The Camera Guy

Title ~ The Camera Guy
Author ~ R.W. Goodship
Publisher ~ R.W. Goodship
Published ~ 23 June 2011
Genre ~ Mystery/Paranormal

My Rating ~ 4.5 bites out of 5

Forensic Investigator Bill Walters sees dead people at his crime scene. Well, dead people and their spirits. He’s not sure why, but not only can he see ghosts, but he sees the final moments in the victims’ lives. His powers of observation are excellent, but the spirits have given him an edge and he doesn’t have an unsolved case. The other officers may think him loony toons, but his conviction rate is unparalleled.

When a new Chief Inspector takes over the department and wants Bill the crackpot out, he assigns Tom Watson, a psychologist, to observe Bill with an eye to dismissing him from the department. What the CI didn’t expect was for Tom to experience a different version of Bill’s gift (or curse depending on who you talk to). At the scene of a violent murder, instead of seeing the spirit Tom can feel her and the evil that killed her turning Tom’s world upside down and sideways. It only gets weirder from there.

This is a well-written story with an interesting fast plot, well-developed characters and a slippery villain leading us on a horribly gory chase. I enjoyed being along for the ride and I’m hoping to see more of Bill Walters.

*Many thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

The Hunter ~ Free ebook

 Get Book One of The Legend Chronicles free in ebook before Book Three The Chosen is released March 5th.

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Artemis Fowl

Title ~ Artemis Fowl
Series ~ Artemis Fowl, #1
Author ~ Eoin Colfer
Publisher ~ Puffin (Print)
    Listening Library (Audio)
Published ~ 1 May 2001 (Print)
    1 November 2004 (Audio)
Genre ~ Fantasy/YA

My Rating ~ 5 bites out of 5

Artemis Fowl is a genius, criminal mastermind and heir to the Fowl estate. He’s also twelve years old. When he discovers that humans may not be alone on Earth he plans to kidnap a fairy in exchange for some fairy gold. Ever since his dad went missing in Russia two years previously the family fortunes have been on a downslide and he needs funds to mount another search. Capturing a fairy seems a relatively straight forward prospect. However, he wasn’t expecting Captain Holly Short to seem so…human. Once LEPrecon is involved in the rescue attempt things start to so not go the way Artemis meticulously planned. Will he outwit the fairies and get his gold in the end?

I first read this book years ago. Then when the audios came out I listened to them with the kids. For the audios Nathaniel Parker does probably the best job I’ve ever heard of narrating an audiobook. And I’ve listened to 100 or more audios over the last several years.

This book, this series, is one of my absolute favorites and the kids agree. It has excellent writing, a tight plot, awesome characters and humor. Omg, the scene with Butler and the troll is my most favorite and Mulch is quite the character.

My kids have read the books several times and we’ve listened to the series from the beginning each time a new book came out. That should tell you how much we love Artemis and Company.

Book source ~ We own, home library (print and audio)

Scent of an Angel

Title ~ Scent of an Angel
Author ~ Nancy Springer
Publisher ~ Untreed Reads
Published ~ 14 April 2012
Genre ~ Paranormal/Fantasy

My Rating ~ 4 bites out of 5

A puppy growing up in a bad household talks with a fat black cat next door. She tells him she is a witch’s familiar and she is pampered. He wants to be pampered, so he says he wants to be a witch’s familiar, but she laughs at him and says he can’t because he’s white. So he decides he’s going to be an angel’s familiar. Except…he doesn’t know where to find an angel. However, he’s a dog, so he’ll just track one down. If he can figure out what one smells like, that is. So off he goes beginning a long journey with thousands of adventures.

This is a short, endearing story that at times breaks the heart and yet at many others warms it. The next time you see a stray dog he (or she) may just be searching for an angel. Or you may have found an angel’s helper.

*Many thanks to Untreed Reads for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

Exponential Apocalypse

Title ~ Exponential Apocalypse
Series ~ Exponential Apocalypse, #1
Author ~ Eirik Gumeny
Publisher ~ Jersey Devil Press
Published ~ 1 August 2009
Genre ~ Humor/Post-Apocalyptic/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

My Rating ~ 4 bites out of 5

Where do I begin with this book? There are many characters and it’s told from several points of view. There are gods, werewolves, zombies, clones, robots, cyborgs, philosophers…well, basically everything except the kitchen sink. Why was there no kitchen sink? Anyway, if you like books that are quirky, absurd, irreverent, strange, outlandish, bizarre, um, I’m running out of words here. Let me put it to you this way…this book is like Monty Python on crack. I happen to love Monty Python (but not crack, not that I’ve ever tried it), so I found this book quite amusing and an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. I look forward to reading Book 2, Exponential Apocalypse: Dead Presidents.

