Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels) by Ilona Andrews Review

Series: Kate Daniels #7
Publish: July 29th 2014 by Ace
Format: ebook, 400 pages
Rating: 5 / 4.5
Synopsis: As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.
As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear. . .
Review:
  Finally, after almost a whole year waiting here is the next installment in the Kate Daniels series. There are only 5 or so 'long' series that I follow and this is one of those and probably my favourite one. My only problem is that there is whole year long waiting between books. It's a fantastic story but in this and the previous book I started to notice really small changes in the general direction of the plot, I don't say that these changes are bad just different. I'm curious where it's headed.

  In the beginning of the series there were different main stories, what didn't really related and behind those run Kate own background story. Where Kate parentage and abilities were a bit hidden from the readers and gradually came to light through the first 5 book. I really liked those because there was a sense of mytery behind the whole, otherwise interesting, exciting and adventurous plot. However in the sixth installment everything became clear and started to focus on Kate mission, the one she got from Voron. This is true for Magic breaks, too. Don't get me wron I still love the series, mainly because of the characters and the world the story is playing, but between the pack politics and the problems with Kate father there is too much drama for me. It's still interesting and action packed but if you doesn't pay attention you can miss something importat and became a little confused in the end. I loved a bit more when Kate came and after a minimal investigating work, she fought her way through the bad guys. Beside this little detail story wise everything else stayed the way I love it or became better. Although I think the plot is bit rushed here and there and drawn out in the beginning but that can be easily overlooked.Oh and another thing, for some reason the writer duo started to use mor detailed retrospections, which I think is not necessary since anybody who wants to read the book will stast with the first and not the seventh.

  Kate is my all time favourite female character.I love her personality, she is a real badass. Sure there are quite a few obstacle in her way and most of them pack related since she doesn't really know how to handle those problems, still her head is always held high and if it necessary she pulls her killer persona out and put everybody in their place. She has a hard and not quite friendly childhood, she became a trained killer and due to this she was a little emotionally closed of in the beginning. Well until Curran and Julie, sure she cared about people that she didn't show it. Since her family came into the picture however, Kate started to change. And in this book this change reached a whole new level. I would say that Kate shows the most emotion in here. In my opinion Kate character developed a lot and became more human . I just love her more.
  Curran is still supporting Kate in everything she needs. Their love is really strong and beautiful. Unfortunately, he isn't present most of the book, I missed him really much. But when he is there he is one of the most caring and protective man, but he has a hard edge, if somebody gets in his way there is no telling what is gonna happen. I always liked him but after this book I absolutely love him. There is a huge and surprisisng decision on his part, which just strengthen his relationship with Kate.

  There is a lot of surprise in this book, mostly from the pack side. They, as a whole, don't really like Kate, they don't think that she is a capable leader mainly because she isn't a shifter. And they show their disapproval every chance they get. Sure there are a few invidual, who know and suport Kate and I love them. One of my favourite character is Dreke from the very beginning. But in the last two book there was a lot of changes supportive charavcter wise, too. For example some of them took a whole one-eighty or just simply became irrevelant. Some of them dissapeared from the limelight. I miss Julie. Howeve I can't wait to see Hugh die. He transformed from the feared warlord to a maniac with an unhealty obsession with Kate. He just simply annoying.

  In the end of the book we we can see a lot of surprises. There is a part in the plot I'm a little dissapointed in. I won't say in which because it plays a huge part in the whole but I expected a bit more from it. Especially based on the previous books. I'm dissapointed in the how but not in the outcome. I think it is a more acceptable than what I was expecting. I love how it turned out and can't wait for the next book. I got an absolutely fantastic, beautiful and magical story again.

Lick (Stage Dive) by Kylie Scott Review

Series: Stage Dive #1
Publish: October 11th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin
Format: ebook, 232 pages
Rating: 5 / 4.5
Synopsis: Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.
Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.
One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.
Review:
  Then I first came across this book, I wasn't etirely sure about it because the author previous books I didn't like. Fortunately when I finished I was really relieved. It is a fantastic and beautiful book about a sweet romance between Evelyn and David. There is a distinctive humor in it. I love the way how the author writes the dialogues, it is phenomenal and because of it the romantic line feels so much stronger, emotional that it's amazing.

