Review: MORE by T.M. Franklin

MORE by T. M. Franklin

Description:
Ava Michaels used to think she was special.

As a child, she fantasized about having magical powers . . . making things happen. But Ava grew up and eventually accepted the fact that her childish dreams were just that, and maybe a normal life wasn't so bad after all.

Now a young college student, Ava meets Caleb Foster, a brilliant and mysterious man who’s supposed to help her pass Physics, but in reality has another mission in mind. What he shows Ava challenges her view of the world, shaking it to its very core.

Because Caleb isn't quite what he seems. In fact, he's not entirely human, and he's not the only one.

Together, the duo faces a threat from an ancient race bound to protect humans, but only after protecting their own secrets—secrets they fear Ava may expose. Fighting to survive, Ava soon learns she's not actually normal . . . she's not even just special.

She's a little bit more.

My Thoughts:
This book caught my attention from the very beginning. I found myself tantalized by pieces of the puzzle, but not enough to put the picture together. Just enough to keep turning pages so I could find the rest of the pieces. There is lots of action and it moves quickly, but we are still able to get to know the characters. Their motivations and the romance make sense. This is a young adult book, but with none of the elements that sometimes turn me off of YA,  and is enjoyable for older readers as well. MORE is book one of a trilogy and I can't wait for more!

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !

Publication: October 4, 2012 
My source: Netgalley

Where to get it: 
The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Amazon
iTunes
Barnes & Noble (soon)

Where to find the author:
T.M. Franklin - Check out for blog tour giveaways and an excerpt!
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Kindlegraph

About the author (from her website):

T.M. Franklin started out her career writing non-fiction in a television newsroom. Graduating with a B.A. in Communications specializing in broadcast journalism and production, she worked for nine years as a major market television news producer, and garnered two regional Emmy Awards, before she resigned to be a full-time mom and part-time freelance writer. After writing and unsuccessfully querying a novel that she now admits, “is not that great,” she decided to follow the advice of one of the agents who turned her down—write some more and get better at it. Her first published novel, MORE, was born during National Novel Writing month, a challenge to write a novel in thirty days.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mike, is mom to two boys, Justin and Ryan, and has an enormous black dog named Rocky who’s always lying nearby while she’s writing. Whether he’s soothed by the clicking of the computer keys or just waiting for someone to rub his belly is up for debate.

Review: Bad Behavior (Conduct #2)

Bad Behavior by Jennifer Lane

Description:
Grant Madsen’s got issues. He’s still battling his Mafia family and doing everything possible to keep his loved ones safe. With the cruising season coming to an end, he has to find another job soon or he’ll rejoin his father in prison. And he’s trying to convince his rebellious teenage nephew to stay away from their criminal relatives (you can imagine how that’s going). But worst of all, Grant’s parole officer has mandated that he attend therapy.

The only saving grace is that they’re couples sessions with his girlfriend, Sophie Taylor, a fellow parolee who’s struggling with a few issues of her own. Sophie desperately hopes her past with Grant’s brother won’t destroy her future with him. There’s a sleazy professor at work who revels in sexually harassing women in the psychology department. And her father still hates Grant.

Their psychologist has his work cut out for him.

When Grant’s ruthless father hints at a plot to get out of prison, Grant must use everything he’s learned in therapy and beyond to try to stop him. It’s a race against time -- and a race to rescue Sophie from the Mafia’s clutches once again. But this time McSailor and Bonnie refuse to play victims. This time the cuffs are coming off.

My Thoughts:
This is book 2 in the CONduct Series. If you haven't read With Good Behavior, click to read my review. Read that one first, then come back. "Bad Behavior" picks up where the first left off. McSailor and Bonnie are now in couples therapy, thanks to Sophie's big mouth. They both have a lot of issues and the sessions are interesting to read. I love their psychologist, Hunter, who has a crush on Grant. The characters in this series are fantastic. Grant's family is also stirring up more trouble and Grant needs to keep Sophie safe. There are parts that make you laugh and parts that make you want to cry. I can't wait to see what is in store for them in "On Best Behavior," hopefully coming soon!

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!