*Many thanks to Jersey Devil Press for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

Gears of Wonderland

Title ~ Gears of Wonderland
Author ~ Jason G. Anderson
Publisher ~ Jason G. Anderson
Published ~ 11 October 2011
Genre ~ Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Steampunk

My Rating ~ 4 bites out of 5

James Riggs is a guy letting his boss and his fiancé boss him around. One evening his fiancé gets upset about a chess set he purchased when he promised to give up the ‘silly game’ and then his boss calls to tell him he has to cancel his planned vacation to come into work and cover for him. She kicks him out and he walks to his old friend’s apartment to stay the night there. However, just after he gets there a strange man comes to the apartment, murders his friend then chases James out to the street where a yet another strange man in a white suit grabs him and sends him down a hole into Wonderland. That’s when things get even stranger.

James is now in Wonderland, but in a very different one than Alice was in. The Knave of Hearts has taken the throne, conquered the other kingdoms and is mass-producing stream-powered machinery. Steampunk Wonderland has emerged, but James arriving from Otherworld has thrown a massive spanner in the works.

I haven’t read Alice in Wonderland in um, *cough* many many years (let’s leave it at that) and I haven’t watched the Disney® movie since the kids were little, so many of the references to the original book were probably lost on me. However, I do remember enough to know that this book is a clever take of a favorite tail. Well-written and fast-paced, with a twisty plot, interesting world and likeable characters, I enjoyed this book very much.

*Many thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

In a Wolf's Eyes

Title ~ In a Wolf's Eyes
Series ~ The Saga of the Black Wolf, #1
Author ~ A. Katie Rose
Publisher ~ Untreed Reads
Published ~ 26 April 2012
Genre ~ Paranormal/Fantasy

My Rating ~ 5 bites out of 5

The Wolf is a gladiator of Khalid with a ten year reign. Sold into slavery when he was nine when his family was killed he’s survived by his wits and his fighting skills. He’s killed more men in the arena than he can clearly recall, but he still lives by his own code of honor. When he’s mortally injured in one fight he is ready to die. However, on his way back to his cell an unlikely ally shows himself. Rygel is a powerful magician and the pet torturer for Crown Prince Broughton, a Prince nicknamed Brutal for his insane savagery. Rygel heals Wolf for reasons of his own and Wolf allows him because while his sister is out there somewhere as someone’s slave he needs to stay alive for her.

Ly’Tana is the only daughter of the King of Hel’Halla and he has sent her to Khalid to wed Broughton in order to stop the constant warring of the two kingdoms. However, he has no idea what kind of man he has sent his daughter to and when Brutal shows his true colors, Ly’Tana and her warriors need to escape and hightail it home. An impossible task until the palace breaks out in an uproar caused by the High King being murdered and Brutal savagely beaten, the accidental handiwork of Wolf and Rygel.

While Wolf and Rygel are fleeing what they did, Ly’Tana and her warriors use the uprising in the palace to get to their horses. Brutal’s younger brothers use the opportunity to try for a takeover, but somehow Brutal’s army manages to quell the uprising, killing two of his brothers and their armies while four of his brothers and their armies flee. Will Wolf, Rygel, Ly’Tanna and her warriors make it out of the city? Will Brutal find them and make them pay? What about Wolf’s sister? The odds sure don’t look good.

I love this story! It is well-written with a great plot, wonderful world and well-developed characters, main and secondary. Lots of action and I love the interaction between the characters. Brutal is a deliciously villainous villain. Wow. What a horror that guy is. He made my blood run cold. I was enthralled with this story from beginning to end. And can I say how much I love Wolf? I want him for myself though I’m sure my husband would object.