  Both of the main characters personality is detailed and for me likeable. I like that their relationship is began with a crazy, impulsive decision wich shows quite well waht kind of life David have. Sure it's not so favorable for Evelyn who has a life plan, but their meeting turns everything upside down. But she represents David connection with the ordinary world, what he desperately craves. Thanks to that they form a dynamic link and learn a lot from each other about life, love and what is really important in the end. However both character learn in my opinion Evelyn developes the most during the story. She realizes she doesn't want her planed life and starts to disciver herself more. It is an interesting process to follow.
  Oh and I absolutely love David's character. He is kind from the beginning and fortunately he doesn't have the ususal and overused rock star personality traits. It is easy to empathize with him.

  The romance is beautiful. I love their chemistry and the little light hearted back and forth between them. The whole relationship feels honest and authentic. Especially after they realize that the attraction is really threre and not just the cause of their drunkennes. In emotions the book is a spot on. Congratulation Kylie Scott, good job. It isn't forced or overdramatic. Indeed you can find a lot of tension in the story but it just became more intense because of it. The only thing I don't like quite much is the fact that Evely leaves David every other turn. He has to beg and work a lot for her, a little bit too much inmy opinion.

  I have to mention the supportive characters, too. They're all built up exceptionally and despite their part in the plot I like almost all of them. There is david ex who is a hateful and obnoxious but excellent at that or my personal favourite Mal, the funny, charming drummer, who created a lasting impression.

  It is a new adult book and like this genre or not, I still recommend it. I isn't falling into the usuall box, like others about rockers so it is a breathe of fresh air. A fresh, light, sexy, fascinating story.

Mortal Enchantment (Mortal Enchantment) by Stacey O'Neale Review

Series: Mortal Enchantment #1
Publish: May 20th 2014 by Phoenix Reign
Format: ebook, 183 pages
Rating: 5 / 4
Synopsis: In Kalin Matthew's world, elementals control the forces of nature. They are divided into four courts: air, woodland, fire, and water. At sixteen she will leave the life she's built with her mortal mother. Kalin will move to Avalon to rule with her father—the elemental king of the air court. Along the way, she's attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, a swoon-worthy elemental with a questionable past.
Worst of all, she learns her father is missing.
To rescue him, Kalin will have to work with a judgmental council and a system of courts too busy accusing each other of deceit to actually be able to help her. But, they aren’t her biggest challenge. With the Midwinter’s Ball only five days away, Kalin must take over her father’s duties, which includes shifting control of the elements—power Kalin has yet to realize.
As Rowan attempts to train her, a war looms between the four courts. If Kalin fails, her father will die and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more...
Review:
  I didn't read anything from the author before so I didn't know what to expect. But since it has a beautiful cover, intresting title and an exciting synopsis it wasn't a question whether or not to read it.

  The book has an entire new picture about the fae world, characters, something quite original in parts if you ask me. Sure there are similarities with other other book worlds about the fae but still there are a lot of new motif in it and I really like it. It is rare to find a book with elements you didn't see before. My personal favourite idea is change with the seasons. Despite the fact that it is original, there are really strange things in it too. Things I couldn't understand why the characters do it or live like it. But all in all I love the world the author built for the story.

  As for the characters, Kalin wasn't my favourite in the beginning. She is really childish, whiny but she is just sixteen so it understanable. She sees sexual references in every little and innocent thing Rowan tells her, she acts like a twelve years old little girl, who just got her first kiss. After a while it became annoying mainly because even if there is an alleged attraction between the two main character I just could't feel the chemistry. So for me the romantic part was a little bit dull. And if it's not enough there is a part when she became crazy paranoid too. Fortunately, when she realized the real weigth of her actions and responsibility, she kind of grew upa and started to act more mature like and with more determination.
  And there is Rowen. First of all, I didn't read the companion novell, which is about Rowan before the first book happenings. Thanks to the fact that a didn't read it there is a couple of more surprising fact in ths story for me. There is a kind of suspense about Rowen and his secrets. Especially since thy whole story is told by Kalin viewpoint so the reader doesn't know what Rowan is thinking. Sure whe know how he looks like, that he is hot, loyal and a talented fighter. He is struggling between his responsibilities and his desires and with Kalin presence it became harder for him. But he doesn't tell anybody about his difficulties, he is a secretive person.
  We can read about a lot of other characters, and while their personalty and place in the plot is really detailed, they are not that important.

