was a contest going on, I was really only interested in Faith Hunter, Jane Yellowrock and Beast. BTW, I feel like such a nerd for being so excited about this!

1. I recently just talked 3 people into buying your book. I bought the book AND the Kindle version. So first question, do you get more purchases from the physical book or the Ebook?

FH: Physical book at this point, but that is always fluid.

2. Second question, If Gee were not a Mercy Blade and just a vamp, would Jane consider him as a mate?

FH: Beast might. Jane has enough men in her life right now!

3. Third question, does Beast like Gee as a mate for Jane?

FH: Beast wants someone strong, so she would go for a good fighter!

4. Fourth question, Evie got burned so I doubt she’ll try to trick Jane ever again, but do you think she would? She has an agenda and it’s killing me to find out what it is.

FH: Then Raven Cursed is right up your alley. Raven Cursed is aaaaall about Evie!

5. I appreciate a good IR paranormal and therefore appreciate the use of many different races in your books. I especially love the fact that Jane is Native American. What made you go forth with using a Native American heroine?

FH: I discovered that my ethnic history is huge % of Cherokee and Choctaw. A personal quest into the Cherokee mythos led me there.

6. I have a thing for Derek and the Vodka boys. Are they purely fictional or based off of someone you know?

FH: Fictional, but maybe (just a bit) based on the Unit TV show.

7. Will we see the Grindy again? And I mean get to see him this time and not just a blur, lol.

FH: Yes. We will! Raven Cursed!

8. After reading Blood Cross, I was really looking forward to more of Angelina, will we see more of her in Raven Cursed?

FH: Yes, we will. Um… Raven Cursed!

9. I know Mercy Blade JUST came out but I’m already waiting for Raven Cursed. When do you think it will be out?

FH: Deva, I think it will be in January 2012, but I am hoping a place opens up in the Pub’s list and they insert it in early. Hey, I can hope! Fingers crossed!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Is anyone else as excited for Raven Cursed as I am? GEEZE! Long time away!

Mercy Blade by Faith Hunter

2011-01-10T18:14:00.003-06:00

Jane Yellowrock, Book 3

Is it a rule that the highest star value a book can get is 5? I sure hope not cause this book was a 10.

This is definitely the best of the series. Yes, I loved the other two but this was on a whole different level. The action was nearly non stop and the ending ... I'm FUMING ... It's a good fuming.

I usually do a Good Point/Bad Point but everything in this book was amazing. Evie (Molly's sister) will throw you for a loop and you will be PISSED but still love everything.

I can't even give a proper review because I'm just trembling with excitement.

Maybe I should calm down and start again?

NO ... Ok ... There's more action in this than the last two, the 'who did what' is way more intricate ... There's more chocolate in this book *cheeky smile* in the form of the Mercy Blade ... Jane is like ...

Ok there's a part where she's basically just gone Beastial in human form and her voice drops an octave and just ... Amazingness happens.

I JUST CAN'T TALK/TYPE RIGHT NOW.

Heavy anticipation for the next book. Big hi-5 to Faith Hunter who has dethroned Richelle Mead as my favorite author (even though I still love her dearly).

10 Stars
IR: Derek and the Vodka boys are black.
IR: Deon is black and gay.
IR: Mercy Blade is a black french spaniard with chocolate skin (yum)
IR: Many of the vampires of note are black or mixed heritage
IR: Rick is actually French and Native American, I didn't pick up on that in the last books.

Vicious Grace by M.L.N. Hanover

2011-01-08T11:27:00.006-06:00

Black Suns Daughters, Book 3

Any negative comment I've made about this series in the past, I take back fully. This book redeemed the whole series to the point of anticipation for book 4.

SPOILERS AHEAD

This book takes us to Grace Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. There are some weird things going on in the sleep ward. Right off the bat, Dr. Oonishi and Kim (Aubrey's ex) are working on basically seeing dreams. Later in the book, we find how Kim, with all of her education, was stuck doing research under this Doctor.

Great Point 1: Jayne, although she's still young (24 now), she's grown up a lot since the last book and that made her so much more likable for me.

Great Point 2: Jayne's blurbs about her life before the inheritance are very deliberate and are directly relevant to whatever situation they're in.

Good Point 3: Whatever wards or protections that Eric placed on Jayne have scared her now. Ex and Chogyi agree that magic fades and they wonder when her protections will fall. Sure, she's been afraid about her new abilities in the past, but now it's got her really trying to figure out what her problem is and the VERY LAST LINE of the book ... She seems to have an idea. A plausible and amazing idea of what her deal is (especially since she finds she's getting stronger).

Good Point 4: In order to calm whatever was going on in the hospital, a sacrifice had to be made and Chogyi offered himself up to be that. Thankfully, Jayne talked another person into filling that role, especially since Chogyi couldn't fill it due to an injury.

