Monday, June 20, 2011

Lifestyles of the Fey and Dangerous by Danica Avet

Every once in a while, the first line of a book blurb grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Check this out. "It isn't every day a fairy gets an assignment with only one outcome: her death." (See what I mean? You're asking questions already!)

Raised as a noble fey and then sold into the Assassins Guild, Noelani "Shade" Fayard has become the most feared killer throughout the veil. This kind of success could go to a girl's head. Unfortunately, she's encountered a career-ending assignment. If she kills her target, she'll serve the brutal overlord demon personally. (Trust me. Nobody wants that kind of attention.) If she fails, she'll be tortured and never released. Talk about a Hobson's choice!

Shade follows her target, Malachi Cromwell, in order to study him and discover his weakness. While watching him, she realizes he's not what she expected. His behavior toward others, relationship with his family, and goal to make up for previous mistakes forces her to question her own beliefs. Could she change things? Make a difference by opening herself to love?

Danica Avet has created a fantastic new world filled with political intrigue, interesting fey, demons and halfling characters, smokin' hot sex, and enough complications to keep readers guessing just how many bad guys are there?

I read a lot of books I like, but I loved LIFESTYLES OF THE FEY AND DANGEROUS. Shade is a heroine that glides along the razor-edged lip of danger and carves her way into a reader's heart. Who wouldn't adore a character that fights her way out of hell and conquers every obstacle standing between her and true love?

And then there's Malachi. A hunky, angry, bad boy turned sexy repentant alpha male. He's ALL man, and he knows what he wants: redemption, a life filled with purpose and love, and a mate and family of his own. Once he realizes Noelani is his perfect partner, nothing stops him from making her his.

I can't wait until the next book in Danica Avet's The Veil series comes out. After you read LIFESTYLES OF THE FEY AND DANGEROUS, I bet you'll agree with me!

Rating:  5 Stars


This review originally written for The Romance Reviews
Direct Link: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2399

Monday, June 13, 2011

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

I know, the movie title is an interesting label for a blog piece but there's a reason. Keep reading.

This weekend my teenage daughters flipped through the television stations until they hit a channel showing The Sorcerer's Apprentice. They both squealed in delight.

"Why are you watching this movie again? You've already seen it?" I asked.
"Because it's a good movie," was the response.

So I started watching the movie. About ten minutes in, a great magic fight scene happened. My husband walked through the living room on his way to the kitchen and stopped. Then he sat on the couch with the rest of us and stayed through the entire movie.

"That was good movie," he declared, when it ended. He stood and went on his way.

Now to be fair, I love just about everything Nicholas Cage has starred in, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice is no exception. I LOVED this movie. But my daughters' and husband's responses got me to thinking. What is it about young adult movies or books that jump the fence and capture adults' attention?

The storyline is the obvious answer, but I don't think that it's the entire answer. How many movie trailers have you watched and thought, "Wow, I want to see that movie," or read a blurb on the back of a book and thought, "This sounds interesting," and then been disappointed because the story itself didn't live up to the description or hype?

So generating interest is more than a storyline. I think the theme of a story is the real answer. Does the main idea, the goal behind the characters' motivation appeal to children and adults? If the answer is yes, well then, you've got got the makings of a great story. Add some conflict, flowing believable dialogue, great humor, and a romantic happily ever after and, Shazam...you've got a great movie or book.

I mean really, we're all adventurous at heart, we all want to be loved, and who wouldn't want to experience a bit of magic? I'm guessing most people feel the same way. Otherwise, nobody would be making movies or writing books filled with adventure, romance and a bit of magic!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dream Walker by J.R. Thomas

Dreams—we all have them. Are they memories from our past, images of our daily experiences or visions of what's to come?

For the last year, Jay Gibbs has been wrestling with the meanings of his odd dreams. They're full of wolves, the voice of the Ancient one, and a beautiful, young woman that's captured his attention.

Jay's dreams become stranger and more intense once he graduates from high school and moves to his grandfather's ranch. He begins feeling others' emotions, and develops an uncanny connection with the wolves on the mountain. When things he's dreamed start to happen, he's convinced his dreams are really visions.

As Jay learns more about the wolves, his Cherokee background, and his family's connection to the land, he discovers he must choose between a life in the modern world he's grown up in or follow a different path and protect a timeless secret his family has safeguarded for centuries.

I enjoyed reading this paranormal, young adult story. Though the beginning was a bit confusing as to time and place, a touch of adventure and romance marked the characters' journey and led to a satisfying conclusion.

My only real frustrations with the novel were the adults treating Jay as if he were a young boy instead of a man, and some of Jay's language/dialogue seemed stilted or uncommon for an 18-year old to say.

Those frustrations aside, this is a great novel about the love of a family supporting a young man as he comes of age and faces difficult choices that require character, strength and integrity.


Rating:  3 Stars

This review originally written for The Romance Reviews

Direct link:  http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2070

Friday, June 3, 2011

WINNER of Memorial Day Weekend Bash~!

 Memorial Day Weekend blog tour ~!
(Stop #11)


                                   ******* AND THE WINNER IS?*******

                        
                                                  MINDY JANICKE

Won: A striped tote with everything necessary for a relaxing afternoon at the beach: A water bottle, sunscreen, a beach towel, and an autographed copy of Moonlight Bleu!