  Ultimately it is an interesting and action packed story, with unexpected turns, a little romance and a huge surprise element in the end. I liked it and can't wait to read the next installment. I hope the autor will clarify a few question I still have.

Book Recommondation of Convict/Ex-Convict

Welcome to Sugartown
by Carmen Jenner
Synopsis: Ana Belle never wanted anything more than to hang up her apron, jump on her Vespa and ride off into the sunset, leaving Sugartown in the dust.
Elijah Cade never wanted anything more than a hot meal, a side of hot arse and a soft place to lay his head at night where he could forget about his past.
But you know what they say about wanting: you always want what you can’t have.
Nineteen year-old virgin Ana is about to discover that’s not quite true because a six foot three, hotter than hell, tattooed, Aussie sex god just rode into town. He’s had a taste of her pie and he wants more– no really, Ana bakes pies for a living, get your mind out of the gutter.
She’d be willing to hand over everything tied up in a big red bow, there’s just one problem; Elijah has secrets dirtier than last week’s underwear. Secrets that won't just break Ana’s heart, but put her life at risk, too. When those secrets come to light, their relationship is pushed to breaking point.
Add to that a psychotic nympho best friend, an overbearing father, a cuter than humanly possible kid brother, a wanton womanizing cousin, the ex from hell, and more pies than you could poke a ... err ... stick ... at. And you thought small towns were boring. Welcome to Sugartown.
~ . ~
First Grave on the Right
by Darynda Jones
Synopsis: Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people. Really. And it's her job to convince them to "go into the light." But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley? And why can't she seem to resist him? And what does she have to lose by giving in?
With scorching-hot tension and high-octane humor, First Grave on the Right is your signpost to paranormal suspense of the highest order.
~ . ~
Lifers
by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Synopsis: After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.
Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn't changed since he was carted off to juvie all those years ago. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn't even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.
Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can distance erase the memories that haunt him? Trapped in the prison of his own mind Jordan wonders if the pain of living will ever subside?
Torrey Delaney is new in town and certainly doesn't behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex is the talk of the town. Add that to her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman, and the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.
As friendship forms, is it possible for two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey's walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, will they find their place in the world? Can they struggle against the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?
Is love a life sentence?
~ . ~
Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
Synopsis: Meet Celaena Sardothien. Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.
In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.
Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?
Is love a life sentence?
~ . ~
Acid
by Emma Pass
Synopsis: The year is 2113. In Jenna Strong's world, ACID—the most brutal controlling police force in history—rule supreme. No throwaway comment or whispered dissent goes unnoticed—or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a horrendous crime she struggles to remember. But Jenna's violent prison time has taught her how to survive by any means necessary.
When a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed, and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID, and try to uncover the truth about what really happened on that terrible night two years ago. They have taken her life, her freedom, and her true memories away from her. How can she reclaim anything when she doesn't know who to trust?
Strong, gritty writing, irresistible psychological suspense, and action consume the novel as Jenna struggles to survive against the all-controlling ACID. Seriously sinister stuff.
~ . ~
Perdition
by Ann Aguirre
Synopsis: The prison ship Perdition, a floating city where the Conglomerate’s most dangerous criminals are confined for life, orbits endlessly around a barren asteroid.
Life inside is even more bleak. Hailed as the Dread Queen, inmate Dresdemona “Dred” Devos controls one of Perdition’s six territories, bordered on both sides by would-be kings eager to challenge her claim. Keeping them at bay requires constant vigilance, as well as a steady influx of new recruits to replace the fallen. Survival is a constant battle, and death is the only escape.
Of the newest convicts, only one is worth Dred’s attention. The mercenary Jael, with his deadly gaze and attitude, may be the most dangerous criminal onboard. His combat skill could give her the edge she needs, if he doesn’t betray her first. Unfortunately, that’s what he does best. Winning Jael’s allegiance will be a challenge, but failure could be worse than death…
~ . ~
Ex Convict
by Ashley Beale
Synopsis: Hope Manson ruled her school senior year. When a girl in her class, Jenny, spreads a rumor about Hope, an attempt of getting even ends with Jenny dead and Hope in prison for man-slaughter. Six years later, she is let out with one goal in mind- to make a difference.
A difference for Jenny.
Hope will be anything but selfish.
Wes Styles is an asshole.
He is controlling, self obsessed, and just plain mean.
And Hope likes it. She wants someone to treat her like dirt, as a reminder of what she did.
Plus, if someone treats her like shit, she can't fall in love- right? Because falling in love is the most selfish thing you can do.
Wes Styles loves women. He loves when they're calling his name, making him come, or digging nails into his back. But he does not fall in love with women.
When Wes meets Hope, he is immediately intrigued by the fact she likes being treated like nothing more than a piece of ass. And he knows she is holding a dark secret.
But he doesn't want to know what this secret is, because when he finds out the truth, he may leave. And for the first time in his life, he doesn't want to.
~ . ~
Ravage Me
by Ryan Michele
Synopsis: After spending the last two years stuck behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, Harlow ‘Princess’ Gavelson’s time inside has finally come to an end, and she’s ready for revenge. Unfortunately, being the daughter to the Vice President of the Ravage Motorcycle Club cuts into her plans, as orders must be followed. Trying to settle back into this life is proving difficult when the tables are turned and the woman who framed her is out for blood. Lucky for Princess, growing up in a MC has taught her how to hold her own.
After spending years in hell overseas, Donavon ‘Cruz’ came home to lose the very thing he went into hell for, sending him to the darkest moments of his life. Joining Ravage two years ago was his safe haven, and he protects his family at all costs.
When a dark-haired bombshell struts into the club’s shop, he’s caught off guard but immediately knows she’s the one he’d do anything for. Tough as nails, and taking no crap from anyone, he’s captivated by a woman who could handle this life. Trying to meet the needs of the MC business and follow his heart proves to be difficult when the two collide, and lives are at stake.
Can these two find a way to be together, or will the needs of Ravage cost them everything, including their lives?