Good Point 5: MAJOR SPOILER: Jayne and Aubrey break up. In the last book, we find out that Kim was sleeping with Eric. In this book, Kim lets the cat out of the bag. The manner in which we find out is pretty explosive as well as the details involved. It makes Jayne question the type of person her uncle was at all. This break up, in my opinion, was much needed. I felt as though the two together served no purpose. I even felt Aubrey served no purpose other than to help Chogyi and Ex read books. So Aubrey wont be missed.

Bad Point 1: Midian is mentioned in this book but does not appear.
Bad Point 2: Black Suns Daughters are mentioned for probably 1 line and nothing comes from it.

Overall, this book was a page turner. I was never annoyed with Jayne as I was in previous books. The dream presentation in the beginning caught me and held me the entire way through. The new information we received about Eric, Kim and Jayne was refreshing. Jayne was proactive in this book. Yes, she was in every book, but now she's using her head ... Sort of. More so than before. Also, this is the first book in a long time that I've had a bit of trouble sleeping after reading it, lol. She was smarter this time around and I can tell she's learning and developing and I absolutely can't wait for the next book the series. CAN'T WAIT!

4 1/2 Stars

Changing Things Around

2011-01-06T06:19:00.002-06:00

I've had Nekropolis and Sins of the Heart on my list for a while and have officially put them down. Nekropolis actually seems as though it should be interesting but it's moving entirely too slow to hold my attention so I'll pick it up again later.

Sins of the Heart started off AMAZING and then dwindled down to pages upon pages of history with a bit of action in between. I realize that back story and info dumps are necessary but my attention is wandering elsewhere.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms I started a bit after the two above and haven't yet been able to make myself like it. A lot of info dumps have taken place and not much of anything else. One thing did catch my attention but I didn't actually want to continue reading after being bored so much in the beginning.

All 3 I will pick up later.

GREAT NEWS ... Vicious Grace by MLN Hanover and Mercy Blade by Faith Hunter are out and I have them in my hands. I opted out of getting the Kindle version only because I already have the rest of the series on my shelf. I'm starting them today and am incredibly excited.

Also ... On goodreads, I was contacted by Shirin Dubbin, the author of Keeper Of The Way, just to say hi and other random things. She's a very nice woman and I look forward to reading the book.

Chosen by Jeanne C. Stein

2010-11-21T22:21:00.002-06:00

Anna Strong, Book 6

In this book, Anna is back and becoming more and more vampire by the day. Now she's faced with these feelings that can range from pure rage to overwhelming lust. Her newest ability is sensing bad people ... Or vampires ... And when I mean bad people I mean people who are completely malicious, have committed heinous crimes and all of the above.

While trying to balance out the vampire side of her life with her real life, there is David, her partner, who hired someone, behind her back, to pick up her slack at the office (bounty hunting) when she's MIA. Although I was angry for her at first, the new bounty hunter (female) seemed to be a pretty decent gal.

Lance, her model vampire-boyfriend, plays a bigger role in this novel. Anna finds herself falling in love with him just in time for her to meet his sire, who is a son of a bitch. I can't say more without giving it a way, but damn ... *smh*

Daniel Frey ... They fight an attraction in this book due to the fact that he has a shape shifting girlfriend. I found myself wanting him to dump her because he seems better with Anna to me.

Good Point 1: We get some more of that sexy model Lance ...

Good Point 2: The story didn't drag or lack. I love being in Anna's head, even when no one else is allowed in.

Gripe 1: I feel Judy got off too easy in this book, but it opens up more novels to come in the series.

Gripe 2: Normally, I don't ever have a gripe about David but I'm starting to feel like he's pointless. However, he is her main connection to the human world and that has to be cherished. After what happened with him in this book, I just wish she would go on and tell him she's a vampire.

Overall, I thought this book was much more solid than all the rest. Good on Stein for that. It was a page turner, I loved the throat ripping and sassy comments throughout. Loved it, can't wait for the next.

4 Stars

Hunting Season by Shelly Laurenston

2010-11-16T12:33:00.002-06:00

Hunting Season, The Gathering Book 1

The very first thing that caught my attention was the fact that our heroine has short hair. Dr. Denise Lawrence, PhD is 6 foot 1, some ethnicity that is Black, and has short short hair with kind of long bangs. That is my dream woman! If I were a lesbian, she would be my dream woman. I have wanted, my entire life, to be that build. I'm 5 foot 10 and not far from it, but still ... Anywho ...

The Crows and the Ravens sort of fight on the same side. The Ravens, males, serve Odin while The Crows, females, serve Skuld. The way the two groups interact with each other make my day. Some act more like a brother/sister combo while others are fighting off a mild and new attraction ... Then there's Neecy and Yager. Neecy is stubborn as hell and Yager just wants her to let him love her. It's a hard task when you think of a woman like Neecy.

