Series: Daughters of La Lune #3
Unabridged
Published: July 18, 17
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrator: Sherry Baines
Length: 13 hrs. 17 min.
Source: Hoopla/Library

In the wake of a dark and brutal World War, the glitz and glamour of 1925 Manhattan shine like a beacon for the high society set, which is desperate to keep their gaze firmly fixed to the future. But Delphine Duplessi sees more than most. At a time in her career when she could easily be unknown and penniless, like so many of her classmates from L’École de Beaux Arts, in America she has gained notoriety for her stunning “shadow portraits” that frequently expose her subjects’ most scandalous secrets—for better or for worse. Most nights Delphine doesn’t mind that her gift has become mere entertainment—a party trick—for the fashionable crowd. Though her ancestor La Lune, the legendary sixteenth-century courtesan and—like Delphine—a witch, might have thought differently.

Then, on a snowy night in February, in a penthouse high above Fifth Avenue, Delphine’s mystical talent leads to a tragedy between two brothers. Horrified, she renounces her gift.

Devastated and disconsolate, Delphine returns to her old life in the south of France where Picasso, Matisse, and the Fitzgeralds are summering. There, Delphine is thrust into recapturing the past. First by her charismatic twin brother and business manager Sebastian in his attempts to cajole her back to work and into co-dependence, then by the world famous opera singer Emma Calvé, who is obsessed with the centuries-old Book of Abraham, written by the fourteenth-century alchemist Nicolas Flamel. And finally by her ex-lover Mathieu, who is determined to lure her back into his arms, unaware of the danger that had led Delphine to flee Paris for New York five years before.

My thoughts:

I read the other 2 books in the series (reviews HERE) but for some reason I missed this one. Luckily my library had this book available so I decided that now was the time to dive back into this world. I was glad I did and this one was filled with legendary artists and lots of color to temper the darkness within the tale.

The side story of Nicolas Flamel mentioned in the blurb was just a way of getting Delphine back into her own story, one she couldn't run from no matter how she tried, but it felt more important. Unfortunately it wasn't a part of Delphine's journey and that saddened me. Perhaps we will get that story next?

Without revealing too much I think those who enjoy romance with a bit of magic will enjoy this story. The romance isn't without tragedy and a bit of drama but all of it is well placed and designed for our couple (especially Delphine) to learn and be ready for the next phase of their lives.

The narration by Sherry Baines was good but there was little separation between characters and her females all sounded roughly the same. It did not hinder my enjoyment of the book but I thought I'd mention it.

I give the book 4 stars. It is a good addition to the series and I hope we get more as I enjoy following this family though their trials and finding true love.

Series: Seriously Wicked #2
240 p.
Publisher: Tor Teen
Published: 11/1/16
Source: From publisher for review

A sparkling new adventure about teen witch Camellia and her mother, wicked witch Sarmine, introduced to readers in Seriously Wicked 

Teenage witch Cam isn’t crazy about the idea of learning magic. She’d rather be no witch than a bad one. But when a trio of her mother’s wicked witch friends decide to wreak havoc in her high school, Cam has no choice but to try to stop them. 

Now Cam’s learning invisibility spells, dodging exploding cars, and pondering the ethics of love potions. All while trying to keep her grades up and go on a first date with her crush. If the witches don’t get him first, that is.
Can’t a good witch ever catch a break?

My thoughts:

I had not read the first book in this series and I had a feeling I would be okay skipping it. I was so you should have no problems if you haven't read the first book (although I know it's gotten good reviews).  I did read her Ironskin series and enjoyed them so that was another reason I took a chance on this book, plus I was in the mood for something light.

The book as a whole is YA but it reads quite young. I would think that mature MG kids could read this one with no problems. While the themes weren't too mature, there was some alcohol in the book even though Cam was against underage drinking. I would probably suggest those that are on the fence about letting their kids read it try it first before deciding. If nothing else you will have read a entertaining book yourself.

Within the story Cam is determined to be a good witch despite being surrounded by "wicked" witches. She considers her mom a wicked witch (her mom concurs) but she is more like someone who wants her way and feels she knows what is best for everyone else. So... borderline evil. She finds that her mom's friends want to play a game in destroying her friend's lives but with an unexpected truce with her mom she figures out the most evil witch's end game and how to save everyone around her. She should be quite exhausted after trying to outthink everyone.

