Review of Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer
To Be Published: November 1, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “They are called Feral Warriors -- an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by secrecy and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release..
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Shattered by recent nightmarish events, Hawke feels his bond with his animal spirit weakening -- and once it breaks, he's finished. The arrival of Faith sends his life spinning even further out of control, for although she delights him and enflames his deepest primal passions, she's promised to Maxim, the newest Feral Warrior.
Faith is drawn to Hawke from the start, but Maxim holds her in his thrall and has secretly bent her to his malevolent will. Though gravely damaged, Hawke is the only one who can end Faith's slavery and protect the Feral Warriors from Maxim's evil designs. But first they both must embrace the wild...and surrender body and soul to a forbidden, all-consuming ecstasy.”
Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer is an enthralling tale about finding out where you belong. I really wish I could have read the first book in this series because that would have made reading Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer all that much more important. I found myself falling in love with this story and the characters in it. I love the love triangle between Maxim, Faith, and Hawke; but more than that I love how each character fits into this ever growing story. I think the most important thing I love about this book is how Faith and Hawke always find the humor in everything they do, even during passion. I give Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer 5 smirks because Faith and Hawke are two characters who are easy to laugh with, the story is exciting, and the other characters make reading witty, funny, and entertaining.
Review of The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
To Be Released: October 25, 2011
6 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: "Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing. Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa is a lot like Ash himself. Since it is Ash’s journey, it is very action packed, with mysterious trials and crazy unimaginable creatures that haunt different parts of the Neverever. I don’t want to give any spoilers because frankly that is what makes this book so good. As I was reading I was more surprised, outraged, and hurt (in the best, most invested way possible) by all the mysterious surprises that go along with Ash’s story. I also love how Julie Kagawa describes everything in such detail that we as readers feel we are right alongside the characters.
The main characters Ash, Puck, and, of course, Grim are what make The Iron Knight such an enjoyable, thrilling read. Ash is a fantasy come to life, the bad boy prince whose heart is as cold as his icy palace. He’s every girls dream; loyal, determined, motivated, who rarely smiles but when he does the whole world melts away. In The Iron Knight we get to see more of the true Ash; the way he thinks, feels, and sees his life and those in it. It is truly an experience to cherish because as most of you know, it is hard to get Ash to say anything or show emotion. As for Puck himself, always a prankster, his sarcasm and love to joke always tugs your heart strings. Puck is reality(not in a bad way, but a way to look forward to), he is the guy who makes you laugh, is at your back at all times (even if you don’t think you deserve it), always has a witty comeback, first to smile, and sarcastic comments galore. Puck is the man you end up marrying in reality, he’s just too irresistible to let go. Grim, as always, poofs in and out, always quick with his sharp tongue, and rarely accepts or gives compliments. These characters make The Iron Knight what it is; which is a truly phenomenal story about love, friendship, loss, pain, weakness, conscience, regrets, and memories (kind of like reading what it is like to be human from a fey perspective).
The reason The Iron Fey Series is one of my favorite series is because in each book Julie pulls you into the storyline. You are invested in the characters and when they fail, you fail, their heart breaks, yours does as well. It is an emotional journey and that is why these books are so spetacular. The Iron Fey Series makes you believe in the Neverever, wars fought in distance worlds parallel to ours, love lost, pranks and magic that you didn’t think could be possible. Julie has a unique way of pulling the reader into being an additional character. You feel the emotions of the other characters and can’t help but laugh, cry, get outraged, scared, and determined. It is like visiting a world you only wished and dreamt about. The Iron Fey Series makes reading great books, a magical experience that is one of a kind.
Review of Crave by Melissa Darnell
To Be Released: October 25, 2011
7 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Savannah Colbert has never known why she’s so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It’s as if he’s a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she’s destined to fail.