I love her interaction with The Crows as well as The Ravens. I love her mind in any way it comes and she has got to be one of my favorite heroines to date.

Gripe 1: This book leans towards Erotica, which I don't like, however, it's so good that I didn't mind.

Good Point 1: Neecy has short hair. How many heroines can you say have short hair? None ... Definitely a different quality.

Good Point 2: The Crows all have distinctive personalities. They're not just a mesh of people the author threw in to fill space. These are characters that could easily carry their own book as Neecy had.

Good Point 3: Mike and Tye meant more to me than Yager. Sure, Yager was the hero, but there's so much more I wanted to know about Mike and a story that could develop with Tye and one of the Crows.

---

I find it disheartening that the author has not decided to continue the series. Thinking of how it ended in reference to Neecy's new job and Arri's gift, I feel like the author should have provided her fans with at least a free read to tie up the loose ends of this. We get nothing ... Thanks a lot. But still, it's a great book and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.

4 1/2 Stars
IR: Neecy (Black)

Within The Shadows of Mortals by Rae Lori

2010-11-09T10:57:00.003-06:00

Ashen Twilight, Book 2

Ariya is pulled back to her own Aziza realm and find that there is a threat she must deal with. In the midst of it, all immortals in the Earth realm are being attacked, killed or taken. We find later that those taken are used for experimental purposes. How they're taken, the procedures and Ariya trying to figure out what to do, is basically the entire book.

The action in this book is miles better than the first and this one didn't move as slow either. Ariya is a force moreso in this book than the first and you come to respect her much more as well.

Spoiler: Because of things that happened to Jace, he and Ariya have a hiccup that is quickly cured. Well ... Not cured ... But at least she was allowed to 'doctor' on him.

In the next book, I'm hoping to find out the answer to Ariya's question regarding Jace's wounds. And I'm also eager to find out how this relationship can work despite Jace's change of attitude. I'm also hoping it's a bit longer too ...

3 1/2 Stars
IR: AA(Ariya)/W(Jace)

Kindle Review

2010-11-02T23:52:00.002-05:00

I FINALLY GOT A KINDLE! Ahhh! Once they dropped in price ($139) there was no reason I shouldn't get one. I actually bought mine from Best Buy instead of buying straight from Amazon which wasn't a big deal. The only thing was, I had to register it on Amazon so my books could be sent to it. Still no big deal.

Pro's:
1. No glare ... I haven't yet had a glare on the screen. Sure there is a really faint one in buildings with bright lights, but its nothing that will keep you from reading.
2. Battery life ... 1 month! Can you believe that? I was using Kindle on PC, and once I got an IPad, I was using it there. Since the Kindle devoted only to reading and not a million other things, I can enjoy books for a month before I have to charge again.
3. File types ... The kindle assigns an email address so that you can email files to your Kindle. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? It supports multiple formats from PDF (i wouldnt suggest that one) to DOC's, TXT and more ...
4. Wifi ... You can shop on amazon directly from your kindle, purchase and it will be delivered in less than a minute.
5. Ease of transfer ... If you have Kindle for PC, iPhone or iPad, amazon allows you to transfer the books you've purchased, to your handheld Kindle at no charge. I sent 20 ebooks to my Kindle and they all downloaded in less than 30 seconds.
6. Take your books anywhere! ... No one wants to tote around multiple books on vacations, in the car or even just going up the street. Thank goodness, this thing holds up to 3500 books on one device. I'm loosing my mind because of the awesomeness!
7. The value ... More and more books are written and not printed. Those that are not put in print are put in e-format for us to enjoy. Not only that, but those are always cheaper. Even books that come in print, will come in Kindle format and will be cheaper than purchasing the physical book.
8. Preview ... A lot of books on Kindle will allow you to sample the first chapter free.
9. Ease of use ... If you need the words to be bigger, you can make them bigger. If you want your device password protected, you can do that.

Con's
1. PDF ... Ive heard that other readers support PDF files. Kindle does also but it's not very good. When you open a PDF file on your Kindle, it shows you the entire page on that screen so the lettering is VERY small. In order to maximize it, you have to do it by percentage and pick what area you want to maximize ... Basically ... One square of the entire page will show on your screen once you maximize and you have to use your arrows to move it from left to right, up and down, to read your PDF file. I don't suggest dealing with a PDF file on Kindle.
2. Screen savers ... Kindle comes with screen savers already added to the Kindle. You get pictures of Ralph Ellison and Mark Twain and other old authors. You can't customize this feature.

A lot of pro's and not a lot of con's ... I love my Kindle. I purchased a case for it from Wal-Mart for $15 and purchased a skin (a pretty blue butterfly with black sparkles) on ebay for $10. Amazon sells both skins and cases but they are more expensive.