The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles) by Mary E. Pearson Review

Series: The Remnant Chronicles #1
Publish: July 8th 2014 by Henry Holt
Format: ebook, 492 pages
Rating: 5 / 3.5
Synopsis: In this timeless new trilogy about love and sacrifice, a princess must find her place in a reborn world.
In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.
On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.
Review:
  I would start with that there are a couple of spoiler in the review. Not major ones but those who don't like any kind of reveal, do not read it.It's really rare that I would write a spoiler infested review, but in this case I felt it vital to write down exactly what's my problem with the book.

  I usually love these kind of stories, that's why this book is a huge dissapointment for me. It has everything that it needs, but there are a lot of little detail I didn't like. It spoiled the experience for me.

  I can separate the story in two part alonga really distinct line.The first two-third of the book is simply horrible (sorry but that's my opinion). Ther was quite a few time when I considered to stop reading it, especially when I realized how long it is.Why I didn't kile it?
  My biggest problem is Lia personality and actionsIn my opinion, she's a really selfish and spoiled character at least in the first part of the book. She rans away, because she don't want to live in an arranged marriage. However she doesn't even considers the impact of her actions on her kingdom and other people lifes. Especially on her subjects since her marriage would stop a war. Despite her irresponsibility, as soon as she sees the soliders behavior outside of the city walls, she starts to blame and criticize her father, and his way of ruling. Typical the pot calls the kettle black. I don't like how she acts and says that she can work like anybody else, but then whe she really has to do some hard work she complains about it through pages. Maybe a little bit too much!? In addition to this she treats people like she's still in the castle an they can't do anything she doesn't like. Her 'I ran away from my wedding and with that, my responsibilities' stunt is really chilidsh and selfish step from Lia part, mainly because of her reasons. She wants to get everything without responsibilities. And there is only two character who tells her, what she did was wrong. This sums up my problems with the book, Lia's whining without an end.

  Fortunately, there is a huge twist in the story, where Lia miraculously grows up and the plot thickens. From this point I love it and this twist saves the whole storyline. After the turning point it's exciting and adventurous and even Lia power starts to reveal itself. But honestly this part is still unclear for me.
  The story is narrated by three different people Lia, the prince and the assassin. In the beginning of every chapter the reader can see whom point of view you're reading, but in the two boys case sometimes they mentioned by name sometimes by their profession. It can be confusing. This aspect of the book's simply ingeniously written, until this part I couldn't decide which name belonged to wich boy. It's a really good surpries and I like the outcome. Oh, and I'm really relieved that there isn't a love triangle, despite what the synopsis suggested. I hate those.