Where to get it:
Amazon
Omnific

Where to find the author:
Jennifer Lane
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Kindlegraph

Review: Gabriel's Rapture

Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard


Description:
Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell.

Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the rapture of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover.

When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he be forced to share Dante’s fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever?


My Thoughts:
This book picks up where Gabriel's Inferno left off. Gabriel and Julia are enjoying their time together in Italy, but eventually they have to get back to reality. The consequences that had The Professor so concerned in Gabriel's Inferno finally catch up with them. While dealing with those consequences, both realize they have more growing to do, both individually and as a couple. It does drag a big at the end, after the main conflict is over, but it is good to see how they deal with one another and get their happily ever after. Fans won't want to miss it.


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!


Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Omnific

Where to find the author:
Sylvain Reynard
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Kindlegraph

Review: Bluewater Killer

Bluewater Killer by C.L.R. Dougherty


Description:
A peaceful journey under sail on a classic yacht turns into a gut-wrenching nightmare for a beautiful, manipulative, and not-so-innocent young woman.

A distraught father enlists the aid of some shady characters from his past to find out what happened to his footloose daughter.

Mike Reilly's escape from his horrific past to the soothing environment of Caribbean yachting comes with some baggage.


My Thoughts:
This is an exciting thriller that pulls you right along from the first page. There are mysteries and twists that you don't see coming. The plot and characters are interesting and keep you reading. I was left with some questions and wonder if they will be answered in the next book. Either way, Bluewater Vengeance is out now and it is on my to-read list. 


My Rating: *****


Where to get it:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
C.L.R. Dougherty
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Smashwords
Amazon
Kindlegraph

Review: With Good Behavior (Conduct #1)

With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane

Description:
In a world gripped by organized crime, family dysfunction, and dim hopes of redemption, can true love persevere? For Sophie Taylor, a beautiful psychologist who lost everything when she violated an ethical boundary, and Grant Madsen, a handsome naval officer who sacrificed everything to protect a loved one, finding that love may carry an unbearable cost.

Starting their lives over in Chicago, both are fighting influences from their family and running as fast as they can to escape the past. When their paths cross outside the parole officer's door, the attraction is instantaneous. But a hidden connection may not only shatter their fledgling love, but prove deadly to them both.


My Thoughts:
Sophie and Grant are both fresh out of prison when they meet outside their parole officer's door. This is a great premise and the book does not disappoint. It is filled with romance, humor, suspense, and plenty of great characters. Sophie and Grant are great, both good people who made mistakes, but there are some fantastic secondary characters as well. I laughed, cried, and gasped in surprise. There are some things that we find out that the characters don't know that keep you reading, waiting for them to find out to see what they will do.

I have been wanting to read this for a while. So glad I finally got to it! This is book 1 in the Conduct trilogy. The second book is Bad Behavior and she is working on the third, On Best Behavior.  I am so excited I will be able to get more of these characters. As their parole officer Jerry thinks at the end of the book, "There were many uncertainties, but one thing he knew:  The drama was not over with this couple."

My Rating: *****


Steam Factor: !!!!


Where to get it:
Amazon
Omnific


Where to find the author:

Jennifer Lane

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads
Kindlegraph

Review: Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Sempre (Forever) by J.M. Darhower

Description:

This is a story about sacrifice... death... love... freedom. This is a story about forever. Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco had vastly different childhoods. Haven, a second-generation slave, grew up isolated in the middle of the desert, her days full of hard work and terrifying abuse. Carmine, born into a wealthy Mafia family, lived a life of privilege, never having to answer for anything he did. Both now seventeen, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide, making them question everything they ever believed. Entangled in a web of secrets and lies, they learn that while different on the surface, they have more in common than anyone would think. In a world full of chaos, where money and power rule, Haven and Carmine yearn to break free, but a string of events that started before either were born threatens to destroy them instead. Murder and betrayal are a way of life, and nothing comes without a price-- especially not freedom. How much will they have to sacrifice? Can they escape their pasts? And, most of all, what does it mean to be free? Not everything is as it seems, and no one can possibly come out unscathed, but maybe, just maybe, it’ll be worth it in the end.