Again ... I love my Kindle. I love my Kindle ... I LOVE IT!

Updated ...

2010-11-02T23:51:00.000-05:00

Finally got around to updating my reading selections ... Check those out. If anyone has read them, let me know what you thought.

Adrienne by D. Renee Bagby

2010-09-26T23:33:00.004-05:00

We begin the story with Adrienne, a black female college senior who is attacked on campus one night and saved by the handsome Malik, the asian king of a kingdom in the Bron universe.

Good Point 1: They didn't fall in love in a day. My major problem with a lot of romances is that they fall in love SO FAST. Not in this book.

Good Point 2: Its a real page turner. From the moment you begin, you can't put it down. I finished it in one day.

Good Point 3: I found her immediately like of Feyr very cute. The same with Rena and Mischief. I loved reading any parts dealing with Adrienne and those three.

Bad Point 1: Not enough action. Malik was supposed to be a super powerful ruler but I got no action until the end of the book.

Bad Point 2: I don't like the time travel but then again I do. Its hard to really decide if I do or I dont. The fact that time travel was used made the ending of the 'fight' too easy. If there wouldnt have been any time travel, I think things would have turned out better as far as the action sequence goes. In contrast, adding the time travel added one of those 'oooooo' moments to the book and I love having those moments.

Bad Point 3: The descriptions were vague. I never got a clear vision of what Adrienne or Malik were supposed to look like. I got a better vision of Feyre than I got of any of the people. As far as Adrienne went, all I got was 'cinnamon brown skin and black hair' while for Malik, all I got was 'Slanted eyes, obviously Asian.'

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Adrienne (AA) Malik (Asian)

I'm Really Trying To Read This ...

2010-08-24T07:23:00.002-05:00

I have been trying for months to read this book. I've picked it up three different times on three different days and have still failed to enjoy it. I'm putting it down. For me it was very slow. The style of writing was fine, but I thought it was just too boring to continue. I even skipped a chapter or two, in hopes that things would pick up, but I couldn't get into it. If anyone else had a better experience with it, I'd be happy to share your review with others.

0 Stars

Shadow Chase by Seressia Glass

2010-08-13T22:17:00.004-05:00

Shadowchasers, Book 2

Recently, I'd re-read book 1 so I could be ready for this one and I definitely enjoyed it more the second time around. Not only that, it really got me ready for this one.

This book starts only days after Kira and Khefar came back from the dead and were given new positions but the higher powers of Isis and Ma'at. This book outdoes the first in more ways than I really could have imagined. Honestly, I didn't think it would be better than the first book and was looking for a huge fail.

Key points: It wasn't as repetitive as the first book.
We get lots of new background information on Kira. Thank goodness!
Bernie shows up again in this one.

Sidebar ... I really wish we could have gotten some flashbacks or something to learn more about Kira and Bernie's relationship. I only say that because in book 1, it still felt to me like it was just a really nice work relationship they had, nothing that would scream father/daughter. We get that in book 2 but it would have been nice to get a little more on that

Key points: It moved so much faster than the first book.
There's more drama in this book.
The action is tons better in this book. LOVED IT!

Things to look for in the next book: SPOILERS! There are some things dealing with Bernie I feel like will come and bite us in the butt for the third book. Apparently he had some special artifacts that only Kira is to see and use her extrasense on. Ooooo, I was so hoping we would get to that in this one but I guess I have to wait until the next one. Also, the shadowling/avatar bitch that Kira faced in Between ... Definitely has to be back for the third.

I was also waiting for Kira to slip further into the dark side but surprisingly, her good side has just as much fight as her dark side. YAY!

This book just never left me feeling empty or bored. It was a page turner that I finished in a day and a half and am SO GLAD I read this. Yikes it was great. So for those of you who weren't into the first book, please make sure you get this one, it's great.

5 Stars

A Wild Light by Marjorie M. Liu

2010-08-12T03:34:00.003-05:00

Hunter Kiss, Book 3

First let me say ... I gave books 1 and 2 shining reviews. However, over the past month, I reread them both and didn't like them nearly as much. I was basically upset with the fact that I loved the books in the first place. On my second reading, I give book one 3 stars and give book two 3 stars as well. Meh ...

Book 3. I preordered this baby last month so I was ready for it when it came out. I'd already re-read books one and two and was looking forward to this. In book 3 we get to see more of big bad Maxine. I have to say that there is a ton more drama in this book than in the previous books.

-----------------------

Good Point 1: We get some background information on our smaller characters like Byron, Jack, other Hunter ancestors (some stuff that will knock you out!) and the little demons that hug Maxine's body (thats where the drama comes in yall, and its good).

Good Point 2: Grant is still the sexiest crippled man EVER. I always thought he was sexy but now that otherworldly creatures are afraid of him (and Maxine) that makes things even better.