  I have a little problem with the descriptions, some of them is to detailed, mostly in case of the sceneries but a couple of object, too. It wouldn't be too much of a problem if a few page later there wouldn't be a repetition of it with different words. I think it's unnecessary.
  In my opinion, the world is a little superficial, half-baked. I want to know more about it. There're a lot of thing the writer mentiond in the story but didn't exploited it. For example the little nursery rhymes, which is a constant element ofthe storyline. There is still a lot of possibility in the plot and I hope in the next book they will be used more effectively.

  All in all, if you can get through the first two-third of the book, you get an interesting and phenomenal fantasy. I don't a bit that I read it. And it ends with a cliffhanger, seriously when is the next book. Pleaseee! I really looking forward to it.

Tempting Tatum by Kaylee Ryan Review

Series: -
Publish: July 6th 2014 by Kaylee Ryan
Format: ebook, 247 pages
Rating: 5 / 3.5
Synopsis: What do you do when your whole life crashes and burns? How do you get through the flames?
Tatum Thompson is living the dream. Her life is perfect; with a loving boyfriend, loving parents and a soon to be college graduate how can life get better? Life is good until it isn't. When tragedy strikes Tatum runs to Josh only to find him in a compromising position with someone else. Turning away from the only life she knew, Tatum is forced to alter her life plan.
Blaise Richards is a tattoo artist who moonlights as a volunteer fire fighter. Lies and deception leave his broken heart closed until the beautiful green eyed girl casts her spell over him. She’s making him feel things he’s never felt. Making him want things he thought he would never want.
Tatum wants Mr. just for tonight.
Blaise wants Tatum to be his forever.
Can Mr. Just for tonight convince Tatum that she’s the one? How long can Tatum resist Blaise’s determination to make her his?
Review:
  I was in a reading funk and desperately needed something to read, but couldn't get into anything I started. Then I saw this book. The cover is nothing out of the ordinary, but the synopsis immediately got my attention.With just the prologue I was hooked.

  The story is a stand alone, about love and new beginnings. Since both of the main characters have some painful experience with relationships, both of them is reluctant to even try. Because of this there relationship moves like a snail and about 70% of the book discusse their courtship. I must confess in my opinion it goes into cheesy category. Don’t get me wrong I like that despite the love at forst sight situation, there is a ’get to know you’ period, because of this there are quite a few boring part, it is a bit slow for my taste. I was expecting a more eventfull story. Only the prologue and the last 3 or 4 chapter fall under the exciting adjective. However the writing style is really good and I love the general idea. The narration alternate between Tatum and Blaise, so we can see how their mind works and what they’re thinking. There is a beautifully built background for the plot and the main character’s personalities are really detailed.

  Tatum is a beutiful and smart girl, but I don’t think that she is on her 100%. In a way it’s understandable, since she went through a huge loss in every possible way,but I don’t think it necessarily goes hand in hand with a total breakdown. You have to stand up and fight. The only thing Tatum does to move on is her work, even the move is just because she afraid of being alone. She isn’t my favourite type of character. I like the fiery, sarcastic and strong heroines. She is definitly not one.

  Blaise is a really sexy, down to earth, protective, caring, affectionate and a little bit of a manwhore. If you call somebody who after a painful betrayal start to use what women offer to him- nothing less, nothing more-a manwhore. He isn’t afraid to show his feelings and really determined. If I would have to choose I would choose Blaise in a heartbeat over a possessive, alpha male. I really like his personality.Though I am a little bit dissapointed, that his troubled past only caused a blip ont he radar towards the end of the book. There is a lot of possibility in the storyline and Ms. Ryan didn’t used all of them.
  We get to meet a lot of supportive characters, but doesn’t get to know them. They’re there but their story stay in the shadow. I don’t have a favourit, they are quite insignificant in the lights of the storyline.

  There are a couple of shortcomings in this book, but is still like it. It’s a perfect summer read, light and easy. I absolutley love the epilogue , I’m sucker for a happily ever after story. I recommend this book to anyone who likes these kind of contemporary romances.