My Thoughts:
This book is not for the faint of heart. Just getting that out there right away. If you are disturbed by the prologue, just know that it gets pretty intense. That said, I read an earlier version of this when it was posted on the internet and I loved it. This version is a lot shorter. It seems more focused and leaves more to the imagination. I still love it. Haven and Carmine are so different, and they are in an impossible situation with so many obstacles, but they still find love. There is quite a bit of action and the story really moves along.  It is hard to put down.  So good.  It really is an amazing story.

Edited to add:

I re-read this before reading Sempre: Redemption. Still as good as the first time, though I read the newest version and there is a bit of editing that makes it move along even better.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!
*Notes:  Strong language, graphic violence, drug use, underage drinking, human trafficking

Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
J.M. Darhower
Twitter
Facebook
Tumblr

Review: Taming Mad Max

Taming Mad Max by Theresa Ragan

Description:

Max Dutton, a starting NFL linebacker for the Los Angeles Condors, is certain he’s going to die young since his father and grandfather both passed away at an early age. Believing his life will be cut short, Max lives every moment to its fullest. For this reason, Max also shies away from forming close relationships. What would be the point of falling in love and starting a family only to leave them as his father left him and his sisters?

Nutrition expert, Kari Murphy, used to think Max Dutton was to die for. She's older and wiser now, but then she’s hired by the NFL franchise to follow Max around for a couple of weeks and give him healthy-eating advice, foolproof facts about carbohydrates and tasteful tips on cooking and shopping smart.Kari Murphy must work side by side with the guy she spent one spectacular night with during high school…the guy she pined after for way too long. Too bad he doesn't remember her.

My Thoughts:

Any book that can make me laugh and cry automatically gets points from me.  I am also instantly intrigued by books where the main characters have met before but one of them doesn't remember, because I want to find out why.  This book had all of that and more.   It has your typical secrets and misunderstandings.  I enjoyed the secondary love story with Kari's friend and Max's teammate.  Overall an enjoyable read.   

My Rating:  ****
Steam Factor: !!

Review: Indivisible

Indivisible by Jessica McQuinn

Description:

Charlie and Gideon Cooper's story begins where most romance stories end: at the happily ever after. Gideon's protective nature makes Charlie feel safe and happy in her new life as the wife of a Navy SEAL—until her happily comes crashing down around her. And though she’s surrounded by loving family and friends, instead of pulling together in the wake of Charlie’s ordeal, their secrets and wrong perceptions threaten to break them all apart. The experience will test the bond they share and determine whether Charlie and Gideon are truly Indivisible.

Jessica McQuinn skillfully pulls readers into the conflicting emotions of an entire family—the traumatized wife, the far-away husband, the inadequate younger brother, the over-nurturing mother. McQuinn lets readers see their strengths and their vulnerabilities—everything that makes them human. And all the while, she deftly weaves in entertaining interactions so readers get to know and adore the characters’ lighter sides, even as the story ventures into dark territory. Indivisible is an unforgettable story of the power of love and the importance of trust.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book, even though it was a little more intense than I expected.  This is no light and fluffy romance.  The story starts on Charlie and Gideon's anniversary and you get the sense that they are a happy couple, but he has some bad news to deliver. Details of their whirlwind courtship come through flashbacks.  I was hooked right away. I would recommend reading this with a box of tissues.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!
*Note:  There is a rape scene.

Kindlegraph

I just discovered Kindlegraph and wanted to share, in case you are not sure what it is. I just received Kindlegraphs from Debra Anastasia, Sylvain Reynard and E.L. James! 

Since an author can't sign an e-book, Kindlegraph allows authors to send you a personal message that goes straight to your Kindle or Kindle app. You can also use a regular email address and get a PDF so no Kindle is necessary. You can also view your collection via the Kindlegraph site.This is a Free service for authors and readers.

Just go to Kindlegraph.com and sign in with your Twitter account to start requestng . There is a nice little video about it here.


**I have tagged the books that I know have Kindlegraphs available. Have fun! Getting one always puts a smile on my face. :)

Review: Fifty Shades Freed

     

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

Description:

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. 

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. 

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past. 