The secondary characters work and I really think they enhanced the story. I really liked her circle of friends and it was nice that she was able to let several of them in on her witchy secret. Sometimes the secret trope gets old quickly so that was a refreshing part of the story.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the friendship and the fun in dealing with a wicked witch while finding out what truly makes a good witch. I also enjoyed the end tidbits with the spells she had to figure out as well as her morality good witch list.

Series: Hollows/Peri Reed mash up
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: 4/4/16
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
Addendum: Will be $.99 in ebook

Worlds collide when Rachel Morgan of The Hollows meets Peri Reed of The Drafter in this exciting new short story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison. 

The paranormal and the futuristic meet in this thrilling novella featuring your favorite badass heroines from two of “the amazingly gifted” (RT Book Reviews) Kim Harrison’s most beloved series: the Hollows and the Peri Reed Chronicles. The magic of the Hollows runs full force into the technological sophistication of The Drafter when a device capable of carrying a city’s data stream pulls Rachel, the bounty hunter witch of the Hollows, between realities, marooning her in a world where the supernatural holds no sway. To get Rachel and Jenks home, Peri, the dangerous renegade of 2030, must decide what will chart her future: her blind trust in those who grant her power, or her intuition telling her to believe.

My thoughts:

I had only read the first book in the Hollows series and the first book in the Peri Reed Chronicles series. That was enough to get into the enjoyment in this series. If you have only read one or the other, I think it is a good way to introduce you to the series you haven't read.

In this one it is set in Peri's world and Rachel is thrown into it by a mistake. It does seem to blend the worlds together as if one was set in an alternate universe and timeline from the other. This does make things make more sense and we do have some basic things in common including magic and science. We only have a small adventure with both characters told in Peri's POV. It is complete and not an absolute necessity in either series but just something to enjoy. It is like hoping unlikely characters would come together in a different series and wanting to see what happens. It's just all in fun.

I give this novella 3 stars. It is a great way to introduce yourself into the world and characters of the other. Now I know I need to start catching up in the Hollow's universe.


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Series: The Sisters of Witchdown #1
290 p.
Publisher: Pyr
Published: 5/5/15
Source: From publisher for review

Luci Jenifer Inacio das Neves, Lucifer for short, isn't your typical teenaged girl. She's a thief who survives by stealing bad things from bad people in the magical and mystical underworld hidden beneath our own. So when a policeman's daughter, Gina, is kidnapped by a force he can't explain, Lucifer is the only one who has a chance at getting his daughter back.

With the unsolicited help of Gina's friends, including Gina's boyfriend David, Lucifer's investigation leads to the unfortunate truth of the kidnapping. Gina was taken to an otherworldly dimension by a creature of unspeakable evil: one of the Seven Sisters of Witchdown. Against all odds, Lucifer must use every magical tool hidden in her trick bag to steal her way into the Shade and bring Gina back before the Sister sacrifices her for her own dark ends. But the closer Lucifer gets to Gina, the closer she gets to David. And David to her. Lucifer must risk her life by confronting demons, witches, and the cruel demigoddess controlling her destiny - all to save the one girl who stands in the way of Lucifer finally finding love.

My thoughts:
This is a book that is based on a comic series. I haven't read the comic so I was curious as to how this translates into book format. It is well written and I think that even those YA readers who are rather young would enjoy this one. It does have a horror element to it so I guess it depends on the reader as to how well they would be able to handle it. Those that read adult horror will have absolutely no problems with this one.

While I did enjoy Lucifer and how she got her name, I did not enjoy the romance that developed here. I also didn't care for her attitude about the romance. It was someone I just didn't see her falling for but I did get how she craved normalcy. The distraction of the boy just didn't ring true to me and I would have loved to see her more confident at least when she wasn't directly dealing with the relationship. She might be a girl, but one that supposedly lived though a great number of tragedies.

While I didn't enjoy her foray into a romantic relationship, I did like the adventure and the insurmountable odds she was pitted against. It was a bit repetitious in the telling of the story, but I do think kids wouldn't mind it at all. I give this book 3 stars and do recommend it to the young YA crowd that likes horror. It's not too scary but gives enough horror to satisfy.