For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back… different, and suddenly he can’t stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences…”
You know when you read a story that is so good you stay up half the night to finish reading it? Well Crave by Melissa Darnell is one of the few stories that have that effect on me. I am blown away by how this story pulled me in and captivated me from the very first page. I loved all the characters and the plot twists, it was everything a book should be and more. While reading the last page of this book I am reminded of a similar book which leaves off abruptly so that all I want to do is scream; The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Normally I would not even mention another book in a book review, but this book is my favorite trilogy of all time and I don’t mind saying in this review Crave by Melissa Darnell is right up there with my top book. I would hate to be a blogger who told readers everything about this story because in order to experience the wondrous, enthralling, enticing book that Crave is; readers will have to be surprised. I will say that getting to know characters like Tristan and Savannah is a delightful treat. Two characters who share such a strong connection that not even family ties can break it; with the power to see into each other’s souls is like having readers be a part of the story as well.
Crave by Melissa Darnell is a series that will grow into what I am sure will be bigger than any books out there today. I find myself liking the paranormal aspect that isn’t like any other books; it is unique and fresh in a very new and inventive way. I’m actually heartbroken the next book in this series is not out yet because I would surely have forgone sleeping if it was available. I rarely do this, but I give Crave by Melissa Darnell 7 smirks because I can’t help but be in love with this story, the characters, and all the possibilities future books can have.
Review of Yours To Keep by Shannon Stacey
Published: June 6, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he's recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother's upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn't like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma's offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there's no chance he'll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he's not planning to call home.
Emma's not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his "pretend" kisses are...”
I think this is by far my favorite book from this series so far by Shannon Stacey. Yours To Keep is absolutely a book readers should have on their bookshelves. I was blown away by how fast the story went by because I was so glued to my screen until it was done. I loved Sean and Emma, who are so alike and so different it was plain to see how well they fit together. This book made me laugh, cry, smirk, get angry, feel heart break, and so many other emotions. I LOVED the sticky notes Sean used, the way Emma was “bat-shit crazy” and the way these two characters came together was just so comical and romantic. I felt their chemistry and passion for one another as each page went by. I give Yours To Keep by Shannon Stacey 5 smirks because the characters are sooo loveable, the storyline is so witty and funny, and the ending is so adorably sweet and reassuring. I’m still waiting for my Kowalski.
Review of Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey
Published: November 1, 2010
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “One-night stand + two percent condom failure rate = happily ever after?
Bar owner Kevin Kowalski is used to women throwing their phone numbers at him, but lately he's more interested in finding a woman to settle down with. A woman like Beth Hansen. If only their first meeting hadn't gone so badly...
Beth's tending bar at a wedding when she comes face-to-face with a tuxedo-clad man she never thought she'd see again. She tries to keep her distance from Kevin but, by last call, she can't say no to his too-blue eyes or the invitation back to his room. Then she slips out before breakfast without leaving a note and, despite their precautions, pregnant.
Kevin quickly warms to the idea of being a dad and to seeing where things go with Beth. After all, he's not the player she thinks he is. But she's not ready for a relationship and, given his reputation, it's going to take a lot to convince her to go on a second date with the father of her child.”
Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey is an unexpected romance story about finding in love in the place you thought you’d never end up. So far I have really enjoyed this series by Shannon Stacey and look forward to reading the next book, Yours To Keep. Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey will make readers fall in love with the guy who will never settle down, it will make readers crazy insane with Beth’s hung ups, and readers will fall madly in love with Lily. Undeniably Yours is a roller coaster ride of emotion between Kevin and Beth’s unusual situation. I loved the witty, funny conversations and all of the heated unsettled arguments; it really wasn’t like reading it a great book, it was like watching a great movie. I found myself absolutely glued to my chair as I read Undeniably Yours, just totally memorized by the characters and storyline. I give Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey 5 smirks because Kevin and Beth are an odd but truly wonderful fit, the Kowalski family dynamic is always a treat to read about, and this book just made me laugh at such unexpected times that I found myself adoring it before it even ended.
Review of Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Published: June 6, 2010
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.
Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town-and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.
He proposes an outrageous plan-for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.
But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.”
Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey makes romance stories worth reading. In Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey readers get to see not only the lives of the main characters through each of their points of views, but we also get to see the lives of the family we are surrounded with as well. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey had just the right amount of romance, adventure, humor, wittiness, and charm to make any reader flock to this book. I give Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey 5 smirks because the romance was heart- warming, but like any story I love it also made me laugh and wish for my very own “Joe.”
Review of Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins
To Be Released: October 25, 2011
4 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “She’s having serious prom-night déjà vu…
Posey Osterhagen can’t complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company; she’s surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something’s missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.
When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he’s back, sending Posey’s traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas…”
Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins is a fabulous story about knowing in your heart who you love and not being afraid to take a risk on love itself. I found Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins to be a witty, funny, dramatic, heart throbbing story. I couldn’t stop reading this book because it was so good. The dialogue just kept me on my toes in suspense, not to mention how many times I laughed along with the characters. Posey and Liam are these two characters who seem to have nothing in common, but when you look beneath the surface of who they are, readers will find themselves shouting “they’re perfect together!” I give Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins 4 smirks because the story wasn’t just about the main characters, it was about an entire family of characters and I simply couldn’t stop reading and laughing. I find this romance story so unique that I am sure readers will fall in love with it.
Review of The Sherriff’s Daughter by Kay Stockham
To Be Released: October 11, 2012
4 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Deputy Liam McKenna is dreading the next two weeks. His assignment: watching over the sheriff’s daughter, Carly Taggert. Liam has known Carly—and her knack for getting into trouble—since high school. With her kind heart and optimistic nature, she never intends that trouble, but it sure is attracted to her. He expects to be kept on his toes. What he doesn’t expect is protecting her from himself.
No one is more surprised by the intense passion between them than Liam. Still, nothing can ever happen. She’s the boss’s daughter and Liam’s responsibility. He needs to be professional. At all times. Too bad Carly isn’t about to make it easy for him.”
The Sherriff’s Daughter by Kay Stockham is a story about opening up and following your heart when all your instincts rebel against it. I found Carly and Liam to be two characters who are very unique, in the way they think. I loved that we as readers were able to get two points of views from the two main characters and really be able to get inside their heads. I also loved how different the characters were to me and how I wasn’t able to instantly relate to them, it was a breath of fresh air. I give The Sherriff’s Daughter by Kay Stockham 4 smirks because the characters are unique enough that readers will be experiencing something new within a romance novel and I thought the storyline was one that was not predictable, which made reading all that more exciting.
Review of Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen
To Be Released: October 18, 2011
5 out of 5 smirks
Synopsis: “Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…
For practical Reda Weston, nothing could explain how reading a sexy version of “Little Red Riding Hood” catapulted her into another realm—face-to-fang with the legendary wolf-creature who seduced women. A wolf who transformed into a dark, virile man…
Dayn cursed the Sorcerer that turned him wolfyn and damned him to a lonely fate. As a beast, he mated with women to gain strength. Strength he needed to rescue his royal parents. But as a man, he craved Reda’s heated, sizzling touch. With little time left, Dayn had to either embrace his wolf to save his kingdom…or fight it to save his woman.”
Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen continues on the story of the Royal House of Shadows Series, in a rendition of Little Red Riding Hood. I found Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen to reach a part of my inner reader that the other renditions of fairytales have not been able to contact. This rendition of Little Red Riding Hood had more adventure, excitement, thrills, and uncertainty which the original lacked. My inner reader also felt a connection to the characters Dayn and Reda because they were each paralyzed by a fear that didn’t want to identify. That’s what makes these characters relatable, is they show a fear for something other than losing one another. I find it to be refreshing in a romance story because it shows depth and courage. I gave Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen 5 smirks because the rendition was executed perfectly, the storyline keeps the readers wondering, it continues on with the major theme in this series book, and the characters reflect reality.