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My Thoughts:
This was a satisfactory ending to an incredible trilogy. As the third book, there were still lots of ups and downs, and plenty of nail-biting moments. Christian and Ana are continuing to learn how to deal with one another. I love Fifty and I enjoyed the bonuses with Fifty's POV. They show how far he has really come since he first meets Ana. In the end he is a lot happier and has healthier ways to deal with his issues, but inside I think he is still the same old bossy, over-protective Fifty. This was just as difficult to put down as the first two! 

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor:  !!!!!
*Notes:  Adult language and situations.  BDSM elements. 

Review: Suddenly a Spy

Suddenly a Spy by Heather Huffman

Description:

On her wedding day, Veronica Sinclair thinks she has it all: the loving family, the Vera Wang dress, the hunky husband. But then a mysterious and beautiful woman shows up at the reception, suggesting Veronica's new hubby isn't exactly who he says he is. As if that weren't enough, Veronica and Richard must flee gunmen in the middle of their honeymoon, convincing Veronica she got more than she bargained for when she said, "I do."

Thrown into a world of espionage, seduction, and human trafficking, Veronica must fight for the life and husband she thought she had - and she must discover whether they are the life and husband she truly wants.

My Thoughts:
I was hooked from the first page.  This book starts with a wedding.  Before the reception is over, Veronica realizes she doesn't really know her new husband. Rick's past has come back to haunt him, but he doesn't want to tell his new wife anything about it, hoping to keep her safe.  Veronica is dragged into it anyway, and finds herself wanting to help.  The story is full of action and hard to put down.

My Rating:  ****
Steam Factor:  !!

Review: Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Description:

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

My Thoughts:
This is not your typical romance.  It is a beautiful, moving story that had me on an emotional roller coaster.  At times touching and shocking.  Filled with crude, creative cursing and sweet moments.  Had me laughing out loud and reaching for the tissues. Deals with some tough issues such as homelessness, the foster care system, mental illness, and the sacrifices people make for those they love.  This is an incredible story and I highly recommend it.

My Rating:  *****
Steam Factor: !!!
*Note:  Adult language, violence

Review: Ties That Bind by Heather Huffman

Ties That Bind by Heather Huffman

Description:
Kate Yager never had a father, and she never minded - until her mom died. Now, acting on the name called out on her mother's deathbed, Kate has moved to San Francisco and gotten herself hired by the man she suspects to be her dad. As if a new job, new apartment, and new parent weren't enough, Kate finds herself head-over-heels in lust with a complete stranger she met at an art show. A stranger who, she later finds out, happens to work in her office.

As her relationships with her friends and father grow stronger, Kate has to confront the decisions of her past to find out whether she can love the man who gave her up, love the man who loves her truly, and even whether she can love herself.

My Thoughts:
This one is a little different than the other novels I have read so far by Heather Huffman.  It is more about Kate's internal struggles than anything else.  Kate is lost after her mother dies so she moves to a new city to go looking for her unknown father. The instant attraction she feels with Gavin scares her based on past experiences and she tries to keep her distance, but Gavin is patient, persistent, sweet, caring, and makes her laugh.  There are a lot of twists in the story, both things from the past and in the present, and Kate has a lot of issues to work through.  I enjoyed the story.  Gavin is a great character and I love the banter, especially about the age difference!

My Rating:  ****

Steam Factor: !

Review: Jailbird by Heather Huffman

Jailbird by Heather Huffman

Description:

In this paradoxical blend of light and dark, Jailbird is a warm and humorous tale about the power of hope.

Neena Allen has led a tough life. Born on the reservation, raped and unjustly convicted of murdering her attacker, she survives prison - barely. When an opportunity presents itself, she doesn't hesitate to escape. Presumed dead, she stumbles into a sleepy Arkansas town where she finds refuge with a kind family and glimpses the chance for a real home, a place to belong.

But leading a double life isn’t easy, especially when you fall in love with the town lawyer.

To complicate matters further, a tenacious reporter gets too close to the truth and Neena finds herself on the run again. With a manhunt under way and her newfound happiness at risk, Neena is forced to face the painful memories of her past to decide on her future. Should she fight for her new life or give up those she loves to keep them safe?