Series: The Originals #2
336 p.
Publisher: HQN books
Published: 3/31/15
Source: From publisher for review

Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you're immortal, promises are hard to keep.

After a hurricane destroyed their city, Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson have rebuilt New Orleans to even greater glory. The year is 1766. The witches live on the fringes in the bayou. The werewolves have fled. But still, Klaus isn't satisfied. He wants more. He wants power.

But when Klaus finally finds a witch who will perform a spell to give him what he desires most, she secretly uses Klaus to unleash a curse one that brings back hundreds of her ancestors and begins a war to reclaim New Orleans. As the siblings fight off the attack, only one thing's for certain the result will be a bloodbath.

My thoughts:
This is a continuation of the previous book taking place about 40 years later. Old grudges surface and this becomes the crux of their problems... along with Klaus, of course. In the last book I thought that Klaus was a bit too optimistic for his character. However, in this book, the optimism has turned into something more selfish and narcissistic. Yep, the Klaus we know is in full form.

My only complaint is slight. This time it feels as if Elijah is more like Klaus in this book. He has always been the one to be able to think of others even if his blinders are huge for the family. He seemed a bit more self centered in this one. Not too badly but just not his sweet vampire self who can rip out your throat for looking at his family wrong. Okay, bad example, but fans of the show may know what I'm talking about. It was a minor thing however.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed myself a bit more with this book and found myself easily seeing this as a flashback episode of the Originals. I recommend it to those who are fans of the show.

Series: Jane Yellowrock #2
321 p.
Publisher: Roc
Published: 1/5/10
Source: tbr pile

Jane Yellowrock is back on the prowl against the children of the night...
The vampire council has hired skinwalker Jane Yellowrock to hunt and kill one of their own who has broken sacred ancient rules — but Jane quickly realizes that in a community that is thousands of years old, loyalties run deep... 

With the help of her witch best friend and local vigilantes, Jane finds herself caught between bitter rivalries — and closer than ever to the secret origin of the entire vampire race. But in a city of old grudges and dark magic, Jane will have to fight to protect both sides, even if no one will protect her.

My thoughts:
Doing my best to catch up on the series I've been wanting to continue I picked up Blood Cross the second book in the Jane Yellowrock series. I really enjoyed the first book and luckily things came back to me quickly. This is a series I would suggest starting from the beginning. The first book, Skinwalker, does a good job of setting up the world and the characters.

The characters are my favorite part of the book, but the one that steals the show is Beast. Beast is her cougar alter and seems to know more than Jane. Beast is more than willing to help Jane in her life to get her to where she needs to be... even if she gets frustrated with her frequently. My other favorite character is Angie. A small but powerful child that will steal your heart.

The plot was one that moved quickly but did not overwhelm. There is romance in a way but as with all UF it does not take precedence. And while I loved Jane there were times I could see how Beast would become so easily frustrated. However, Jane is still learning and there is a huge gap in her memories. Her path to discovery is one of the arcs in the storyline.

I give this book 4 stars. It is a good continuation of the series and I will be reading the next in this series. Yes, I am hooked and I recommend it to those that enjoy UF.

Series: The Hollows #1
416 p.
Publisher: Harper Torch
Published: 7/1/04
Source: TBR pile

All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party ... and to feed. 

Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining -- and it's Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized. 

A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead ... or undead.

My thoughts:

I have to admit that I had trouble really getting into the worldbuilding in this book at first. I even had trouble with liking Rachel Morgan the main character and her vampire friend Ivy. I did love the pixie Jenks and his family from the start which helped me with the other characters as I read more into the story. Despite my problems, there was just enough to interest me and keep me going. I was glad I continued and the story really took off for me about half way through. It kept growing on me from there and I ended up liking all the characters. I also started liking the worldbuilding but I still have some small quibbles with it which will probably solve itself as the series goes along. That happens a lot with fantasy and urban fantasy.

I didn't like the possible romance presented in this book. However, it is UF and romance isn't usually the star in books like this. Romance often takes it's time and needs a few books to really get established. It might happen here, it might not. So therefore I'm not too concerned about this potential romantic entanglement.

I give this first book 3 1/2 stars. I can see the potential here and I have a feeling that this is a series that will get better as it goes along. I recommend it to those that enjoy UF and want something witchy for their read. I can't wait to continue this series.

