Tempest Rising

Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler

•   Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
•   Publisher: Orbit (November 1, 2009)
•   ISBN-10: 0316056588
•   ISBN-13: 978-0316056588

Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn’t quite fit in with so-called normal society.

During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.

Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly- all of which perfectly describe her new “friend,” Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.

It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever-rub the genie’s lamp.

Jane True is an outsider on Rockabill. After a night of swimming and bumping into something tummy-churning, her life will change forever. A series of events [creatures and secrets] will unfold before her and help her know more [and understand] things from her past. Everything will turn excitingly and sexily upside down, bringing up a rollercoaster of emotions and memories.

Jane True is seriously one of my favorite female characters now. She is strong and easy to relate to. Together with Ryu, we see her growing through the pages and getting to know more of herself. Her constant cynical and sarcastic comments along with her wit keeps the reader entertained; and also helps us know more about her.

The book is great, and with all the small twists and turns, Ms. Peeler keeps us with our hearts pumping fast, wondering and trying to analyze what really happened, and who was it. It was fast paced [and sexy] from beginning to end, which kept me going and reading constantly, wishing for it NOT to end. The world building was phenomenal. We get to know all sorts of creatures: shape-shifters, gnomes, goblins, vampires, selkies, kelpies… And every character will spike your curiosity and make you want to know more of them.

Tempest Rising was one hell of a read [in a good way, of course] and I cannot wait for book #2 to come out already. I loved Jane, and I loved Ryu [yummeh!] *blush.* I really liked how he help Jane feel comfortable in her own skin. Despite everything else, my favorite thing of the book–> Jane’s inner monologues; they were genius! I could not stop laughing while saying: “OMG! Is that me?” It is incredibly hard for me to believe that this is Ms. Peelers debut novel! It was spectacular, and I want more!

 So, my advice for y’all is: Go and get this book ASAP… You certainly do not know what you are missing!

You can visit Nicole Peeler HERE! 
She is awesome, and funneh! =)

XOXO~
Ale

Dead Matter

Dead Matter by Anton Strout

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Ace (February 23, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0441018440
• ISBN-13: 978-0441018444

When the paranormal raises its ugly head in New York City, the Department of Extraordinary Affairs executes a flawless smackdown. That’s the idea anyway, and Agent Simon Canderous can usually count on help from his mentor, Connor Christos. But Connor’s left Simon to handle a double case load as he cashes in on five years worth of saved vacation time. Simon suspects that Connor isn’t Club Medding so much as Club Deading it up — using his talents as a ghost whisperer investigating the disappearance of his long lost brother.

The spirit populace of Manhattan doesn’t appreciate its well-deserved R.I.P being disturbed, and Simon is sent in to do damage control. Connor is in a sorry state, and he tells Simon that each night he’s being haunted by visions of his brother at his window. Simon is worried that his partner may be going crazy — or worse, maybe he’s not…

After being surprised by some unknown creature while grocery shopping for Taco Night with Jane, Simon realizes there is something fishy going up in town [again.] And with Connor having certain visions at night and being in such a deplorable state, Simon begins to worry. Thinking that his partner is loosing his marbles, he decides to go and do some researching [and spying] on his own. From that moment on, action ensues and all sorts of surprises come to light. What happened to Connor and his brother all those years ago finally is explained; and after quite some time of not seeing vampires in New York City, our dear Simon is up for a shocker that will turn his life around.

With a beginning that deludes us into thinking that things might get easier for our lovely hero, Simon Canderous, but Anton Strout is quick to erase that notion. Starting with a “BANG,’ the book keeps going that way with good pace, and never disappoints. We can see how much better Mr. Strout’s writing has gotten, making Dead Matter his best book by far!

Here we get into Simon’s head more than before, knowing more about him, and how he has grown to be such a responsible man. This, without getting rid of the wittiness and snark that characterizes him, and keeping up the humor at all times. We also get to meet a lot of new characters that make the story even more enthralling. Furthermore, Connor’s weakness comes to light, and due to some mishaps, Jane does not appear much in the story. Though the fact that their love is enough to conquer it all shines through with no cheesiness.