My Thoughts:
Jailbird by Heather Huffman opens in the middle of a jailbreak.  You find yourself thrust directly into the action as our heroine escapes from prison and has to find a way to survive on the outside with no one to trust.  Her story comes out bit by bit and I found myself captivated, unable to put the book down because I needed to know more.  The story telling is very straight forward, relying more on action than description to move things along.

This could have been a dark book, considering the topic, but it is filled with humor and light moments.  Neena is a very strong, determined character and she spends most of her time pushing forward, doing what needs to be done, instead of dwelling on the hopelessness of her situation.

Heather Huffman uses her writing to raise awareness of social issues, but it doesn't feel preachy.  It is just there, in the plot, and that is what gets you thinking about it, wanting to do something about it yourself.  Very sneaky.  Check out her website, she has a lot of information there about social issues and charities, things you can do to help.

My Rating:  ****
Steam Factor:  !!

Review: Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

Description:

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book Fifty Shades Trilogy.  It is like a longer book divided into three parts and must be read in order.  If you have not read Fifty Shades of Grey, go do it now.  You'll thank me.  While the first book was mainly Ana trying to give Christian what he needs, this one is Christian trying to give Ana what she needs.  Ana is learning more about Christian and he is trying hard to make things work.  Their relationship is intense and complicated and emotional.  If you are looking for a read that will get you all twisted up and keep you up late at night, Fifty will do it!


My Rating:  *****
Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes:  Strong language and BDSM elements

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Description:

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Thoughts:
Fifty Shades of Grey is a dark, intense, moving love story about two very different people who are attracted to each other from the start.  Christian has some pretty awful things in his past, although we don't have the whole picture.  He knows Ana is too innocent for him, but can't seem to stay away from her anyway.  There are some BDSM elements and this is an erotic story, but the focus is on the relationship.  Can they make it work?  Can she give him what he needs and still be true to herself?  There are some lighter moments as well.  I enjoyed the e-mail banter. I could not put this down and need the next book immediately. 

My Rating:  *****

Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes:  Strong language 

Where to get it:



Barnes & Noble



Where to find the author:
E.L. James
Twitter


Update 4-13-12 ***spoilers***

I originally wrote this back in January, before Dr. Drew, before it was sold to a big publisher, before the movie talk. Since this is my most popular post, I thought I would update with a few more thoughts.

Let me just say that the "mommy porn" thing drives me crazy. Yes, it has kinky sex in it. A lot of books do. You can find plenty of recommendations for them if that's what you are looking for. Not here, though, because it's not really my thing.

Dr. Drew's comments really irritated me because it was clear that he hadn't read the book. Ana has all the power in the relationship. Their relationship is not violent. Ana is a strong-willed character.  Too strong-willed, really, to be the sub Christian is looking for. When she thinks she can't handle what Christian needs, she walks away. Christian even tries to be more vanilla for her.

Yes, Fifty Shades started out as a Twilight fan fiction story called Master of the Universe. I was one who waited patiently for updates. Does it have anything to do with Twilight? Not really. Character names and descriptions. Vague things like hero things he is too dangerous to be around heroine but can't stay away. I am not one who has a problem with authors using fan fiction as a starting point for an original work.

Is the writing perfect? No. But if the story is told well enough, the writing can fade into the background and not be that important. I happen to like a story about a tortured hero who figures out he is good enough to be loved. I don't need everything to be realistic, that's why it's fiction. What can I say? I am a sucker for a Happily Ever After.

Here are links to my reviews of Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, the other two books in the 50 Shades Trilogy. 

Review: Crushed Seraphim

Crushed Seraphim by Debra Anastasia 

Description:

How does a foul-mouthed angel end up as the last hope for all of Heaven and Earth?

When Seraph Emma is maimed and tossed from Heaven by a rogue angel who's taken charge, she fears she'll never be allowed to return. Tasked with the impossible job of showing the self-loathing (and not even human!) Jason his worth, Emma is sure she's doomed to fail.

Mean...