Series: The Lovegrove Legacy #2
408 p.
Published: 10/7/14
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

Cousins Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope are all dealing with what it means to be a Lovegrove. For Gretchen, it means she often feels like her head is going to explode. As a Whisperer, Gretchen constantly hears the whispers of other witches' spells. And while this does help her to know when one of her own spells is going wrong, the incessant buzzing and pain the whispers cause makes it difficult to use her gift. 

But when something evil begins to menace Mayfair, Gretchen must find a way to master her power. Along with her cousins, a madcap named Moira, and the icy yet irresistible Tobias Lawless, Gretchen faces deadly threats and unimaginable loss in the hopes of preventing the terrible Greymalkin Sisters from rising again.

The second book in The Lovegrove Legacy trilogy, Whisper the Dead will leave readers spellbound.

My thoughts:
I had a bit of a problem getting into this one because it is told with multi-POVs which kept confusing me. Now had I read it right after the first I probably wouldn't have kept confusing the characters. Now when the girls, Gretchen, Emma and Penelope, separate I had no problems what so ever with getting everyone straight. Those parts of the book really took off for me and I was quite enthralled. I believe that if I had reread the first book none of it would have confused me. So, I recommend a reread of the first for those that might feel a bit lost with multi-POVs. I didn't feel that way with the first book and I sincerely think I am to blame for the confusion.

What I did love about this book is that the author went deeper with the characters. I felt like I got to know many of the secondary characters much better in this installment. I also liked how the magic really adds to the plot within this story. I felt it was stronger here than in the first book.

I give this book 3 stars. It is a book with multi-POVs and a complex plot. I do suggest a reread of the first book or even reading it close to reading this one. Don't let that put you off of the book. I think you will find a rich world with great characters within the pages. I do warn that there is a cliffie but it didn't bother me too much knowing that this is a trilogy and the conclusion to the adventure is in sight.

Bodyguard
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Series: Shifters Unbound #2.5
224p.

Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed robber by a giant Kodiak bear who shifts into a large, well-muscled, and fully bare human. But when it's revealed that the robber is the brother of a dangerous criminal, Elizabeth finds herself the target of a vendetta.

Ronan, the Bear Shifter, takes her to Shiftertown, where she finds that mateless Ronan takes care of Shifters who have no families or clans of their own. Having grown up in foster care herself, Elizabeth can only admire how protective Ronan is, even while she chafes at the confinement.

But Ronan will only let her leave the safety of Shiftertown if he becomes her 24/7 bodyguard. Elizabeth finally agrees. The trouble is, the sassy human Elizabeth is triggering Ronan's long-buried need to find himself a mate.

My thoughts:
I was surprised that this was a short, but full story about a kodiak bear shifter and his newfound mate. i was really expecting a very short novella just introducing me to the series. I've been curious about this series and I feel like I got a good look into this world. In this story Elizabeth if running from her past and taking care of her sister when Ronan saves her life during a robbery. She finds herself in danger because she lived and so Ronan immediately decides to help her even further with her problem. Of course this is a PNR so the romance was a bit fast, but still interesting. The couple ended up making me smile more than once and the other characters surrounding Ronan also captured my attention. I give this book 4 stars and feel like it was a fun PNR shifter novel and I do think I'll be reading more in the Shifters Unbound world.

Alejandro's Sorceress
by Alyssa Day
Series: Warriors of Poseidon

He’s a warrior, hardened by years of protecting his town from vampire attack. She’s a garden witch who sees the world in shades of sunshine and delight. Opposites don’t only attract, they go supernova in this sizzling tale of magic and mayhem.

My thoughts:
This novella takes place in the world of the Warriors of Poseidon series. I couldn't find a novella number but it is obviously part of that world since it has some of the same Atlantians within the book. I haven't read the series but do have it on my wishlist. This wasn't a hard book to get into if you, like me, haven't read the series yet.

The romance is fast, but it is also cute. I would have liked to spend a bit more time with the couple and get the romance a bit more developed, but even without that, I found that Rose, the garden witch, to be a great character. She is strong and doesn't take crap from the alpha males. I give the story 3 stars and I think it will amp up your interest in the world of Atlantis since we only get a wee peek into that world. There is a short epilogue that had me smiling for the couple in the end.