Good Point 3: Im so invested in these characters that I will continue with the series despite it being really mediocre.

Gripe 1: Sex scene ... There were no sex scenes in the first two books. The first two books only implied they were getting it on while in this one ... Oh yes you read about how they got it on.

Gripe 2: Info dumps. Every book will have a lot of info dumps, especially in a series. But this one had SO MANY info dumps that it was killing me to read it. I wanted to skip so much because it was really very boring but I knew I needed to read it. SCRATCH THAT ... It wasnt the info dumps ... It was Maxine's thought process. Maybe that bugged me.

Gripe 3: I felt like things moved way too fast. This book seemed really rushed and I don't know why. It almost seems like she was trying to hurry and end the series but that's not the case judging by how things turned out with the veil and all.

-----------------------

Maybe my tastes have changed because The Iron Hunt was literally the first paranormal book I'd ever read. I think the problem is there's hardly any dialogue ... Or maybe not. I don't know ... I was just so pained to read this at moments but I really WANTED to keep going. It's a page turner but I can't figure out why. Oh yes I know why ... The little demons, they keep me coming back.

SPOILER!!!! There is a werewolf ... And I kinda like it.

3 Stars

A Kiss of Ashen Twilight by Rae Lori

2010-07-29T04:06:00.003-05:00

Ashen Twilight, Book 1

It took me a little bit of time to get into this book because I bought the Ebook and not the print version. That's not always a good idea for me because I like to take books with me. Anyhow ... I'm so glad I read this.

I've had the pleasure of conversing with Rae Lori on my IR Goodreads Group and I've gotta say, she's a wonderful woman.

On to the book ... Ariya is a Fairy Queen from the Aziza Realm and Jace is a Scottish vampire from the Earth realm. The chemistry between the two is like that 'oh hurry up and have sex already' so when they finally do you're like 'oh thank goodness.' Lol. The book seemed really short but then again, I haven't been able to stop reading it since I started it earlier today and I had nothing to do all day, lol.

Spoilers ... There are some people in the Earth realm who basically wiped out Ariya's people in hopes at a shot at her.

During the course of the book, the only thing that bothered me was there was that love formed all too fast. Then again, Im too much of a realist and I have a stone cold heart, HA.

One thing that I loved ... Even though the book lays out Jace as being this really sexy vamp, I didn't get the vibe that he was so dang sexy and that made him very sexy to me. Yes, he was ripped, and yes, he had amazing eyes and yes he probably had the softest brown hair imaginable, but I just felt like he was an average looking guy that likes to work out. However, because of that, he made me happy.

Ariya, being cocoa brown with chestnut hair and a very curvy figure ... I could totally picture a body like that in the corsets she was wearing, BAM that chick was bad!

My hope for the next book is that we see more of the Aziza guards and hopefully Jace goes on a little trip to the Aziza realm. I wonder how that would work out.

Normally, when I read books, I'm so hard on the female because they're always wimps, but not Ariya. Not only is she powerful, but she's strong and unafraid to do anything without consent. She's her own woman, thank goodness!

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Ariya (AA)/Jace(W)

Nice!

2010-05-30T15:58:00.001-05:00

I was browsing through Amazon.com to find something to read and came across this book. I didn't buy the book because I can't stand erotica but I love the cover. It's sizzles ... Fierce!

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

2010-05-24T11:25:00.003-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 8

My faith in JR Ward has finally been restored. After the last few duds, we got a lot of good meat in this book and boy am I pleased. This book focused on John Matthew/Xhex plus Lash and a couple named Gregg and Holly. Not only that, but we got a lot of flashbacks of Darius's life when he met Tohr and a woman they were searching for.

SPOILERS!!!!!

At the end of the last book, Xhex was kidnapped by Lash. For about a month, Xhex was beaten (if fighting back really well counts towards being beaten counts, go for it) and raped by Lash and was held in kind of like an invisible prison.

John and the Brothers actually find her but because of Lash's powers, they walk right into the room with her and don't know she's there. Basically, John has a nervous breakdown because now he believes his woman is dead.

Blah blah blah they get her back and we learn a ton of shit about Xhex that only makes me love her more. Xhex is the only female out of all the Shellans that can do anything for herself and that is the main reason why John loves her so much. She's strong.

Its painfully evident that John Matthew is Darius reincarnated, but of course the Brother's don't know that and neither does John. This brings me to the flashbacks of Darius's life. The female that he and Tohr saved ended up giving birth to Xhex. Tohr knows this ... Darius even named the girl ... So that makes this all the more sweet.

The Gregg/Holly stuff I skipped some of because I had no idea what the point was until the end. Muhrder.