How does a foul-mouthed angel end up as the last hope for all of Heaven and Earth? When Seraph Emma is maimed and tossed from Heaven by a rogue angel who's taken charge, she fears she'll never be allowed to return. Tasked with the impossible job of showing the self-loathing (and not even human!) Jason his worth, Emma is sure she's doomed to fail. Meanwhile, having wormed his way into Heaven, the corrupt Everett has trapped God in Hell and has designs on unleashing evil everywhere. Fortunately, if there's one thing Emma can't do (in addition to minding her language), it's give up. Determined to save Jason and get back to Heaven-even if it means going to Hell-Emma's plan is simple yet impossible: trick the Devil to save God. What she doesn't count on is the devotion and, well, humanity she finds in Jason; the spirit, hidden compassion, and raw sex appeal within the Devil; and the vulnerability of her own heart. With the help of two unlikely allies, she'll wage the battle for Heaven. But will Emma be sidetracked by a new sort of heaven along the way? What's truly more dangerous? Falling from Heaven, or falling in love? Debra Anastasia has twisted a fast-paced tale of intimate relationships with literally universal impact. Rich with humor and electrified by attraction, this novel offers a playfully off-beat take on the good and evil that make up the world.

My Thoughts:

I don't normally read books about angels and Heaven, but I really got into this one.  It is pretty fast-paced and there is a lot going on. It is unpredictable and I had a hard time putting it down.  I had to keep reading because I found myself wondering what could possibly happen next. However, the ending is very abrupt and nothing is resolved. I finished the book feeling very unsettled, but there will be a sequel, which I am highly anticipating.

One issue here is that I don't really like Emma.  It is hard to reconcile her supposed kindness with some of her actions, such as her cruelty to Jason right from the start.  Her job is to make him see his humanity and get him to believe in Heaven, but she doesn't even treat him like a person. I guess no one is perfect.  I was hoping to like her more, but I enjoyed the story anyway. Maybe she will redeem herself in the next book, or I will learn to appreciate her personality.

My Rating:  *****

Steam Factor:  !!!

*Note:  Strong language

Where to get it:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Omnific

Where to find the author:

Debra Anastasia

Twitter

Facebook

Review: Gabriel's Inferno

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

Description:

Professor Gabriel Emerson, a specialist in Dante and the art of seduction, believes he has already earned his exile to the lower circles of hell. Since redemption is impossible, there is no reason to refrain from indulging in a life of pleasurable sin, using his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm as a means to gratify his every whim. But when he meets Julia Mitchell, a brilliant, lovely, and innocent grad student with the achingly familiar eyes of an angel, all of his cynical convictions are challenged. Her mysterious allure and the havoc she wreaks on his self-satisfied existence cause him to lash out at her, while her quiet beauty and innate goodness consistently undermine his control, tempting him beyond measure.

Despite surviving a traumatic childhood, nothing has shaken Julia’s faith that redemption is possible for everyone—everyone but her. Her unworthiness torments her, since the only man she will ever love has managed to forget her very existence, failing to even recognize her when they reconnect. Too naive to see that Gabriel’s hostility is a mask for his increasing obsession with her, Julia forces him to come to grips with his past while she continues to unwittingly torment his senses. His fascination grows into a dangerous preoccupation, for Julia is forbidden fruit . . .Will Gabriel survive the inferno, or will he succumb to the flames?

My Thoughts:

Gabriel is a university professor with a dark past.  Julia is a shy, quiet grad student in his Dante seminar and he is mean to her from the beginning.  Why does The Professor not remember Julia?  How do they know each other?  Who is he?  Who is Paulina?  These are all questions that will keep you reading until your eyes hurt.  It is a lovely, dark romance and the writing is beautiful.(Parenthetically, I must add that I love the snarky narrator who is almost like another character in the story.  Enjoyable to read.)

Yes, there is a sequel.  Gabriel and Julia's story is too complicated for just one book.  Don't worry, though.  The ending to this volume is satisfactory.  You won't be throwing anything after you've finished.  The only regret I have is that I did not get the print copy.  Some books you just have to hold in your hand so you can flip through it and re-read favorite parts.  This is one of those books.   

My Rating: *****

Steam Factor:  !!!!

Where to get it:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Omnific

Where to find the author:

Sylvain Reynard

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Kindlegraph