Bewitch
by Felicity Heaton
Series: Vampire Erotic Theatre #5
140p.

A vampire with a past stained with blood and a soul tainted with darkness, he is perfect in his self-control, never surrendering to his darkest desires. Now a beautiful witch in the shadowy fae underworld threatens to reawaken long denied hungers and tempts him with carnal pleasure. 

Payne despises the incubus side of his mixed genes and refuses to give it free rein, but when the wickedly sexy Elissa offers him a possible way to help a friend, he finds it difficult to resist paying the price, even if it will be his undoing—one night of passion at her command. 

Elissa is a witch down on her luck until Payne comes crashing into her life. The dangerously handsome male is the key to fulfilling a promise she made, but he is also forbidden, and surrendering to the wildfire passion he stirs within her means risking ruin and death. 

When one incredible night of fulfilling their deepest fantasies leads to more than just a pathway to keeping a promise and saving a friend, will they be able to overcome the barriers that stand between them and forever?

My thoughts:
The synopsis really tells the plot. What is nice about this book is that although the smex happens quickly (but then what do you expect from an incubus?) the relationship takes some time and they reveal to each other things that both of them have hidden from others. By the end of this novella I was smiling and even though there is a lot of smex, there is a tender moment here and there as well. I give this novella 4 stars and it is book 5 in the Vampire Erotic Theatre books. These books seem to have interesting characters and not just smex. :)

Darkness Falls
by Erin Kellison
Series: Reveler #1
115p.

Agent Malcolm Rook is hunting for people with the rarest of talents—the ability to master dreams. He finds the undeniably gifted Jordan Lane, but she’s wary of mysterious Rook and resists his pursuit as long as she can. Yet the dreamwaters they enter are too exhilarating to resist, and attraction soon ignites electric passions. Delving too deep stirs a nightmare, one they must defeat, or be forever lost to darkness.

My thoughts: 
This one is going to be hard for me to review. In fact, this author was the reason I wanted to review this group of novellas. Her Shadow books are one of my favorite series. In this start of a series, it was a short read, but not always an easy one. The world was hard to follow but after a while, you did get used to some of it and so some of it flowed even though you didn't quite feel like you had a complete grasp of what was going on. I feel that this will clear up as the series goes on. It was also quite short and so you are left with a lot of questions. It also works in wanting to continue the series because I wasn't ready to leave and wanted some completion of the story I started. What was great about this series was the characters. Although I am not completely sure about Malcolm, I  know he is someone to root for and want the best for him. Who I really enjoyed was Jordan once her walls started to come down and her wicked sense of humor came forward. I give this book 3 stars, and I am intrigued enough to want to continue the series and find out more about these characters and the world in which they exist.

Series: Waterfire Saga #1
320p.
Publisher: Disney Press
Published: May, 6, 14
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

The first in a series of four epic tales set in the depths of the ocean, where six mermaids seek to protect and save their hidden world. 

Deep in the ocean, in a world not so different from our own, live the merpeople. Their communities are spread throughout the oceans, seas, and freshwaters all over the globe. 

When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin's arrow poisons Sera's mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence.

My thoughts:
 This is a first book of four in the Waterfire Saga. In this book we are introduced to Serafina a mermaid destined to take over for her mother in ruling her area of the sea. Her betrothal is someone she did love, but isn't so sure of lately. The rumors of his actions of late leave the princess less than thrilled at the prospect as had been just a year ago. While you think at first this is what the book is about, there is a dark turn the book takes and now Seraphina must find out who she really is and what she cares about. She needs to find out what kind of ruler she is going to become. She meets others along the way set out with their own but entwining destiny with Seraphina and this book is mostly about uncovering those truths and what they reveal about who they will become.

I feel this is an easy read for a fantasy book. I actually think that MG readers would also be able to get into this book easily. I did have a few problems with the book and it had more to do with the actions of the mermaids forgetting they were under water. For example, how would one drink a specific drink? Without a straw or some apparatus like this, it would just mix with the water. One instance it was said that Seraphina had tears. I could see looking as if she was crying, but again tears, unless out of the water, would not be seen. I also remember one mermaid remarking that another had beads of sweat on her brow. These were minor but an example of when I think the world was confused with one on dry land.