Thank you, JR for redeeming yourself, I had almost lost faith. Good effing book. Thank you. Except ... Why the hell couldn't Xhex be black? Ugh ...

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Darius (AA, but it doesnt mean shit in this book)

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

2010-05-21T14:01:00.003-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 7

Definitely the most boring book out of the series. It focused on Rehvenge/Elehna as well as John/Xhex and also Lash. That son of a bitch Lash.

I love Rehv but like always, I hate dealing with the females in these books because they're boring. Xhex, however, is not. I love the fact that John has decided she is his female despite what happened between them in this book.

Im going to keep reading the series because Im very interested in John Matthew, Xhex, Blay and Quinn. Lash can eat my ass for all I care. Lol. But I tell you what, he has a spectacular range of tricks.

1 1/2 Stars

Woooooo! Excitement!

2010-05-19T13:46:00.001-05:00

The IR group on goodreads.com has 9 members now. Yes, Im excited about it having 9 members. If you haven't checked it out yet, please do, full fledge discussion are going on as well as wonderful suggestions. Thank goodness for summer ... no papers to grade so I can read until my hearts content.

Interracial and African American Paranormal

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

2010-05-17T23:05:00.002-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6

Yet, another dud by my favorite authoress, lol. This book was about Phury and him trying to kick his drug habit while being Primale. I gotta say I like how that whole scenario played out with him being Primale ...

Lash is a son of a bitch.

Quinn, Blay and John are one hell of a trio and I love them to pieces.

Aside from one major event in this book, its nothing to remember a week from now.

2 Stars

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

2010-05-15T01:46:00.004-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5

Meh ... I think this book was worse than Butch's. Well it had it's good moments with John Matthew and Phury. But this book was supposed to be about V. I'll tell you what though, we learn a lot of amazing things about V and his parentage that you don't want to miss. But overall, the book was just BLAH. *sigh* And I was really looking forward to this. But whatever.

The ending ... Just no ... The way he gets his girl ... Just fucking no. This makes me angry, just like with Mary. And John Matthew made a good point, why do they get these women but Wellsie is dead and Tohr is suffering about it? Fuck you, JR, you've upset me with these females.

The only female I want to read about next is Xhex.

2 1/2 Stars

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

2010-05-13T01:21:00.003-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4

I was on this incredible high from book 3 so I just HAD to pick up book 4. Book 4 was a real disappointment. I knew Butch was special, and he definitely was, but it was such a boring story. It seemed as though the other Brothers had this incredible back history while the only thing Butch had that was weighing on his shoulders was the death of his sister. Although, you do find out some interesting information about his father towards the end of the book.

This book had a lot of focus on the Lessers as Butch becomes connected to them. I thought that aspect of this book was really good and I thought JR wrote Marissa's character perfectly. I also really enjoyed dealing with V.

Even though I didn't like this book, V said some things about himself in this book that I can't ignore so I must read the next one.

3 Stars

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

2010-05-11T23:18:00.002-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3

My hands are shaking. I just finished this book and I am so incredibly happy that I read it. This book outdoes the first two by miles.

This book focuses on Zsadist, who is my favorite of the Brothers. We learn a lot about his past. JR Ward leaves out no details. I wont spoil it but I was in tears actually at certain parts. Not only that, but so much more happens with the other Brothers in this book that made me cry even more. I mean, right now, my hands are shaking, my emotions are high and I'm just so happy to have read this.

The series should have started with this. Look out for V, Tohr, Butch and Phury. Just ... Yall ... Please ... I'm just a mess right now this shit was so damn awesome. OMG ... and the drug dealer. OMG ... Yall ...

How great this book is, I can't describe it. I don't want to give a single detail away but PLEASE PLEASE ... Please read this.

5 Stars

Spoiled Rotten by Brandi Johnson

2010-05-10T13:34:00.003-05:00

First off all ... This isn't a paranormal book at all. It's an African American ... Urban book. Basically it's drama. I usually don't read these kinds of books but when I was in Wal-Mart 2 days ago. I saw the book and bought it only because my favorite video vixen turned rapper is on it. Angel Lola Luv aka Lola Monroe. So anyway, I read the book and didn't completely hate it, but I did at the same time.

I don't like reading plain African American urban books because they're so stereotypical of what white America thinks black America is like (even though a black person writes them). I hate that shit.

Basically, we've got this high school girl called Trouble (Candria) who digs Dariel. He has a stalkerish, pregnant, ex girlfriend named Jameelah and she has a wonderful older, drug selling, brother who's been raising her for years. Drama, drama, drama. The pregnant ex keeps hating on Trouble and tries to take Dariel. The brother gets killed, Trouble has sex with the brother, then has him killed. In the end, shes pregnant by her brothers killer and Dariel accepts the baby, now feeling that she understands his situation with the ex girlfriend/mother of his child, that he hates.