My only complaint is the gigundous cliffhanger at the end. GAH! Personally, I feel the ending should have come just a tad sooner leaving the full final scene for the opening of the next book, but since I don’t know how the next book is going to play out I’ll reserve final judgment. Speaking of which…when IS the next book coming out?! *dances from foot-to-foot impatiently*

*Many thanks to Untreed Reads for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

Devilishly Sexy

Title ~ Devilishly Sexy
Series ~ Devilish, #2
Author ~ Kathy Love
Publisher ~ Kensington
Published ~ 29 May 2012
Genre ~ Paranormal/Romance/UF

My Rating ~ 3.5 bites out of 5

Michael Archer is a man out of time, a Demon Slayer and one of The Brethren. However, a nanosecond of inattention meant a demon was able to freeze him with a curse, a curse that lasted for 33 years. All he wants is to go back to slaying demons, but times have changed and Michael needs to get with the new program of trying to save the people who have lost their souls instead of instantly killing them, a program he doesn’t believe in. Until he meets and has an instant attraction to the editor-in-chief (in name only) of HOT! magazine Liza McClane and finds out she’s one of the lost souls.

Liza McLane worked hard to put HOT! magazine at the top of the fashion industry until Satan sends the evil demon Finola White to take over. Finola needs Liza to continue doing a brilliant job, so Liza is handed a bum deal and gets stuck with being possessed by a demon in order to keep her attached to the magazine. Liza only gets relief from the constant yammering of her demon when she drugs him with Benadryl. Unfortunately, the constant overdosing of the drug is causing some serious health issues, but Liza wants a normal relationship with Michael, so she keeps doing it. How much longer can Liza hang on? When will Michael tell her he’s a Demon Slayer? When will Liza tell him she’s possessed by a demon? Why is Satan trying to take over the world through the fashion industry? Well, three answers out of four isn’t bad.

This was a very enjoyable read. The writing is great, plot fast, characters interesting and the villains are deliciously villainous and backstabbing. They are demons after all. I particularly liked Michael. His character seemed to step off the page and stand in front of me. Yummy!

I’d also like to say that the first page and a half was one of the best openings of a book. Ever. Love, love, loved it!

*Many thanks to Kensington for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

The Nightlife: New York

Title ~ The Nightlife: New York
Series ~ The Nightlife, #1
Author ~ Travis Luedke
Publisher ~ Travis Luedke
Published ~ 18 August 2012
Genre ~ Paranormal/Romance/Fantasy/UF

My Rating ~ 4 bites out of 5

It’s just another boring normal night in the life of Aaron Pilan. He’s being groped at work by a regular restaurant patron, his roommate calls telling him to bring home beer, his ex-girlfriend is hanging out at his apartment waiting for him to get home so she can ignore him and Aaron is too apathetic to change any of it. Lucky for him, as he’s leaving work he encounters a sexy woman, but before he can even think of approaching her he witnesses two men attack her and he takes a fatal gunshot to the chest. In an instant, instead of letting him die for her mistake, the woman decides to save him, to make him like her.  Aaron wakes up three days later no longer normal, boring, apathetic or human.

Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time and yet having everything turn out better than expected. Aaron was just minding his own business leaving work when he sees a gorgeous blond walking down the street. He’s captivated by her, but just as it looks like she’s, wonder of wonders, going to come talk to him, a car with two corrupt cops pulls up and demands her attention. When they get out and attempt to assault her, she takes them down, but not before Aaron is shot in the chest. Feeling remorse for her part in his impending death Michelle decides to save him. In doing so he will be bound to her for all time, she the Master, he the slave. It sounds like a bad thing, but after some rocky patches they end up rubbing along together quite well.

This was a very enjoyable read. The writing was smooth, the plot flowed quickly, the characters were interesting and the multiple POVs were insightful. I happen to enjoy multiple POVs, too. I look forward to continuing this series.

*Many thanks to the author and the Making Connections Group on Goodreads for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

Death of a Supermodel

Title ~ Death of a Supermodel
Series ~ Fashion Avenue Mysteries, #2
Author ~ Christine DeMaio-Rice
Publisher ~ Red Adept Publishing
Published ~ 23 July 2012
Genre ~ Mystery

My Rating ~ 4 bites out of 5

Laura Carnegie and her sister Ruby started their own designer clothing line called Sartorial Sandwich. After working their butts off they’re pulling off their first show when disaster strikes. Their top model, Thomasina Wente, is found dead in the portable bathroom right before the big finale. Laura can’t believe she’s stumbled upon another dead body after what happened a few months ago in her former employer’s office, but unlike the obvious murder of Gracie Pomerantz, Thomasina is presumed to have overdosed. Presumed that is, until the police focus on Ruby as a likely suspect of Thomasina’s murder by poison. Laura is once again off and running to solve a murder before someone she cares about is sent to prison for a crime she doesn’t believe they committed.