I give this book 3 stars. Despite the flaws with consistency with the world building I think it was an easy and enjoyable read that young kids could easily slip into. I recommend it to those wanting to try a fantasy book with mermaids! :)

Standalone
352p.
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: April 15, 14
Source: Edelweiss and publisher for review

Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.

My thoughts:
This was a cute witching story that I would consider for younger YA crowds would enjoy. The interactions between the characters were a bit younger than I would feel at the older YA level would enjoy. The storyline is an interesting one. Not as dark as you would have expected, but yet still mysterious enough to keep me reading.

I had ideas about parts of the mystery and I did like the way the ending happened, but most of it was predictable. I didn't mind since I got my complete HEA. There is a hint of a love triangle, but it doesn't come to fruition and Jo, our heroine, choses wisely and confidently. It's at least the conclusion to an almost triangle we often want in a book like this.

In the end, I give this book 3 stars. It isn't as dark as I thought it would be, but it is an enjoyable young witch coming into her powers kind of book. It also has some great friendships that endure separation and some heartache.

Series: Witch Song #3
319p.
Publisher: Starling
Available Now
Source: eARC from author for review

With the magic of their songs, the Witches control the seasons, the storms, even the sea. Secure in their supremacy, they have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. For the world has begun to covet their power, seeing them as weapons to be controlled instead of rulers worthy of obeisance.

Born of witches but raised among their enemy, Lilette searches for a way to heal the rift between mankind and the witches. But it may be too late to save either. For if there is one thing Lilette has come to know for certain, it’s that all things fall.

My thoughts:
 Yes, I have read this series in order... and guess what? You don't have to do that with this book. You could start here and then go to book 1 in this series. Why? Because it is a prequel. I didn't even realize that until about half way through the book. It had been a while since I had visited this world so that is why it took me so long. I was happy that it does take place in the past. It answers a lot of questions I had about the "time before". Also, if you are with me and have read these in order, I caution you... you will then want to go back to the first book and read them again.

I really enjoyed my time in this world and was quickly swept away by the characters. As frustrating as some of the parts of Lilette's life could be, I didn't find her annoying and rooted for her every step of the way. I only had one quibble with the plot. There were a few twists in the end which I enjoyed but one I just didn't believe. For the sake of not spoiling things, I will not say what that twist was, but it didn't go with the personality of one character. It didn't ring true. However, it also didn't spoil my time in the world and I didn't hate that twist. I actually liked it despite not believing it. It helped the rest of the book flow smoother... oddly enough. :)

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed this prequel and recommend it to those that like YA fantasy or even a good witchy story.

Series: Witch Song #2.5
28p.
ebook only
Publisher: Starling
Available Now
Source: From the author for review

A ship burns, sinking into the dark sea. There is only one survivor—a child hunted for the power of her song. Hidden away on an isolated island, Lilette buries her power deep, convinced it caused the deaths of those she loves. 

But she can’t run from who she is. And when her secret is revealed, the only thing that can save her is her song. It’s time to rise up and become what she was always meant to be: the most powerful witch ever born.

My thoughts:
I have read the other 2 books in this series, Witch Song and Witch Born. I was surprised that this series went on as the other 2 books were complete. This novella is really a prequel to the upcoming Witch Fall and this really stars a whole new main character. Therefore you can start with this book if you wish and not be lost. Those that have read the other 2 books will find themselves in the same world.

Although this is very short, it really does introduce the new character, Lilette well. We understand what happened to her and how she was in the situation we find her in the upcoming Witch Fall. You don't need to read this one to fall into the new book, but I really recommend it as it does seem to really set the stage for the new book. These are the kind of novellas I do enjoy. The kind that give us insight to the story we are engaged.

I give this book 4 stars. I recommend the novella for those that are fans of this series and I recommend the series to those that enjoy a good witchy tale. :)

Series: Lovegrove Legacy #1
496p.
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Publishing: 1/7/14
source: NetGalley and publisher for review

In 1814, three cousins—Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope—discover their family lineage of witchcraft when a binding spell is broken, allowing their individual magical powers to manifest. Now, beyond the manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, an alluring underworld available only to those with power is revealed to the cousins. By claiming their power, the three cousins have accidentally opened the gates to the underworld. Now ghouls, hellhounds—and most terrifying of all, the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters—are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers. And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders…because she keeps finding the bodies. Can the cousins seal the gates before another witch is killed… or even worse, before their new gifts are stripped away?