I can safely say that flirting with the guy in Costumer Service at B&N, to get Dead Matter the day before it came out, was totally worth it. I kept reading all night even when my PM medicine was knocking me out, and sneaked the book into my Italian class to finish it. This book exceeded all my expectations and, like I said, it is the best one so far. It kept me laughing most of the time, and if not, it was because I kept biting my nails wondering what was going to happen. Loved the book, and love Simon even more now! *grin*

Take it from me, this book is going to blow your brains… So, why not go and get it? NOW!!  

You can visit Anton Strout HERE!!
Also the Unofficial Fansite Undead Approved HERE!

XOXO~
Ale

*Is there a way to join the D.E.A.??

Personal Demons

Personal Demons by Stacia Kane

 

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Juno Books (May 1, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0809572559
• ISBN-13: 978-0809572557

Megan promises listeners to her new radio call-in show that she’ll “slay their personal demons,” and they believe her. So do the personal demons.  Although she doesn’t know it, Megan is the only human without a demon on her shoulder. This, coupled with her psychic abilities, makes her a valuable weapon for any demon “family” that can gain her allegiance. It also makes her a serious threat – not just the personal demons, but to a soul-sucker known as the Accuser who has an old score to settle.

Megan and her allies – a demon lover who both protects and seduces her with devilish intensity, a witch with poor social skills, and three cockney guard demons – have to deal not only with the personal demons, but a soul-sucker, ghosts of Megan’s past, and a reporter who threatens to destroy Megan’s career!

Megan is a psychologist that hosts a radio show where everyone calls in for advice. She is expected, by her boss, to always use the tag line “How can I slay your personal demons?” which she hates. Also, she is a psychic. What she discovers soon after is that there are indeed personal demons and they believe she is out there to get them; now they are after her. These personal demons sit on people’s shoulders, urging them to do something wrong in order to gain control over humans. In this book we have different demons, zombies, and even a reporter named Brian and a sexy hottie-hot-hottie, oh-so-flirty and tempting demon –Dante, who assigns her three demon bodyguards.

I first heard of this book by a friend of mine who knows I love to read things that have to do with demons, and Kane’s depiction of them is quite fascinating. It was hard to put that book down, especially when you have homework waiting for you, but word of advice: it is not a book you can read on the commute, sexy times*wink wink.* Put that on a bowl and blend with wit and snarkiness: Yumm!! Tasty delight. 

Kane’s character development is great, you get them, and it is not confusing. The main character, Megan, is an A+ heroine. She fights ‘em all, and she is a girl at the same time. She does not let herself become a play toy for anyone, and is fairly stubborn [which is a plus, always.] Dante, the demon that is helping her is one hell of a drool worthy fire demon [hot much?] and the sexy scenes… Well, let’s just say that sexy might be an understatement. The demon bodyguards? They were the best characters [right after Dante, of course.] I am not going to talk much about them, but just say that every scenethat they are in is enjoyable.

The story flowed nicely, and the plot gave a lot of unexpected turns. The action scenes were amazing. It felt like watching a movie in my head while reading it. Not an overload of details, but a good balance. It was nice to read, and kept me up all night because I had to finish it. Right after I finished I ordered book #2 [which still hasn’t come yet –ahem ahem] and I cannot wait to read it.

You can visit Stacia Kane’s website-> HERE!!
And check out her blog, too! She is hilarious!

Also, you can visit join the Literary Escapism HERE ^-^

XOXO~
Ale

The Accidental Werewolf

The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy

•   Paperback: 326 pages 
  
•   Publisher: Berkley Trade (February 5, 2008) 
  
•   ISBN-10: 0425219305 
  
•   ISBN-13: 978-0425219300

When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing at an alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie- Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy.

Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he’s a werewolf, she is now, too. Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there’s more at stake than just her highlights. And she must put her out-of-control life in the hands of the man who makes her blood run wild in more ways than one…

 

Another book win! I really do not know what is happening lately, but most of the books that I read, are freaking amazing. And Dakota Cassidy did not disappoint. The story was incredibly funny, and kept me giggling –nonstop. I love Cassidy’s take on the werewolves. Her writing style is definitely unique [at least compared to the one’s I have read] and entertaining as hell. In three words: cute, humorous, and enjoyable.

The characters were hilarious. I loved Marty. Her determination, and the way she changed after being bitten. And yeah, she might have been whiny and/or self-centered, but are we not like that at times? Keegan *insert eeek,* so dreamy. It was so funny to read about Marty’s struggles, coupled with her hairy legs… *insert uncontrollable laughter* I must admit though, at the beginning I just wanted to smack her silly, maybe because I am a fashion hater… But as soon as she stopped obsessing over the color wheel she became lovable.

At the end, it was a really nice read; I cannot wait until I get the rest of the series. It had a bit of everything: humor, romance, suspense [tiny bit], drama [LOL]. And one other confession, while reading it, I felt so girly…

Well guys, this is where I leave, saying just this: GET THIS BOOK!! It is lighthearted and makes you feel happy *grin*

You can visit Dakota Cassidy’s site HERE! She is made of cool =)
And also, you can check the Literary Escapism contest HERE!

Pretty cool authors and prizes 😉

XOXO
~Ale

Happy Hour of the Damned

Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Kensington; Reprint edition (February 2, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0758225237
ISBN-13: 978-0758225238

Seattle. One minute you’re drinking a vanilla breve, the next, some creepy old dude is breathing on you, turning you into a zombie. And that’s just for starters. Now, the recently deceased Amanda Feral is trying to make her way through Seattle’s undead scene with style (mortuary-grade makeup, six-inch stilettos, Balenciaga handbag on sale) while satisfying her craving for human flesh [Don’t judge. And no, not like chicken.) and decent vodkatinis.

Making her way through a dangerous world of cloud-doped bloodsuckers, reapers,horny and horned devils, werewolves, celebrities, and PR-obsessed shapeshifters-not to mention an extremely hot bartender named Ricardo-isn’t easy. And the minute one of Amanda’s undead friends disappears after texting the word, “help” (The undead-so dramatic!) she knows the afterlife is about to get really ugly.

Something sinister is at hand. Someone or something is hell bent on turning Seattle’s undead underworld into a place of true terror. And this time, Amanda may meet a fate a lot worse than death…

I had read excerpts and some reviews. I do hate spoilers, but I could not help myself… Yes, I can fall into temptation when there are zombies involved and even unicorns [not that there are unicorns in the book, just saying]. I have been following [or stalking if you prefer] Mr. Henry over on FaceBook and Twitter, and let me just say that doing so was what convinced me to read the book. I mean, with those constant snarky and witty twit’s [hey, that can make a good insult, too] he proved that he can write some good books. I thank sweetness I decided to read it because it was amazing!

I read on my way to school, at the office, on my way back home and then at home… And sweet, sweet zombies *insert smile* it kept me laughing at all times and wondering what the hell was going to happen.  The characters are f*cking fantastic, they even reminded me of my friends at times. And their conversations? OMG!! That was me and my besties going out to the bar or to the restaurant… *geez* But for real now… Amanda is one helluva character! I just loved her, such a strong personality and sarcastic, which is a major win for me.  And Gil… Well *insert heart* hehe…

What really got to me was the way the book was written. I loved the recipes, and the footnotes? Let me just say that I was looking forward to every page because of the footnotes. Those were completely amazing! Well… since I do not want to spoil any of it for yah, I should shut up now before going into specifics about the story *tries to stop writing*. Just know that he creates this magnificent world in Seattle that I wish I could see in a movie and read more about with zombies, vamps, ghouls… [fascinating creatures if you ask me –wink]…  *Thankful of having the next book*

So guys… I leave you with this-> GO AND GET THE F*CKING BOOK… NOOOOW!!!! Thank you very much

You can visit Mark Henry’s website HERE!

And do not forget to save Amanda ^-^

X’s and O’s
Ale