I think that if the book had been written better that I would have liked it. But there was no UMPH to the book. You read a Urban Fantasy or a Paranormal and the imagery is out of this world plus the descriptions are amazing as are the use of words. So yea, the book would have been good had it been written better.

2 1/2 Stars.

Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward

2010-05-08T01:28:00.002-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2

++++ MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS COMING ++++

Alright ... This book was centered around Rhage. Rhage aka Hollywood ... He stands roughly at 6'7'', built Ford tough with an asymmetrical swing type of haircut ... Blond hair and electric blue eyes. He's nicknamed Hollywood because of his reputation with the ladies, plus the fact that people mistake him for a model and/or actor. Anyway ... Rhage is also the brother with a dragon tattoo on his back, that happens to come to life if he doesn't 'release' in some way. The best way to keep it at bay is to have sex. But when he gets EXTRA pissed, he turns into the dragon and eats everything.

The first book, I thought that feature was pretty damn cool, however, in this book, I think I was mostly put off by how boring the main female was.

In this book, we have Mary Luce ... She has leukemia, works at a suicide hot line and is an assistant at a law firm. She comes in contact with a boy, by the name of John Matthew, who's mute, and is actually a vampire who hasn't yet gone through the change.

Ok no I wont give away everything in the book.

I thought Mary was boring as shit. But at the same time, I feel like Rhage needed a boring, and average looking woman to offset his good looks and way of living.

I really want to say something about the ending. Ok yea I'm gonna say it. No I wont. *sigh* ... The ending, I actually hated but I realize it has to be that 'happily ever after' type of ending so us female readers can feel satisfied. Not this one, but whatever.

Will I get the next book? I don't know. I said I wanted to get book 3 to read about Zsadist but now I kinda don't want to. Although he probably will have the best story out of the whole set of brothers, I just don't want to deal with another boring female who turns a tough Brother into a bitch.

Oh ... John Matthew ... Yea, you know him.

3 Stars

Book Switch

2010-05-03T14:02:00.002-05:00

I put down Crate and Peril and picked up Lover Eternal. I tried my hardest to get into Crate and Peril and like it but I can't. I'll try again on another day, but as for this day, just no ...

So this Crate and Peril book ...

2010-05-02T22:05:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to get into it but it's not happening. I put it in my Currently Reading box and read up to chapter 3 while I was getting a pedicure. Im not really into it at all right now. Nothing about it is sending me signals, its just ... MEH ... I dont know, we'll see what happens in the next few days. I hope my books come in the mail soon, it's taking forever.

Wind Follower by Carole McDonnell

2010-04-28T11:43:00.002-05:00

I cant ... I just ... That ending sucked ass! I am so angry right now!

SPOILERS, MAJOR SPOILERS

Satha is a 24 year old virgin girl from a darker skinned clan and she marries Loic, an 18 year old chiefs son from a mid-toned skin clan.

*takes a deep breath*

They marry ... Become pregnant ... Satha is raped and the child she is carrying dies ... She gets angry and tells her husband to avenge her and kill the man who raped her. He goes off to find this man ... Satha is kidnapped and sold into slavery with the white skinned people ... Loic becomes trapped by evil spirits at a house hold ... Satha agrees to have her slave holders child because his wife cant have any more children ... Loic learns the ways of the Creator and the Creator is going to keep him safe and deliver his people from the evil white skinned Angleni ... Satha has a child, a boy, like her owner wanted ... years later his wife has a boy successfull and Satha (plus her son) are cast out into the desert ... *sigh* ... Loic frees himself from the bonds of the evil spirits and ends up finding Satha ... They go home, yay yay yay ... No one wants to bend to the new ways ... Loic continues to tell them that if the 3 tribes don't follow The Creator, shit will happen ... The shit happened ... They were all enslaved by the Angeleni people ... Book over.

BULLFUCKINGSHIT!!!!!!! I am more than extra super sized pissed right now. These two people literally went through got damm living hell and still came up fucking enslaved. BULLFUCKINSHIT I HATE THIS SHIT I HATE IT. Bullfuckingshit.

-------------------

The book started off slow but picked up by about chapter 3. It was definitely a page turner and I couldn't put it down, however, I found that a lot of the conversation between Loic and 'elders' was very boring and I would skip a page to get passed it. I loved reading about their struggles though but felt like ... They went through all this and got nothing out of it. There was no green grass ... Just more poverty and enslavement despite The Creator (and Loic) being the good guy. In all fairness, it wasn't Loic's fault that they failed, the three tribes were not interested in the Lost Book, only the tainted version that the evil spirits had been feeding them.

Still, I'm just so disappointed, this thing really pissed me off. Could have been a 5 star book but it's not. I just ... I cant.