My thoughts:
This is the story of 3 cousins who come into their witching powers when a binding spell is broken. They didn't even know that magic or witches even existed. They are all suddenly thrown into a unknown world. It is also the story of Emma in particular. She is the reason the powers have been bind, but not why. It is Emma's exploration of who she is and who she is to become is the focus of this edition.

I have to say that while I loved the premise of this story, I was frustrated a bit with the beginning. Granted, our knowledge of this world came with what Emma learned. However, some of the adventure was purposely muddled and that is what frustrated me. Emma and her cousins were warned about the Keepers and those that uphold magical law, but not why. In fact, they seem like they may be the "good guys" even if they are a bit too strict and set in their ways. I get that any entity that does not listen may not be trusted, but it seems as if "the Order" was all powerful and yet at the same time completely weak. It just wasn't clear from my perspective. However, once Emma actually started "working" with the Order in a finishing school designed to help her learn her powers, it was a bit less frustrating. In this way, the Order seemed to be more in the background. However, in the end when the Order became more dominant in the story it became a bit more muddled once again.

The main and secondary characters in this book did shine, however. It was the reason that kept me going and kept my interest. Emma's character is interesting and I do hope they keep her as a focus for a few more series books. I also enjoyed Daphne, Emma's nemesis. She wasn't one dimensional as some of these characters can be made and so I would also love to dive more into her character as the books go on. There is also potential with Moira and "outlaw" witch who is more like a street urchin with power. Yes, several interesting characters in this book.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I recommend it for the characters and I really can't wait to see if those secondary characters get even more fleshed out.

Series: Jessica McClain #3
336p.
Publisher: Orbit
Published: Oct. 8, 13
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked. 

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early. 

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team. 

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...

I admit that the last books ended with me cursing the author. Mostly because even though it had a full story, it would end in such a way that was a cliffie. I hate those things and trust me, the other two books were so good it didn't need it at all for me to crave the next. Still, crave it I did and so I was happy to get this book in my hot little ereader! :D

In this series if you are sorely lacking any kind of action for your book, you will love this series as a whole. It is JAM packed with action. This book is no different and we are pretty much on the go from the start. With so much going on I began to wonder how this girl was able to recharge. I didn't see much on sleep or even eating so the refueling was at a minimum. I would have thought that there would have been a few scenes where she desperately needed to refuel. Still, if that really is my only complaint I should just shut my mouth because really... magic! I can believe that magic totally did the trick. Mostly because I think those scenes where she refueled would have slowed down the book too much... maybe. :)

We get to know a bit more about Rourke! YEA! Can you cheer? Still an enigma but much better known. Still, don't expect him to take the driving seat in this series. This is all about Jessica and how she is dealing with the supernatural community and what it means. He is in the passenger's seat a bit, but it doesn't bother him unless she is in danger (and she is in danger all the time). Still, he is what feels like the perfect mate for Jessica in all aspects of her life. He might have to fight his protective instincts at times, but he trust Jessica fully. I loved that!

I give this book 4.5 stars. It was just as much fun as the last two and please... can someone get me the next book? Oh and yes, I did curse the author again in the end. The main story is completed but we are left with a huge reveal for the next book. Where is my book???? :D

Series: Fairwick Chronicles #3
288p.
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: Sept. 3, 2013
Source: NetGalley and Library Thing Early Reviewers for review

For Callie McFay, a half-witch/half-fey professor of folklore and Gothic literature, the fight to save the enchanted town of Fairwick, New York, is far from over. After a hostile takeover by the Grove—a sinister group of witches and their cohorts—many of the local fey have been banished or killed, including Callie’s one true love. And in place of the spirit of tolerance and harmony, the new administration at Fairwick College has fostered an air of danger and distrust.