A great addition to the Fashion Avenue Mysteries series. Fast-flowing, twisty plot, great characters and an excellent inside view of how big designers do things. I found Laura to be a bit irritating in her quest to find the real killer though. She’s a fashion snob, a little too preachy about what is hip and what’s not and too quick to judge the lives of ‘giraffes’ (supermodels) and rich people, but she is in fashion, so I cut her a little slack. I also was surprised she dropped everything to do with her fledgling company to help a sister she is in constant competition with and who appears to actively resent and hate most of the time. But then I don’t have a sister, so maybe I’m missing something there.

All-in-all an entertaining read and a surprise ending. I look forward to Book 3 and seeing who will be the next dead body Laura happens upon.

*Many thanks to Red Adept Publishing for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.

The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

I'd like to thank La Crimson Femme's Dungeon for nominating me for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. La Crimson Femme has a very interesting blog with book reviews and BDSM educational information. Be sure to check out her blog, but due to adult content please be 18+.

The Rules

1. Display the award logo on your blog.

2. Link back to the person who nominated you.

3. State 7 things about yourself.

4. Nominate 15 bloggers for this award and link them.

5. Notify the bloggers of the nomination and the award's requirements.

Seven Things About Myself

1. I love to read. Hmmm...this might be a bit obvious.

2. I love chocolate. Also a tad obvious.

3. I was born in Ohio and grew up on a farm.

4. I have precious little patience which I conserve for my kids.

5. I like to swear and consider it a hobby.

6. I watch very little tv and don't have cable or satellite. Mind boggling, I know.

7. I dream of winning the lottery, moving west with my family, buying up a huge track of land and living a green life nearly completely off the grid. Gotta have internet though. I'm addicted to the internet.

My 15 Nominations

1.   Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

2.   Badass Book Reviews

3.   The Romance Man

4.   Bear Mountain Books

5.   Wonk-O-Mance

6.   Demon Author

7.   Parajunkee

8.   Read Our Lips

9.   Ebook Friendly

10. Shelf Addiction

11. The Book Vixon

12. Musings From An Addicted Reader

13. Red Headed Bookworm

14. Passionate Book Divas

15. Guilty Indulgence

Satisfying Audrey

Title ~ Satisfying Audrey
Author ~ Laurel Bennett
Publisher ~ Night Shift Publishing
Published ~ 1 May 2011
Genre ~ Erotica/Short

My Rating ~ 4 bites out of 5

Audrey is home alone trying for some self-fulfillment of a physical nature when she is interrupted by her husband's best friend when he stops to pick up her husband's golf shoes. Mortified, she just wants him to get what he came for and leave her alone. However, he has another idea.

This short erotic read is well-written, hot and steamy. The twist at the end was a surprise and quite delightful. I'll need to look into more of Laurel Bennett's stories.

Book source ~ Picked up for free on Amazon.

The Star Child

Title ~ The Star Child
Author ~ Stephanie Keyes
Publisher ~ Inkspell Publishing
Published ~ 21 September 2012
Genre ~ YA/Fantasy/Romance

My Rating ~ 3 bites out of 5

Kellen St. James is a genius, has a butthead brother and a father that’s a real piece of work. At least he has a grandmother and grandfather who love him. Unfortunately, neither can make it to his graduation from Yale at the age of 17. His grandfather was too ill to travel and his grandmother had died before his graduation. Of course, his father and brother didn’t make it either, but then Kellen didn’t expect them to. Jerks.

Ever since he was six Kellen had dreamed of a girl named Calienta that he told his grandmother he met on the beach near her cabin in Ireland. When his grandmother dies and leaves him her cabin and a large nest egg, Kellen heads there after his graduation. After a few days of settling in, Calienta shows up and tells him a story about a prophecy. A prophecy that involves him. That’s when things get whacky.

This book started out strong, but stumbled in the middle before finishing with a too tidy ending. I liked Kellen a lot. He was fully fleshed out and well-developed. Calienta, on the other hand, never made it past two dimensional for me. And the instalove between the two felt forced. The description of Kellen’s journey into Faerie was interesting and could have been expanded upon. The big ending was a bit of a let down. However, the epilogue looks interesting. I’m intrigued. All-in-all this was an ok read.

*Many thanks to Inkspell Publishing for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page.