3 1/2 Stars ... Bullfuckingshit

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

2010-04-26T00:20:00.002-05:00

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1

First let me say. This was a jammin ass book. I just finished and the only thing I can say is 'fucking good shit.' Pretty vulgar, I know, but it's just that awesome. First, let me go through the good points.

Good Point 1: The Verbage: Everything was 'my brother,' or 'you feel me?' ... The slang was out of here. Group of white vampire warriors jamming to Notorious BIG among other rap music that wasn't named. How cool are they?

Good Point 2: It's a wonderful change to read about vampires who aren't so traditional. They're hip, they're big, they're young(ish), they're strong and they're so fucking fly. I could bed them all (including Z).

Good Point 3: I love all of their personalities and the extra 'powers' that each of them possess uniquely.

Alright, now it's time to go through my gripes for the book.

Gripe 1: Darius is one of the Black Dagger Brothers ... Apparently he's big and very black and killed early on in the book (go figure).

Gripe 2: Darius has a daughter who is plain ass white. That bothered me the entire way through. The book described her skin as 'pale cream' ... When I read that part, I actually put the book down for a day. I had to collect myself, get past it and keep going because the brothers are so sexy.

Gripe 3 & Good Point 4: Wrath turned into a bitch when he fell in love. That angered me because I felt like ... Here's this guy who's so fucking macho, but he gets with a woman and turns into a puppy dog. I mean he's 'i love you leelan, i love you wife, kiss me, never leave me,' and all that b.s but .... when it was time to kick some ass, he whooped that ass! So apparently, being in love didn't make him soft when it counted.

----

Overall ... The swag the brothers have is amazing. They're current and just damn delicious. I wish there would have been more action, though, but there was a lot of story that had to be put into this book. I'm thinking 3 stars but leaning towards 4 ... I don't know ... Well yes I know now. But still, great book. I told myself I wasn't going to get book 2 but I ordered it. I can't help it. What happened with Darius is keeping me going back, plus, I'm anxious to get to the book (I think it's book 3) that features Z, he's my favorite. Recommended? Hell yea ...

3 1/2 Stars
IR: Beth (AA/White mixed but really doesn't count because she doesn't look like it)

The Escape by Seven Steps

2010-04-22T15:29:00.004-05:00

I love that sci fi futuristic type of thing so I thought this book would work for me. The heroine is a black woman on planet Venus where women are apparently the top dog. Theyre so top dog-ish to the point where the only men on the planet are there to work and be servants. Our heroine is in love with her servant, who she's had since the age of 7.

From the very beginning, the heroine, I think her name is Taylor, was annoying as sin. I know I said Jayne (Unclean Spirits) was annoying but this girl takes the cake. Basically, she wants to shout her love to the world but her servant, and love, keeps telling her to shut the hell up because they'll get in trouble. Which is true. I stopped at chapter 3, skipped to chapter 6, read to chapter 7 and then put the book away.

I absolutely cannot deal with a character that hard headed and dumb! This girl made me cringe and feel absolutely horrible for her servant boyfriend. Piece of crap, I hope that girl got killed or somethin cause she wore me out.

0 Stars
IR: Taylor (AA)

Soul Song by Marjorie Liu

2010-04-19T00:47:00.002-05:00

Dirk & Steele, Book 6

I put down the Dirk & Steele series after book 1. I picked up book 6 because it was said to be interracial, and it is. I gotta tell you ... I picked it up and couldn't put it down. I'm so pleased that I read it. However, I do have a few gripes.

1. Why is it these people always fall in love so fast? 1 day? Really? ... I know this is Paranormal/Fantasy but ... No.

2. There's no difference in characters. I'll explain.

Although I love the book, I feel like all of the characters are the same. They even speak the same. Kitala Bell is a professional fiddler. She's mixed with black and white, came from humble (broke) beginnings and has a grandmother who was a witch in Louisiana. However, this woman doesn't act black at all. She's very boring. In fact, she acts like all of the other characters in this book. She, M'Cal and The Witch all speak the same way. The only character in the book who's different from the rest is Koni.

I thought it was awesome to hear from Dela and Hari (book 1).

Brief Synopsis ... Kitala can see death, murder specifically. For instance, if you're going to be stabbed in the heart and die as a result, she'll see you walking around with a knife sticking out of your heart. M'Call, the merman was actually sent to kill her, but over the span of a few hours, they realized they loved each other.

I actually really liked the book despite my gripes. There was SOOOOOOOOOO much action that I found myself grinning at every page turn during the violence.

My questions at the end where, what happened to the witch and shark? What happened to Yu and the other guy?

It's a page turner, I definitely recommend it. Yes it seems like I'd give it a bad review but those things stuck out to me SO MUCH that I had to talk about it. Anywho ... Really great book. I hear book 7 features the BMWW combo so I might check that out.

4 Stars
IR: Kitala (AA)