With her unique magical abilities, Callie is the only one who can rescue her friends from exile and restore order to the school—a task that requires her to find the Angel Stone, a legendary talisman of immense power. Propelled on an extraordinary quest back to seventeenth-century Scotland, Callie risks her life to obtain the stone. Yet when she encounters a sexy incarnation of her lost love, she finds the greater risk is to her heart. As the fate of Fairwick hangs in the balance, Callie must make a wrenching choice: reclaim a chance for eternal passion or save everything she holds dear.

My thoughts:
I read the second book, The Water Witch but not the first. I did enjoy the second book and didn't feel too lost, so I decided to instead of reading that first book (which I still want to do...) but read the third when it came my way. The last book left me with a few questions so I don't mind going forward in this case instead of going backward. :)

I feel that the last 2 covers, while beautiful, are misleading. I was thinking each time that it was a big flowery PNR book, or even magical realism, but it really reads more UF to me. I mean there are those other elements to the book, but it still is filled with enough action I can safely say UF. Probably why I was complaining in the other review in this series that I should have read the first book. Most UF should be read in order.

I liked this installment much better than the last book. Didn't feel like it had a lot of plot holes of the last and the story felt much tighter. I enjoyed Callie's adventure much more than the romance, but I still did enjoy the romance. It felt like it came full circle despite my lack of knowledge of the first book (yes, I will get to it!). In the end I give this book 4 stars. I recommend it to those that enjoy PNR with a huge dose of UF as well.

It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

This book picks up right after the last book left off. It is the journey you were expecting and it did not disappoint. Lots of action and adventure in harrowing circumstances. In fact it was nearly never ending. It makes sense since the evil Selene wouldn't give up her prize easily. You also get some more insight into the world in which they live and you are also learning with the rest of them. Most of the things weren't known to the weres because they had no need to learn them. The group realizes now that is a mistake. So, I suspect we will be getting even more in depth world learning as the series progresses.

We also learn more about Jessica's abilities and we meet more secondary characters. Danny is the comic relief and I can't wait to see more of him. We also meet some vampires and we really get to know the detective, Ray who gave her hell in the last book. With those characters you appropriately like the ones you are supposed to and even warm up to the others except the evil ones. :) My only complaint is that you know no more about Rourke in this book than in the first. Very frustrating but also something to look forward!

I give this adventure 4 stars. I enjoyed it and it reminded me a lot of the Persephone Alcmedi series I recently reviewed. Both have a strong intelligent female with great power who is prophesied to bring justice to the world. I'm enjoying that angle. One warning.... this book also ends with a sort of cliffie. I actually don't like this. The adventure is complete, but the start of the next series is the ending of this one as it was in the first book. I would have liked it better if she stopped one chapter back. I would have still craved that next book (without frustration!). This book is out today!

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared. 

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her. 

But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves. 

When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life.

 I have to say that I throughly enjoyed this book. In fact it just took me a little over a day to finish it because I just had to know what happened next. It's a fun UF with a good dose of PNR. I really enjoyed the pace of the book which was quite fast. It seems that like other heroines, Jessica has nothing but trouble coming her way.

What I do think I enjoyed most was a lot of the plot angles were missing in this book that you get with this genre. One was that the heroine somehow forgets that they need to follow rules and that there will be consequences. This is one plot device that always bothers me. However, in this book Jessica is usually on top of those things and never forgets the consequences. Instead of her beast knowing what is best, it is Jessica and she often has to convince or remind her wolf. I liked that because the baser instincts SHOULD be the wolf's and not the insipid female which happens a lot. Even when she has to defy rules, she does it in full awareness. Yes, Jessica may not be a brainiac, but she does have smarts and uses her brain.

I also like that even though she is new and in the dark about what it means (another familiar plot device), she is forging ahead not by bumbling (even though she has no choice at times) but by using the knowledge she DOES have to try to figure out the best way out of or into a situation. I also like the way she was introduced to her mate and that it felt like they were mated even in such a short time. Sometimes that is a hard thing to pull off.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters and how carefully the world is constructed. Plot points were not ignored for the ease of moving things along. In other words, you felt that if there was a threat made, it would be followed through if forced. It would not be moved aside for the sake of the story.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I deducted a 1/2 star since everything was not wrapped up. It wasn't exactly a cliffie but it was a bit abrupt (not too much, but enough) and some things introduced in the end was not solved. That might have been better to start the second book instead of having it at the end of the first. Luckily the second one is already out and available. :)